This verse, Deuteronomy 5:27, is a pivotal moment in the relationship between God and the Israelites after receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. It signifies the people's delegation of Moses as their intermediary with God.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Go near, and hear all that Yahweh our God shall say..." - The people recognize they cannot approach God directly due to His holiness and the fear He inspires. They are acknowledging Moses' special status as someone who can commune with God. They are essentially saying, "Moses, you go and listen to everything God has to say."
"...and tell us all that Yahweh our God tells you..." - This is a crucial part. The people are requesting Moses to act as a translator and messenger. They want him to relay the information he receives from God accurately and completely.
"...and we will hear it, and do it." - This is the promise of obedience. The Israelites are declaring their commitment to follow the commands and instructions that Moses, as God's representative, will convey to them. They are vowing to listen and obey everything God communicates through Moses.
In essence, the verse demonstrates:
The people's fear of God's direct presence. They were overwhelmed by the display of God's power and glory at Mount Sinai.
Recognition of Moses' unique role. They acknowledged Moses' privileged position as God's chosen leader and intermediary.
Delegation of authority to Moses. They entrusted him with the responsibility of receiving and transmitting God's instructions.
A commitment to obedience. They pledged to follow God's commandments as delivered by Moses.
Shift from direct revelation to mediated revelation. Instead of everyone experiencing God's word directly, they rely on Moses to receive and convey it. This sets the stage for the prophetic tradition where prophets act as intermediaries between God and the people.
This verse is also a prefigurement of Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humans. Just as the Israelites delegated Moses, Christians recognize Jesus as the one who perfectly reveals God and makes salvation possible.
This verse, Deuteronomy 5:27, is a pivotal moment in the relationship between God and the Israelites after receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. It signifies the people's delegation of Moses as their intermediary with God.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Go near, and hear all that Yahweh our God shall say..." - The people recognize they cannot approach God directly due to His holiness and the fear He inspires. They are acknowledging Moses' special status as someone who can commune with God. They are essentially saying, "Moses, you go and listen to everything God has to say."
"...and tell us all that Yahweh our God tells you..." - This is a crucial part. The people are requesting Moses to act as a translator and messenger. They want him to relay the information he receives from God accurately and completely.
"...and we will hear it, and do it." - This is the promise of obedience. The Israelites are declaring their commitment to follow the commands and instructions that Moses, as God's representative, will convey to them. They are vowing to listen and obey everything God communicates through Moses.
In essence, the verse demonstrates:
The people's fear of God's direct presence. They were overwhelmed by the display of God's power and glory at Mount Sinai.
Recognition of Moses' unique role. They acknowledged Moses' privileged position as God's chosen leader and intermediary.
Delegation of authority to Moses. They entrusted him with the responsibility of receiving and transmitting God's instructions.
A commitment to obedience. They pledged to follow God's commandments as delivered by Moses.
Shift from direct revelation to mediated revelation. Instead of everyone experiencing God's word directly, they rely on Moses to receive and convey it. This sets the stage for the prophetic tradition where prophets act as intermediaries between God and the people.
This verse is also a prefigurement of Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humans. Just as the Israelites delegated Moses, Christians recognize Jesus as the one who perfectly reveals God and makes salvation possible.