“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.”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is attributed to Moses. It contains a series of sermons Moses delivered to the Israelites just before they entered the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses recounts the events that took place at Mount Sinai when God spoke to the people directly, giving them the Ten Commandments.
The Encounter at Mount Sinai:Before God spoke the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, they were afraid and requested that Moses act as an intermediary between them and God. In Deuteronomy 5:27, the people express their desire for Moses to go near to God, listen to His words, and then relay them to the people.
Trusting in God’s Word:The Israelites’ response in this verse reflects their acknowledgment of the divine authority of God’s words. They understood the gravity of hearing directly from God, and they committed to listening and obeying what God had to say through Moses.
The Importance of Hearing and Doing:The phrase “we will hear it, and do it” highlights the Israelites’ intention to not only listen to God’s commands but also to obey them. The people recognized that hearing God’s Word is not enough; it must be followed by action and obedience.
Application:This verse reminds us of the significance of seeking God’s word and obeying it. It demonstrates the Israelites’ recognition of their need for guidance and their willingness to submit to God’s instructions. As believers, we should have a similar attitude, eagerly desiring to hear from God and faithfully following His commands.
Jesus Christ and the New Covenant:While this verse specifically pertains to the Israelites’ response to God at Mount Sinai, as Christians, we can see a connection to the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Through Jesus, we have access to God’s words and teachings, and it is our responsibility to listen to Him and obey His commandments.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 5:27 captures the Israelites’ request for Moses to mediate between them and God during the giving of the Ten Commandments. Their commitment to hearing and doing what God commanded emphasizes the importance of obedience and highlights the significance of seeking God’s Word in our own lives as well.
