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.

DEUTERONOMY 9:28KJV
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Deuteronomy 9:28 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 9:28 mean?

Deuteronomy 9:28 describes Moses warning that if God destroys the Israelites in the wilderness, people in Egypt will say it was because the LORD was not able to bring them into the promised land or because He hated them. The verse shows Moses appealing to God’s reputation among other nations as a reason for mercy.

Moses is speaking to God on behalf of the Israelites after their rebellion. He is reminding God that the nations from which Israel came out—especially Egypt—might misunderstand God’s actions if Israel perishes. The verse is part of Moses’ larger plea for God not to destroy His people, emphasizing how God’s character and promises would be viewed by others.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 9:28

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting that the reputation at stake is not just any god, but Israel’s unique covenant God.
  • "Able" (יָכֹל, yakhol): This word means "to be able" or "to have power." Moses points out that others might see God as lacking power if Israel fails to enter the land.
  • "Promised" (דָּבַר, dabar): This word means "to speak" or "to promise." The verse stresses that God’s spoken word or promise to give Israel the land is central to how others will judge the outcome.
  • "Hated" (שָׂנֵא, sane): This word means "to hate." Moses highlights the risk that outsiders might wrongly interpret God’s actions as hatred toward Israel, rather than discipline or justice.

Why Deuteronomy 9:28 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Moses is not just concerned for Israel’s survival, but also for how God’s actions will be understood by other nations, showing a deep awareness of God’s reputation.
  • Deuteronomy 9:28 connects to the broader theme in the Bible of God acting for the sake of His name and promises, not only for the immediate benefit of His people.
  • The verse helps clear up the misunderstanding that God’s discipline or judgment always means rejection or hatred; Moses distinguishes between what others might think and what is actually true.