How does Deuteronomy 18:17 emphasize God's response to the people's request?

Setting the Scene

• At Sinai the nation recoiled from God’s thunderous voice and blazing glory, begging Moses to speak in God’s place (Deuteronomy 5:23-27).

• Moses recounts that pivotal moment in Deuteronomy 18, leading to the promise of “a Prophet like me” (v. 15).

• Verse 17 captures the divine reaction in a simple, weighty statement.

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The Key Phrase: “They have spoken well”

“Then the LORD said to me, ‘They have spoken well.’” (Deuteronomy 18:17)

• God heard the people clearly.

• He rendered an instantaneous verdict: their request was good, wise, and acceptable.

• The brevity of the line magnifies its force—no qualifications, no hesitation, just approval.

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What God’s Affirmation Reveals

• Divine attentiveness

– The Creator listens attentively to the cries of His covenant people (Psalm 34:15).

• Compassionate accommodation

– Rather than rebuking their fear, He provides a mediator suited to their frame (Psalm 103:13-14).

• Holiness upheld

– Their instinctive dread of unfiltered holiness aligns with truth; no sinner can endure God’s full glory and live (Exodus 33:20).

• Authoritative evaluation

– By declaring the request “well spoken,” God sets the standard for how mediation will work until redemption is complete.

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From Request to Promise

1. Immediate provision

– Moses continues to serve as mediator, conveying God’s words safely.

2. Ongoing pattern

– Prophets rise generation after generation, speaking on God’s behalf (2 Kings 17:13).

3. Ultimate fulfillment

– The promised “Prophet like Moses” arrives in Jesus Christ (Acts 3:22-26).

– God again affirms approval: “This is My beloved Son; listen to Him” (Mark 9:7).

– In Christ, fear is replaced with confident access (Hebrews 4:14-16; 12:22-24).

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Living It Out Today

• Trust that God hears and weighs every sincere plea.

• Approach Him through the appointed Mediator, Jesus, who perfectly satisfies the pattern established in Deuteronomy 18:17 (1 Timothy 2:5).

• Stand in awe of God’s holiness while resting in His gracious provision that began with the people’s well-spoken request and culminates in the gospel.