Deuteronomy 9:28

KJV

Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lest the land {H776} whence thou broughtest us out {H3318} say {H559}, Because the LORD {H3068} was not able {H3201} to bring {H935} them into the land {H776} which he promised {H1696} them, and because he hated {H8135} them, he hath brought them out {H3318} to slay {H4191} them in the wilderness {H4057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Otherwise, the land you brought us out of will say, "It is because ADONAI wasn't able to bring them into the land he promised them and because he hated them that he has brought them out to kill them in the desert."

Berean Standard Bible

Otherwise, those in the land from which You brought us out will say, ‘Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land He had promised them, and because He hated them, He has brought them out to kill them in the wilderness.’

American Standard Version

lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because Jehovah was not able to bring them into the land which he promised unto them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 9:28 records a critical moment in Moses' fervent intercession for the Israelites after their grievous sin with the golden calf. In this impassioned plea, Moses appeals to God's divine reputation and unwavering faithfulness, reminding Him of the potential misinterpretation by the Egyptians. Moses strategically argues that if Israel were to perish in the wilderness, the very nation from which God had miraculously delivered His people would conclude that the LORD was either incapable of fulfilling His promises or that He hated His chosen people, thus bringing profound reproach upon His glorious name and misrepresenting His character to the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Moses' extended address to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. In [Deuteronomy 9](/deuteronomy/9 "Deuteronomy 9 - Israel's Rebellions and Moses' Intercession"), Moses meticulously recounts Israel's history of persistent rebellion, particularly emphasizing the infamous golden calf incident at Mount Horeb (Sinai), detailed previously in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident"). Moses' recounting serves as a stark, humbling reminder of Israel's unworthiness and God's persistent grace, underscoring that their inheritance of the land is solely by God's faithfulness and covenant promises, not by any inherent merit of their own. Verse 28 specifically reflects Moses' personal recollection of his intense, desperate intercession during that crisis, highlighting his crucial role as a mediator who stood in the gap between a righteous and holy God and a deeply rebellious people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the power, character, and efficacy of a deity were frequently judged by the fate of their people and the success or failure of their national endeavors. The miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt was a public, undeniable demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy over the pantheon of Egyptian gods and the mighty Pharaoh. Consequently, if Israel were to be annihilated in the wilderness, it would be perceived by the Egyptians and other surrounding nations as a damning indictment of Yahweh's inability to complete what He had started, or, even worse, as evidence of a capricious and malevolent nature. Moses' appeal shrewdly taps into this pervasive cultural understanding, reminding God of the profound public implications for His "great name" and reputation among the nations, a concern echoed by God Himself in passages like [Numbers 14:15-16](/numbers/14-15 "Numbers 14:15-16 - Moses' Intercession and God's Reputation").
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 9:28 powerfully articulates several core theological and narrative themes central to the Pentateuch and beyond. Foremost is **God's Reputation and Glory**, as Moses appeals directly to God's concern for how His name and character would be perceived by the nations, especially Egypt, who had witnessed the spectacular events of the Exodus. This concern underscores the profound truth that God's actions are ultimately for the vindication and display of His own character in the world, not merely for the benefit of His people. Implicitly, the verse also highlights **Divine Faithfulness**, directly challenging the potential accusation that God was "not able" to fulfill His promise to bring Israel into the land, thereby reaffirming His unwavering covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Covenant Promise to Abraham")). Furthermore, it serves as a profound example of **Intercession and Mercy**, showcasing Moses' critical role as a faithful intercessor, standing in the breach between God’s righteous wrath and Israel’s profound sin, demonstrating the immense power of prayer rooted in God's revealed character rather than human merit. Finally, the verse exposes the **Misinterpretation of God's Character**, as Moses directly refutes the potential false accusations that God was either weak ("not able") or malevolent ("hated them"), thereby safeguarding the true understanding of Yahweh's nature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Able (Hebrew, _yâkôl'_):** This verb (H3201) signifies capacity, power, or ability, encompassing both physical and moral capability. The accusation that the LORD was "not able" directly challenges God's omnipotence and His sovereign power to fulfill His promises. Moses' argument implicitly affirms God's absolute capability, contrasting it with the false perception that His power was somehow limited or exhausted by the challenges of the wilderness or the unworthiness of His people. This word underscores the core theological challenge Moses is addressing: the potential for God's power to be questioned by the nations.
