Deuteronomy 5:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 5:27
27 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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 5 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, worship, faith. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 5:27
27 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.
Analysis
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)