“And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is attributed to Moses. The book is a collection of Moses’ teachings and instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses recounts an encounter with the Lord, where the people acknowledged that Moses should be their mediator in receiving God’s commands.
Divine Authority: The verse begins with “And the LORD said unto me,” indicating that God Himself is speaking to Moses. This highlights the divine authority and confirms the authenticity of the message being conveyed. It emphasizes that what follows is a direct communication from God to Moses.
Confirmation of the People’s Words: The phrase “They have well spoken that which they have spoken” refers to the response of the Israelites to the Lord’s presence and voice. Earlier in Deuteronomy 18, Moses recounts how the Israelites, overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring experience of encountering God, expressed their desire for Moses to be their intermediary. The statement in this verse affirms that their request aligns with God’s will.
Recognition of Moses’ Role: By acknowledging that the people spoke well in desiring Moses as their mediator, God affirms Moses’ unique role as a prophet and leader chosen by Him. Moses served as the intermediary between God and the people, conveying God’s laws, commandments, and instructions to the Israelites. This verse reinforces the legitimacy of Moses’ position and the importance of his role in guiding the people.
Trust in God’s Chosen Mediator: The people’s recognition of Moses as their mediator demonstrates their trust in God’s appointed leader. Moses had proven himself faithful and had a close relationship with God, receiving divine guidance throughout the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness. By confirming the people’s words, God affirms Moses’ role as the trusted intermediary through whom His words would be delivered.
Importance of Mediation: This verse highlights the significance of having a mediator or intercessor between God and humanity. In the context of the Old Testament, the people understood the need for someone to bridge the gap between their finite human nature and the transcendent nature of God. Moses played a crucial role as the mediator, but ultimately this verse foreshadows the need for a greater mediator-Jesus Christ-who would come in the New Testament to reconcile humanity with God.
Application: As we reflect on Deuteronomy 18:17, we can draw some practical applications:
- Recognition of God’s Appointed Leaders: We should recognize and honor those whom God has chosen to lead and guide His people. Just as the Israelites acknowledged Moses as their mediator, we should respect and follow the spiritual leaders appointed by God in our lives today.
- Trust in God’s Guidance: Like the Israelites’ trust in Moses, we need to trust in God’s guidance and provision. God’s chosen leaders, when aligned with His Word, can help us navigate through life’s challenges and guide us in His ways.
- The Ultimate Mediator: This verse points us forward to Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfilled this role by reconciling us to God through His sacrificial death on the cross. We should place our faith in Him and rely on His intercession for salvation and a relationship with God.
- Intercessory Prayer: We can learn from Moses’ role as a mediator and incorporate intercessory prayer into our lives. We have the privilege of praying for others and interceding on their behalf, lifting their needs and concerns to God.
In summary, Deuteronomy 18:17 underscores the importance of having a mediator between God and humanity. It highlights the trust placed in Moses as the chosen intermediary and ultimately points us to Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate mediator, bridging the gap between God and humanity through His sacrificial work.
