Deuteronomy 5:28 - Yahweh heard the voice of your words, when you spoke to me; and Yahweh said to me, “I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken to you. They have well said all that they have spoken.

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 5:28

What does "Deuteronomy 5:28" mean?


This verse, Deuteronomy 5:28, is part of Moses' recounting of the events at Mount Sinai, where God gave the Ten Commandments. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context:

The Context: The Israelites were terrified by the thunder, lightning, and the sound of the trumpet (Exodus 20:18-19). They asked Moses to be the mediator between them and God, requesting that he would speak to God on their behalf and then relay the message to them. They were afraid of directly hearing God's voice, fearing they would die.

Verse Breakdown:
"Yahweh heard the voice of your words, when you spoke to me...": This refers to the Israelites' request to Moses that he be their intermediary. God heard their plea and understood their desire to communicate through Moses.
"...and Yahweh said to me, “I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken to you.": God is acknowledging that he has heard the Israelites' request, their "voice of the words."
"They have well said all that they have spoken.": This is the crucial part. God approves of their request to have Moses as an intermediary. He recognizes their wisdom in seeking a mediator, probably because they are afraid of direct confrontation with God's overwhelming holiness. God finds their request sensible and well-intentioned.

Interpretation:
Approval of Mediation: The primary meaning is God's acceptance of Moses as the mediator between Himself and the Israelites. He validates their decision to approach Him through Moses.
Understanding of Human Frailty: God understands the Israelites' fear and acknowledges their need for a mediator. He doesn't rebuke them for being afraid but recognizes their limitation and accepts their request.
Foundation for Moses' Authority: This verse reinforces Moses' authority as God's chosen leader and spokesperson. It emphasizes that Moses' role as intermediary is divinely sanctioned.
Wise Decision: The phrase "They have well said all that they have spoken" means that they are right in asking for a mediator.

In essence, Deuteronomy 5:28 is a pivotal verse because it confirms the unique role of Moses as God's chosen prophet and mediator, and it signifies God's understanding of the Israelites' need for such a mediator because of the immensity of his power. It establishes a relationship where God communicates with his people through a designated leader.

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