In this chapter, Moses revisits the moment God spoke to all of Israel from the heart of the fire on Mount Sinai. This event resulted in the Ten Commandments, and Moses emphasizes the importance of obeying the Lord’s commands.
Moses gathers all the people of Israel and tells them to learn and obey all of the laws and regulations he is giving them today. He said, “The Lord spoke to you face to face from the heart of the fire on the mountain. I stood as an intermediary between you and the Lord, for you were afraid of the fire and did not climb the mountain. He spoke to me, and I passed his words on to you.” (Deuteronomy 5:4-5)
Moses then reviews all ten commandments given by the Lord to Moses on the side of Mount Sinai. Then Moses said, “The Lord spoke these words with a loud voice to all of you from the heart of the fire, surrounded by clouds and deep darkness. This was all he said at that time, and he wrote his words on two stone tablets and gave them to me. But when you heard the voice from the darkness, while the mountain was blazing with fire, all your tribal leaders came to me. They said, “The Lord our God has shown us his glory and greatness, and we have heard his voice from the heart of the fire. Today we have seen God speaking to humans, and yet we live!” (Deuteronomy 5:22-24)
At this point, the Israelites shared their fear of dying from God’s fire and said to Moses, “You go and listen to what the Lord our God says. Then come and tell us everything he tells you, and we will listen and obey.” (Deuteronomy 5:27) Moses tells the people the Lord heard their request and He responded, “Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever. Go and tell them to return to their tents. But you stay here with me so I can give you all my commands, laws, and regulations. You will teach them to the people so they can obey them in the land I am giving to them as their inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 5:29-32)
Moses concludes the chapter telling the people of Israel that if they obey the Lord and stay on the path He has commanded them to follow, they will live long and prosperous lives in the land He is giving them.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to fear you and obey all of your commands so that we will forever prosper. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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