Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Analysis & Commentary
The people's request 'Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say' establishes Moses as covenant mediator. The promise 'we will hear it, and do it' expresses covenant commitment to obedience. This mediatorial pattern—Moses receiving God's Word and delivering it to the people—prefigures Christ's superior mediation. The phrase 'all that the LORD our God shall say' indicates comprehensive submission to divine revelation. However, Israel's commitment proved hollow (v. 29), revealing that fallen humanity requires heart transformation, not merely external covenant subscription. Only new covenant grace produces genuine obedience (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Historical Context
Moses served as Israel's mediator throughout the wilderness period, receiving law on Sinai (Exodus 19-24, 34), delivering divine judgments, and interceding for the people (Exodus 32:11-14, Numbers 14:13-19). This established the prophetic office continuing through Joshua, Samuel, Nathan, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Acts 3:22-23). Moses' mediation demonstrated that sinners require a go-between to approach the holy God.
Questions for Reflection
How does Moses' mediatorial role prefigure Christ's work as the superior Mediator of a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6)?
What does Israel's promise to obey followed by failure reveal about human inability to keep covenant apart from divine grace?
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Analysis & Commentary
The people's request 'Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say' establishes Moses as covenant mediator. The promise 'we will hear it, and do it' expresses covenant commitment to obedience. This mediatorial pattern—Moses receiving God's Word and delivering it to the people—prefigures Christ's superior mediation. The phrase 'all that the LORD our God shall say' indicates comprehensive submission to divine revelation. However, Israel's commitment proved hollow (v. 29), revealing that fallen humanity requires heart transformation, not merely external covenant subscription. Only new covenant grace produces genuine obedience (Ezekiel 36:26-27).