Deuteronomy 18:17

Analysis & Commentary

And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken—God affirms Israel's request for prophetic mediation as wise and appropriate. The Hebrew hetiv (well) indicates approval; their recognition of need for a mediator demonstrated healthy fear of God and realistic assessment of their sinful condition. This divine affirmation establishes the principle of mediated revelation as God's normative pattern for relating to His people.

God's approval here is remarkable—He commends human awareness of limitation and need for intermediary relationship. This validates the prophetic office as divinely instituted, not human invention. It also establishes a pattern: God speaks through chosen messengers who bear His authoritative word. This principle extends through biblical history—prophets, apostles, and ultimately Christ, the final Prophet-Mediator. Rejecting God's appointed mediators is rejecting God Himself (Luke 10:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:8).

Historical Context

This divine response came at Sinai/Horeb following Israel's terror at God's direct manifestation. Moses recounts it in his farewell address (circa 1406 BC) to explain the prophetic office's divine authorization. Throughout Israel's history, God raised up prophets—Samuel, Nathan, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel—as His covenant prosecutors and spokesmen. The New Testament recognizes Jesus as the Prophet like Moses (Acts 3:22-23; 7:37), whose words carry ultimate divine authority.

Questions for Reflection

• How does God's affirmation of human need for mediation shape your understanding of why Christ's mediation is necessary, not optional?
• What does divine approval of Israel's request teach about the proper attitude toward God—reverent fear rather than casual familiarity?