* **Promised (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root (H1696) primarily means "to speak," but also carries connotations of arranging, appointing, commanding, and, as in this context, "to promise." The land was "which he promised them," emphasizing that the entry into Canaan was not a random event but the fulfillment of a divine, spoken commitment. The accusation that God was "not able to bring them into the land which he promised them" directly impugns God's faithfulness to His word and His covenant vows, suggesting a failure to uphold His own solemn declarations.
* **Hated (Hebrew, _sinʼâh'_):** This noun (H8135), derived from the verb "to hate," expresses strong aversion, animosity, or intense dislike. The suggestion that God "hated" His people is a profound misrepresentation of His covenant love (חֶסֶד, _ḥesed_) and enduring faithfulness. Moses' intercession refutes this slander, affirming God's enduring love and unwavering commitment to Israel, despite their egregious rebellion. This accusation strikes at the very heart of God's relational character with His chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the central concern for God's reputation among the nations, specifically Egypt. Moses invokes the perspective of those who witnessed God's mighty acts of deliverance, emphasizing that God's actions have a public audience and profound implications for His glory. The "land whence thou broughtest us out" is a direct reference to Egypt, highlighting the very people God had publicly defeated.
* **"Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them":** This clause presents the first and foremost potential accusation against God: a direct challenge to His power, capacity, and faithfulness. It suggests that God's inability to overcome obstacles, rather than Israel's sin, would be the reason for their demise. This directly contradicts God's omnipotence and His covenant faithfulness to bring Israel into the promised inheritance, implying a failure on God's part to fulfill His solemn word.
* **"and because he hated them":** This second accusation targets God's character, suggesting malevolence or a lack of love. It posits that God's actions were driven by animosity or capricious cruelty rather than righteous judgment or a desire for His people's ultimate good, even in discipline. This is a profound misrepresentation of God's covenantal love, mercy, and steadfast commitment to His chosen people, implying a betrayal of His foundational relationship with them.
* **"he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness":** This final clause describes the perceived outcome of God's actions according to the Egyptians' potential misinterpretation. It implies a deceptive or malicious intent behind the Exodus, transforming a glorious act of liberation and deliverance into a fatal trap. This interpretation would bring ultimate discredit to the LORD, turning His mighty redemptive act into a cruel deception, thereby blaspheming His holy name among the nations.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 9:28 employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its persuasive force and theological depth. **Anthropomorphism** is vividly evident in the phrase "Lest the land... say," where human speech and judgment are attributed to an inanimate entity (the land, representing Egypt and its people). This device powerfully conveys the external judgment and verbal reproach Moses fears, making the potential dishonor to God palpable. The entire verse functions as a masterful **Rhetorical Appeal**, a strategic and passionate argument crafted by Moses to persuade God based not on Israel's profound unworthiness, but on God's own intrinsic character and His unwavering commitment to His glory. There is also a strong element of **Irony** at play: the very nation from which God delivered Israel with such overwhelming power and public display of might is now presented as the potential source of a devastating theological misinterpretation and slander against His name. Finally, the verse creates a stark **Contrast** between the true nature of God—omnipotent, faithful, and loving—and the false accusations of inability and hatred that Moses desperately seeks to avert, thereby highlighting the importance of God's self-revelation against human misjudgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 9:28 profoundly underscores the biblical truth that God's ultimate concern is the glory of His own name and the vindication of His character in the eyes of a watching world. Moses' intercession is not primarily about Israel's comfort or even their survival for its own sake, but about preventing the blasphemy of Yahweh's name among the nations. This highlights a recurring theme throughout Scripture: God acts for His own sake, to display His power, faithfulness, and holiness. While His people are the beneficiaries of His grace and covenant, His primary motivation is the demonstration of His unique deity. This verse also serves as a powerful model for intercessory prayer, teaching believers to appeal to God's character and promises, rather than to their own perceived worthiness or the merits of those for whom they pray. It reminds us that God's reputation is inextricably linked to His actions and our understanding of them.

