Question 1

In verses 10–11, which actions are explicitly attributed to Yahweh, and which are explicitly required of Israel?

Accepted Answer

The passage assigns three major actions to Yahweh: (1) “I make a covenant,” (2) “I will do marvels” publicly before Israel, and (3) “I drive out before you” the listed peoples. Israel’s explicit responsibility is stated as one imperative: “Observe what I command you this day.” The text places that imperative next to Yahweh’s promises, suggesting the narrative connection between God’s action and Israel’s covenant obligations. Importantly, the visibility of Yahweh’s “work” is also emphasized: other peoples will “see” what Yahweh does.

Question 2

What does verse 10 say about the scope and uniqueness of the coming “marvels,” and what is the stated purpose of that description?

Accepted Answer

Verse 10 describes the marvels as unprecedented: they are “such as have not been worked in all the earth, nor in any nation.” That is comparative and expansive language, stressing uniqueness rather than giving a list. The stated purpose is public recognition: “all the people among which you are shall see the work of Yahweh.” The marvels are not framed as private reassurance only; they are meant to be visible, and their impact includes how surrounding peoples perceive Yahweh’s activity with Israel.

Question 3

Who are “all the people among which you are,” based on the passage and its immediate context?

Accepted Answer

The phrase points to non-Israelite peoples in Israel’s environment—those who will be close enough to observe Yahweh’s actions. In the immediate storyline, Israel is at Sinai but headed toward the land, and the next verse names local groups who occupy that land. So the wording naturally fits the peoples Israel will live among or encounter as they move toward settlement. The text does not restrict the phrase to one moment; it presents an audience who will witness Yahweh’s “work” as Israel’s story unfolds.

Question 4

How does verse 11 connect the command to “observe” with the promise “I drive out before you” the named nations?

Accepted Answer

Verse 11 places the command and the promise back-to-back, which links them at the level of covenant logic and narrative flow. The command “Observe what I command you this day” signals that obedience is part of the renewed covenant moment. The promise “I drive out before you” presents the conquest-related movement as Yahweh’s action that enables Israel’s future. Together they show that the path into the land is not described as Israel’s strength alone; it is Yahweh’s work, while Israel is still bound to keep Yahweh’s commands.

Question 5

What is the function of the repeated “Behold” in verses 10 and 11?

Accepted Answer

“Behold” marks key declarations and asks for attention to what follows. In verse 10, it introduces Yahweh’s covenant pledge and the promise of unmatched marvels. In verse 11, it introduces Yahweh’s claim that he is driving out the nations “before you.” The repetition highlights two pillars of the renewed moment: Yahweh’s commitment (covenant and mighty acts) and Yahweh’s forward-moving action (clearing the way into the land), framed alongside the call to observe commands.

Question 6

What does the phrase “an awesome thing that I do with you” add to the meaning of the promised marvels?

Accepted Answer

It clarifies that the marvels are not abstract displays of power; they are actions Yahweh performs “with you,” meaning in Israel’s midst and in connection with Israel’s covenant story. The wording highlights relationship and setting: Yahweh’s work is done in a way that binds his reputation to what happens among this people. It also supports the earlier line about outsiders seeing Yahweh’s work. The “awesome” label is Yahweh’s own evaluation of the significance of these acts.

Exodus 34:10-11

Scripture