What does Deuteronomy 32:3 mean?

Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. Deuteronomy 32:3

Explanation

Deuteronomy 32:3 states, “Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.” In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, proclaiming his intention to make known the name of the LORD or Yahweh, the God of Israel. The verse is a call to acknowledge the majesty and greatness of God. It speaks to both a literal proclamation of God’s name and the intended response of praise and recognition of God’s supreme power and authority. This expression of devotion underlines an important aspect of Hebrew worship, which is the public declaration of God’s character and deeds.

Historical Context

This verse is part of what is known as the Song of Moses, a poetic passage found in Deuteronomy 32. The song serves as Moses’ farewell to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land without him. It is a reminder of the covenant between God and Israel, recounting their history, the blessings for obedience, and the consequences of disobedience. During this period, making the name of a deity known was considered a way to honor that deity. Therefore, Moses’ declaration is rooted in the cultural understanding of his time, which placed a high value on the public proclamation of one’s god as a form of worship and allegiance.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the verse emphasizes God’s transcendence and the appropriate response to His majesty—worship. Theology often wrestles with the nature of God’s revelation to humanity, and this verse captures the idea of divine self-disclosure, where God’s attributes and character are made known, inviting His followers to respond in worship.

Different theological traditions might give diverse interpretations of this verse. For example, in the Christian understanding, it might be seen as a foreshadowing of the Great Commission, where Christ’s followers are commanded to make His name known to all nations. In Jewish thought, the verse supports the practice of declaring God’s works and attributes as part of daily prayer and recitation.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse invites individuals to actively participate in proclaiming God’s name and character in their lives. This could be interpreted as a call to share one’s faith with others, to engage in acts of worship and praise, and to live a life that reflects the greatness of God. It also calls for humility, recognizing that God alone deserves glory and praise, and that individuals should ascribe to Him the honor due His name.

Cross-References

• Exodus 34:6 – “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,”
• Psalm 96:3 – “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.”
• Psalm 105:1 – “O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.”
• Psalm 29:2 – “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”
• Revelation 4:11 – “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Language Study

Key Hebrew words in Deuteronomy 32:3 include:

• “Publish” (Hebrew: “אֲזַמֵּר”, ‘azamēr), which can mean “to make known” or “to declare.”
• “Name” (Hebrew: “שֵׁם”, shêm), referring not just to a personal name but also to one’s reputation, character, and authority.
• “Ascribe” (Hebrew: “תְּנוּ”, t’nû), involves giving or acknowledging.
• “Greatness” (Hebrew: “גֹּדֶל”, gōdel), implying magnitude, importance, and excellence.

The call to ascribe greatness to God is a directive to recognize and proclaim His supreme nature and character.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient Near Eastern cultures, the act of proclaiming the name of a god was a way to honor and invoke the presence of that deity. Compared to other religious traditions where multiple gods might be praised for specific domains, the monotheistic tradition in the Israelite religion stressed the worship of Yahweh alone, the one true God. This devotion is distinctly different from polytheistic mythologies, such as those of ancient Greece or Rome, where a pantheon of gods each had their names and attributes celebrated.

Scientific Perspectives

While Deuteronomy 32:3 does not directly intersect with scientific discussions, the value placed on the public proclamation of a deity’s name could be examined from the perspective of anthropology and the study of human cultures. The act of ascribing greatness to a deity is an area of interest in the study of religious expression and the social functions of religion within a society.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various interpretations of this verse. Some might focus on the historical significance of the Israelites preparing to enter the Promised Land and the necessity of them remembering their unique relationship with God. Others may examine the poetic structure of the Song of Moses and how it communicates theological truths.

Commentators from the Jewish tradition may explore how this verse fits into the broader context of Torah and worship practices, while Christian commentators could highlight the continuity of this practice in the New Testament teachings on evangelism and worship. Additionally, the way the name of the LORD is to be made known could receive attention, whether it be through spoken word, written texts, or through the lives of believers.