Deuteronomy 5:25
Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּה֙
H6258
לָ֣מָּה
H4100
לָ֣מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
וָמָֽתְנוּ׃
Now therefore why should we die
H4191
וָמָֽתְנוּ׃
Now therefore why should we die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
3 of 18
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַגְּדֹלָ֖ה
for this great
H1419
הַגְּדֹלָ֖ה
for this great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
7 of 18
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
9 of 18
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יֹֽסְפִ֣ים׀
any more
H3254
יֹֽסְפִ֣ים׀
any more
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
10 of 18
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
לִ֠שְׁמֹעַ
us if we hear
H8085
לִ֠שְׁמֹעַ
us if we hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
12 of 18
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֧ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֧ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֛ינוּ
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֛ינוּ
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Historical Context
Israel's terror at Sinai (Exodus 20:18-21) led them to request Moses serve as mediator for all further divine communication. This established the pattern of prophetic mediation continuing throughout Old Testament history. The people's fear was justified—approaching God's holiness improperly resulted in death (Nadab and Abihu, Leviticus 10:1-2; Uzzah, 2 Samuel 6:6-7). Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once yearly with blood sacrifice (Leviticus 16).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's fear of God's consuming holiness validate the necessity of mediation for sinners to approach God?
- In what ways does this passage prefigure Christ as the superior Mediator who enables believers to approach God's throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:16)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The people's fear—'Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us'—reveals appropriate terror before holy God. The Hebrew 'akal' (consume/devour) acknowledges that God's holiness destroys sin. The warning 'if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die' demonstrates human inability to endure prolonged divine presence. This validates the need for mediatorial priesthood and ultimately Christ's mediating work. Sinners require a go-between who can approach God safely and represent them. This Old Testament pattern prefigures the gospel's central truth: access to God requires a Mediator.