Deuteronomy 5:30
Go say to them, Get you into your tents again.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֖ךְ
H1980
לֵ֖ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
After the Sinai theophany and covenant commitment, the people returned to their tents while Moses ascended Sinai to receive detailed law (Exodus 20-24). This pattern repeated throughout Israel's history: prophets received God's Word privately, then publicly proclaimed it. The congregation gathered for instruction but relied on ordained mediators. This prefigures the New Testament pattern where Christ called and commissioned apostles who established churches through Word and sacrament ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this pattern of mediated revelation establish the principle of ordained ministry as God's appointed means of instructing His people?
- What does this verse teach about the relationship between private devotion and corporate worship, individual study and public preaching?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's directive 'Go say to them, Get you into your tents again' dismisses the congregation while retaining Moses for further instruction. This establishes the pattern: God reveals to His chosen mediator, who then instructs the people. The people return to ordinary life while Moses remains in God's presence—illustrating that covenant relationship requires both mediator and revelation. The Reformed understanding of church authority follows this pattern: ordained ministers expound Scripture to the congregation. God doesn't reveal directly to every individual but through appointed means (ministry of the Word).