Main Idea
Moses reaffirms the covenant by restating the Ten Commandments, reminding Israel that obedience to God’s law is the foundation of their relationship with Him and the key to life in the Promised Land.
Key Verse
“Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!” (Deuteronomy 5:29)
Commentary
Deuteronomy 5 is a pivotal chapter in Moses’ final address. Here, he formally restates the Ten Commandments to a new generation—many of whom were either children or not yet born when God gave the law at Mount Sinai. By recounting these commands, Moses reaffirms the covenant and underscores the centrality of God’s law in Israel’s life and identity.
The chapter begins with Moses summoning all Israel to “hear, learn, and be careful to do” the statutes and ordinances of the Lord. He emphasizes that the covenant was not just with their ancestors, but with them—“all of us who are alive here today” (v. 3). This powerful statement makes it clear that every generation is accountable to the covenant. God’s commands are not relics of the past but living requirements for those who live in relationship with Him.
Moses then recounts the awe-inspiring moment when God spoke to the people “face to face out of the fire on the mountain.” This was a theophany—a visible and audible manifestation of God's presence. The people were so overwhelmed by the holiness and power of God that they asked Moses to serve as mediator (vv. 5, 23–27). God agreed, affirming both the people’s fear and their need for a go-between. This moment prefigures the future role of Christ as the ultimate Mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
The Ten Commandments are then restated with only minor variations from the account in Exodus 20. These laws form the heart of God's moral will. They begin with allegiance to God alone and proceed to protect the sanctity of worship, family, life, truth, and contentment. The Sabbath command in Deuteronomy is tied not to creation (as in Exodus) but to Israel’s deliverance from slavery. This framing connects obedience to gratitude for redemption—underscoring that God’s people are to rest because they are no longer slaves.
After giving the commandments, Moses recalls the people’s fearful request that God no longer speak directly to them. God's response is deeply emotional: “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always!” (v. 29). This divine longing reveals God’s desire not merely for outward compliance, but for inward devotion. God’s commands are not legalistic burdens—they are expressions of His love, meant to lead to life, blessing, and generational flourishing.
The chapter closes with a strong exhortation to obedience. Israel is told to walk in all the ways of the Lord, “so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land” (v. 33). Obedience is not just about moral behavior—it is about life, joy, and peace in the presence of God.
Life Application
Deuteronomy 5 reminds us that God's commandments are not about control—they're about covenant. The Ten Commandments are not just moral rules, but relational boundaries that protect and nourish our walk with God and others. Like Israel, we must see God’s law as a gift rooted in His desire for our good.
This chapter also underscores the need for every generation to own the covenant personally. It’s not enough to inherit faith—we must embrace it ourselves. God doesn’t deal with us through tradition alone; He calls each of us into living obedience and relationship with Him.
God's longing for our hearts is especially striking. He doesn’t want mere rule-followers—He desires people whose hearts are inclined toward Him. This calls us to examine our motivations. Do we obey out of love and reverence, or out of fear and habit? True obedience flows from delight in God's character and trust in His wisdom.
Finally, the role of a mediator points us to Jesus Christ. Just as Moses stood between God and the people, Jesus stands between a holy God and sinful humanity, enabling us to hear God's voice and live in His presence. We obey, not to earn salvation, but in response to the grace we’ve received through Christ.
What Can I Do?
Renew your commitment to God’s Word – Take time this week to read and reflect on the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:6–21), asking the Spirit to show how each one applies to your life today.
Examine your heart – Ask God to reveal whether your obedience is flowing from love and trust, or fear and routine. Invite Him to incline your heart toward Him.
Ask Yourself
Do I view God’s commandments as burdens or as loving guidance that protects and blesses my life?
How have I embraced God’s covenant personally—not just as something I inherited, but as a living relationship with Him?
What role does reverence and holy fear of God play in my walk with Him?
Are there any areas where I obey outwardly but lack inward devotion?
How does Jesus, as my Mediator, help me both understand and fulfill God’s law?
Guided Prayer
Thanksgiving: Thank God for His commandments, which reveal His wisdom and care. Thank Him for redeeming you from slavery to sin and calling you into a life of joyful obedience.
Intercession: Pray for your family, church, and community—that each person would embrace God's covenant personally and walk in His ways wholeheartedly.
Petition: Ask God to incline your heart toward Him, to give you joy in obeying His Word, and to help you teach these truths to those around you.
Confession: Confess any areas where you’ve obeyed God with your actions but not your heart, or where you’ve neglected His commands through complacency or rebellion.
Praise: Praise God as your Redeemer, Lawgiver, and Mediator. Worship Him for His holiness, mercy, and the life-giving power of His Word.
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