* [Numbers 14:15-16](/numbers/14-15 "Moses' Intercession and God's Reputation")
* [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations")
* [Isaiah 48:11](/isaiah/48-11 "God Acts for His Own Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 9:28 calls believers to a profound and sober awareness of God's reputation in the world and our indispensable role in upholding it. Just as Moses was deeply concerned about how God's actions would be perceived by the nations, so too should we recognize that our lives, as followers of Christ, are a public testimony to God's character. Our faithfulness, our love for one another, our perseverance in trials, our integrity in daily dealings, and our very conduct can either glorify God's name or inadvertently bring reproach upon it in the eyes of those who do not yet know Him. This verse also powerfully reminds us of the efficacy and profound importance of intercessory prayer, urging us to stand in the gap for others, appealing to God's unchanging character and His unfailing promises, trusting that He hears and acts. Furthermore, it challenges us to trust God's sovereignty and good intentions, even when His ways are mysterious, difficult, or appear contradictory to our limited understanding, guarding diligently against the temptation to misinterpret His actions or question His power and His steadfast love in the face of adversity or delayed promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life, both in word and deed, intentionally reflect God's holy character and bring glory to His name in the eyes of those around me, particularly those who are not believers?**
* **In what specific situations or for whom am I currently called to intercede, appealing not to human merit, but to God's faithfulness and His covenant promises?**
* **When faced with difficult, prolonged, or seemingly contradictory circumstances in my own life or in the world, how can I actively guard against misinterpreting God's intentions or questioning His ultimate power and unwavering love?**

### FAQ

**Why was God's reputation so important in this context?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, a deity's power, character, and legitimacy were often judged by the fate of their people and the success of their national endeavors. The Exodus was a public, undeniable demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh (see [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Power Displayed")). If Israel were to be annihilated in the wilderness, it would be perceived by the Egyptians and other nations as a sign of Yahweh's inability to complete what He started, or worse, a capricious and cruel nature. Moses' appeal taps into this cultural understanding, reminding God of the public implications for His "great name." Ultimately, God's glory is His supreme concern, and He acts to vindicate His own character and holiness in the world, ensuring His name is not blasphemed.

**Did Moses' argument imply God was limited or swayed by human opinion?**

Answer: Not at all. Moses' argument was not an attempt to manipulate God or suggest that God was somehow bound by human perception or limited by the opinions of other nations. Instead, it was a profound appeal to God's own declared purposes and His inherent concern for His holy name, which He Himself had revealed as central to His identity. God is sovereign, immutable, and unchanging in His character, but He often invites His people to participate in His plans, including through fervent, Spirit-led prayer. Moses was aligning his will with God's ultimate desire to be glorified among the nations, echoing God's own statements about acting for His name's sake (e.g., [Isaiah 43:25](/isaiah/43-25 "God Forgives for His Own Sake")). His prayer was an act of faith, trusting God's revealed character.

**How does this verse relate to God's judgment?**

Answer: This verse highlights the profound tension between God's righteous judgment and His concern for His reputation and covenant faithfulness. Israel's egregious sin with the golden calf merited immediate and complete destruction according to God's justice and holiness. However, Moses' intercession, appealing to God's name and the potential for its blasphemy, demonstrates how God's mercy often triumphs over judgment, not by compromising His justice, but by revealing His broader redemptive purposes. God *could* justly destroy them, but He chose to temper judgment with profound mercy, in part, to uphold His public testimony of power and love to the nations, ensuring His name would not be blasphemed and His promises would be seen as unfailing. It reveals God's complex and multifaceted character, where justice and mercy meet.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 9:28, with its profound themes of God's reputation, intercession, and unwavering faithfulness, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect revelation of God's character, fully demonstrating that God is neither "not able" nor does He "hate" His people, but is instead omnipotent love and perfect faithfulness (as seen in [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "The Son Reveals the Father") and [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "Seeing Jesus, Seeing the Father")). He is the ultimate and eternal intercessor, standing perfectly in the gap for His people, not appealing to God's reputation based on a nation's temporary fate, but on the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of His own sinless life (as described in [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ's Intercession") and [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ Always Lives to Intercede")). Through Christ's atoning death and triumphant resurrection, God's power and faithfulness are supremely vindicated, silencing any accusation of inability or hatred, proving His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The New Covenant, secured by Christ's precious blood, ensures that God's promises are fulfilled not based on human merit or performance, but entirely on the finished, perfect work of Christ (see [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "A Superior Covenant") and [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Now, believers are called to live lives that glorify God's name, serving as a "royal priesthood" who proclaim the excellencies of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light, thereby upholding His reputation in a watching world (as in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 14:16

Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.

Exodus 32:12

Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.