Deuteronomy Chapter 5 · Verse 31
But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.
Original Language Analysis
עֲמֹ֣ד
But as for thee stand
H5975
עֲמֹ֣ד
But as for thee stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
3 of 20
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
וַֽאֲדַבְּרָ֣ה
and I will speak
H1696
וַֽאֲדַבְּרָ֣ה
and I will speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 20
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֵ֧ת
H853
אֵ֧ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמִּצְוָ֛ה
unto thee all the commandments
H4687
הַמִּצְוָ֛ה
unto thee all the commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
9 of 20
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
וְהַֽחֻקִּ֥ים
and the statutes
H2706
וְהַֽחֻקִּ֥ים
and the statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
10 of 20
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֖ים
and the judgments
H4941
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֖ים
and the judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תְּלַמְּדֵ֑ם
which thou shalt teach
H3925
תְּלַמְּדֵ֑ם
which thou shalt teach
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
וְעָשׂ֣וּ
them that they may do
H6213
וְעָשׂ֣וּ
them that they may do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בָאָ֔רֶץ
them in the land
H776
בָאָ֔רֶץ
them in the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
15 of 20
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Moses spent 40 days on Sinai receiving detailed law covering worship, festivals, sacrifices, civil justice, and moral conduct (Exodus 20-24, 34). He faithfully taught these statutes to Israel throughout the wilderness wanderings. Moses' unique intimacy with God—speaking 'face to face' (Exodus 33:11)—authenticated his prophetic authority. Yet even Moses was a servant; Christ the Son possesses superior authority (Hebrews 3:5-6). Moses' mediation typified Christ's perfect revelation of the Father.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' unique proximity to God and role as mediator prefigure Christ's superior revelation of the Father (John 1:18)?
- What does this pattern of receiving revelation to teach others establish about the importance of faithful biblical instruction in the church?
Analysis & Commentary
God's command to Moses 'stand thou here by me' grants privileged proximity and continued revelation. The promise 'I will speak unto thee all the commandments, statutes, and judgments, which thou shalt teach them' establishes Moses as covenant mediator receiving comprehensive divine instruction. The purpose clause 'that they may do them in the land' connects obedience to inheritance. This verse illustrates the Reformed doctrine of the ministry of the Word: God speaks through ordained servants who faithfully teach Scripture. Moses' special calling prefigures Christ's unique role as the Prophet who reveals God perfectly (John 1:18, Hebrews 1:1-2).