What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 5:27? Go near - The Israelites stand at Mount Horeb, overwhelmed by thunder, fire, and the trumpet blast (Exodus 20:18-19). - Their plea, “Go near,” recognizes that a mediator must draw close to God on their behalf, much like Exodus 20:21, where “Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.” - The phrase underscores reverence: God is holy, people are sinful, and an appointed representative must bridge the gap. This anticipates the “better mediator” promised in Deuteronomy 18:15 and fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 3:5-6). and listen to all that the LORD our God says - Nothing selective—Moses is to receive “all” God’s words. Similar language appears in Acts 20:27, where Paul affirms he declared “the whole counsel of God.” - Israel’s God speaks with complete authority (Psalm 33:9); therefore the hearer’s task is attentive, humble listening (Isaiah 66:2). - Deuteronomy later reminds them, “The secret things belong to the LORD…but the things revealed belong to us” (Deuteronomy 29:29), highlighting the sufficiency of what God chooses to disclose. Then you can tell us everything the LORD our God tells you - The people entrust Moses to relay God’s message exactly, establishing the prophetic pattern: receive, transmit, withhold nothing (Jeremiah 1:7). - Moses’ reliability foreshadows Jesus, the Prophet “like me” who speaks only what the Father commands (John 12:49-50). - This chain of revelation safeguards purity: God → Mediator → People. It also elevates Scripture as the written form of that perfect transmission (2 Peter 1:21). we will listen and obey - The vow couples hearing with action, echoing Exodus 24:7, “We will do and we will hear.” - Genuine faith displays itself in obedience (James 1:22); love for God and neighbor hinges on keeping His commands (John 14:15; Deuteronomy 6:4-5). - Sadly, Israel’s history shows how quickly such promises can fade (Psalm 106:13). Deuteronomy’s repeated calls to “hear” (shema) remind every generation that listening without doing is empty. summary Deuteronomy 5:27 records Israel’s request for a mediator, their recognition of God’s absolute authority, and their pledge of obedience. It highlights: the necessity of a representative who can approach God; the obligation to receive every word He speaks; the faithful transmission of that word; and the believer’s duty to obey. The verse looks back to Moses, forward to Christ, and still calls God’s people today to reverent listening and wholehearted obedience. |
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