How does Deuteronomy 5:5 illustrate Moses' role as mediator between God and Israel? The Scene at Sinai Revisited Deuteronomy 5 looks back to the day Israel gathered at Horeb (Sinai). Thunder, lightning, and consuming fire marked God’s presence (Exodus 19:16-19). The people trembled and backed away, begging Moses to speak with God for them (Exodus 20:18-19). Deuteronomy 5:5—Moses Stands in the Gap “ ‘At that time I was standing between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and did not go up the mountain.’ ” Key observations: • “I was standing between” — a literal picture of mediation: one party on each side, Moses in the middle. • “To declare to you the word of the LORD” — Moses does not invent or edit; he transmits God’s exact words. • “Because you were afraid” — their fear revealed the gulf between holy God and sinful people (cf. Hebrews 12:18-21). Why Israel Needed a Mediator • God’s holiness: “Our God is a consuming fire” (Deuteronomy 4:24). • Human sinfulness: even Moses had to set limits around the mountain (Exodus 19:12-13). • Self-confessed inability: “Speak to us yourself and we will listen, but do not let God speak to us, or we will die” (Exodus 20:19). Moses answers all three issues—approaching the holy God, dealing with sin through sacrifice (Leviticus 1:1-4), and relaying God’s voice. Mediation in Action Moses’ tasks in Deuteronomy 5:5 mirror classic mediator functions: 1. Access: goes up the mountain when Israel cannot (Exodus 19:3). 2. Revelation: brings God’s word down intact (Exodus 32:15-16). 3. Intercession: pleads for mercy when Israel sins (Exodus 32:30-32; Numbers 14:13-19). Foreshadowing the Ultimate Mediator • Galatians 3:19 — the Law “was ordained through angels by a mediator,” highlighting the temporary, preparatory role. • 1 Timothy 2:5 — “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” • Hebrews 3:5-6 — Moses was faithful “as a servant”; Christ is faithful “as a Son.” Moses points forward to Jesus, who not only stands between but unites God and humanity, offering perfect atonement (Hebrews 8:6). Takeaways for Today • God still speaks with clarity and authority; His word is trustworthy and unchanged. • Sinful hearts still need a mediator; Jesus fulfills what Moses illustrated. • Reverence and confidence coexist: we approach boldly, yet never lightly (Hebrews 4:16). |
    |