Deuteronomy 5:22-33

Deuteronomy 5:22-33

[22] These words  the LORD  spake  unto all your assembly  in the mount  out of the midst  of the fire,  of the cloud,  and of the thick darkness,  with a great  voice:  and he added no more.  And he wrote  them in two  tables  of stone,  and delivered  [23] And it came to pass, when ye heard  the voice  out of the midst  of the darkness,  (for the mountain  did burn  with fire,)  that ye came near  unto me, even all the heads  of your tribes,  and your elders;  [24] And ye said,  Behold, the LORD  our God  hath shewed  us his glory  and his greatness,  and we have heard  his voice  out of the midst  of the fire:  we have seen  this day  that God  doth talk  with man,  and he liveth.  [25] Now therefore why should we die?  for this great  fire  will consume  us: if we hear  the voice  of the LORD  our God  any more,  then we shall die.  [26] For who is there of all flesh,  that hath heard  the voice  of the living  God  speaking  out of the midst  of the fire,  as we have, and lived?  [27] Go thou near,  and hear  all that the LORD  our God  shall say:  and speak  thou unto us all that the LORD  our God  shall speak  unto thee; and we will hear  it, and do  [28] And the LORD  heard  the voice  of your words,  when ye spake  unto me; and the LORD  said  unto me, I have heard  the voice  of the words  of this people,  which they have spoken  unto thee: they have well  said all that they have spoken.  [29] O that there were such  an  heart  in them,  that they would fear  me, and keep  all my commandments  always,  that it might be well  with them, and with their children  for ever!  [30] say  you into your tents  again.  [31] But as for thee, stand  thou here by me,  and I will speak  unto thee all the commandments,  and the statutes,  and the judgments,  which thou shalt teach  them, that they may do  them in the land  which I give  them to possess  it. [32] Ye shall observe  to do  therefore as the LORD  your God  hath commanded  you: ye shall not turn aside  to the right hand  or to the left.  [33] in all the ways  which the LORD  your God  hath commanded  you, that ye may live,  and that it may be well  with you, and that ye may prolong  your days  in the land  which ye shall possess. 

What does Deuteronomy 5:22-33 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

This pericope is another brief historical rsum. God said that the Israelites had "done well" ( Deuteronomy 5:28) in committing themselves to obey the Ten Commandments ( Deuteronomy 5:27). The people"s response to the revelation of the Ten Commandments ( Deuteronomy 5:24-27) indicates great respect for God"s holiness. God revealed to Moses that unfortunately the heart of the people would not retain this attitude ( Deuteronomy 5:29). These words of God ( Deuteronomy 5:29) reflect God"s great love for Israel and His desire that His people experience His blessing.
"The best interests of his people are deep in the heart of God. This view of divine compassion shows how the Lord"s love focuses on what is best for his people. Here is no vindictive god in contrast to a loving NT Lord. No, this glimpse into the heart of God is in harmony with the most compassionate depiction of Christ in the NT." [1]
God revealed the rest of the covenant only to Moses, not to all the Israelites ( Deuteronomy 5:31), but Moses later reported this revelation to the people.
This chapter teaches us that the proper response to God"s Word is reverence for Him and obedience because God is who He is and because He desires our welfare.
"The Decalogue is at the heart of the message of Deuteronomy. It is the divinely given foundation of the covenant relationship, the standard set by the suzerain God as a basis for the continuing relationship with his vassal people." [2]