We are simply taking a “trip” through the Book of Deuteronomy. Basically covering a chapter a day, though occasionally a chapter has required several days to discuss.

Today I have a question.

Can God, does God bless Nations?

Not just individuals or families … but Countries?

Yes, the answer to that question, yes indeed.

Listen to the Lord teach Israel, Deuteronomy 15:6. “For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.”

Wow!

True, Israel’s financial and political health here described was predicated upon her obeying the Word of God … but still, God meant what He said!

Lending, not borrowing!

Let me show you a little vocabulary “nugget” here. The very same verb (in Hebrew “abat”) is used for both “lending” and “borrowing” here! And in the King James Bible “abat” is translated “lend” 2 times. And “borrow” 1 time! And “fetch” 1 more time!

Confusing?

Here’s a case where a translator had to base his work on the “context” of the verb(s) he’s explaining. Is God saying Israel will “borrow from” and never “loan to” to her neighbors? Of course not! The whole chapter (Deuteronomy 15) has been talking about God’s “blessings” on an obedient Israel, a little Nation in the world community.

Plus … the rest of our Text verse sets the “tone” for God’s meaning, God’s promise. Israel … “thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.” Deuteronomy 15:5b

Very clear now, because here the verbs (though identical) are more dogmatic! “Mashal” always has the idea of “ruling, governing, having power over” someone!

I am saying that God would not (suddenly) “mix” blessings and curses in a paragraph that contains only blessings! So any verbs in question would be expressed as being harmonious with their context!

Thank God for reliable translators!

And thank God even more for His multiple Blessings!

By the way, God has blessed Israel!

Even though her brightest days still are ahead!

“For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.”

Nations!

Psalm 9:17 promises: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the NATIONS that forget God.”

Again I say, “Nations!”

— Dr. Mike Bagwell