Deuteronomy 5:28
And the Lord heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the Lord said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.
Deuteronomy 5:28 (KJV)
Context
At Mount Sinai, the Israelites saw God’s glory and heard His voice, and they became afraid. They asked Moses to stand between them and God, to hear God’s words and bring them to the people. In this verse, the Lord tells Moses that He has heard their request and approves of it. This approval is significant: God not only hears all human speech in a general sense, but He specifically observes, takes notice of, and approves what the people said.
Meaning
God says, “They have well said all that they have spoken.” This means their request for a mediator was right and pleasing to Him. Their fear was not rejected; it was a proper response to God’s holiness. The people’s words were not merely tolerated; they were “well said” and “right” in God’s assessment. This divine approval shows that God is intimately involved with His people’s words and responds to their reverent fear.
Biblical connections
This moment prepares for the prophet like Moses, whom God promises to raise up in Deuteronomy 18:15-19. That prophet would speak God’s words to the people. This pattern points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Mediator between God and humanity. The people’s request for a mediator is honored by God and becomes a pattern pointing forward to the ultimate Mediator.
Application
God is attentive to our sincere prayers and concerns, just as He heard Israel.
We should approach God with reverence, knowing that humble requests made according to His will are approved.
We can thank God for giving us mediators, especially Jesus, who brings us near to Him.
Reflection
God values our honest words and responds to our reverent fear. He does not despise our weakness but meets us through His chosen mediator. We can trust that He hears us and guides us in the way that is right.
