What blessings are promised for obedience in Deuteronomy 28:1? The Text “Now if you will diligently obey the LORD your God, to carefully follow all His commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1) Key Components of the Promise • Condition: “diligently obey… carefully follow” – wholehearted, consistent obedience • Blessing: “set you high above all the nations of the earth” – exaltation granted by God Himself What “Set You High Above All Nations” Involves • National prominence—Israel would occupy a position of leadership and influence (cf. Deuteronomy 26:19) • Political security—being “above” implies freedom from domination by other powers (cf. Deuteronomy 28:7) • Economic advantage—subsequent verses unfold material prosperity flowing from this elevated status (cf. Deuteronomy 28:11–12) • Spiritual witness—their obedience would showcase God’s greatness, drawing nations’ attention to Him (cf. Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 60:3) Broader Scriptural Echoes • Exodus 19:5-6—obedience brings “treasured possession” status and “kingdom of priests” calling • Deuteronomy 28:13—the Lord promises to make them “the head and not the tail” • Proverbs 14:34—“Righteousness exalts a nation” underscores the timeless principle • Matthew 5:14—God’s people are “a city on a hill,” continuing the theme of elevated witness Takeaway for Today When God’s people embrace wholehearted obedience, He delights to lift them into positions of influence, protection, and testimony, so that His character is displayed to the watching world. |
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