Deuteronomy 5:1-6

Introduction 5:1-6

The covenant to which Moses referred (Deuteronomy 5:2) is not the Abrahamic but the Mosaic Covenant. What follows is an upgrade of the Mosaic Covenant for the new generation about to enter the Promised Land. The "fathers" (Deuteronomy 5:3) were the previous generation. "Face to face" (Deuteronomy 5:4) is a figure of speech indicating direct communication, without a mediator. God uttered the Ten Commandments in the hearing of all the Israelites (Deuteronomy 5:22). This expression also reflects the personal relationship that existed between Yahweh and the Israelites. God made the covenant with His friends; it was not simply an impersonal revelation of laws. [Note: For an excursus on Moses the teacher, see Miller, pp. 70-71.]

The basis for the Lord’s Ten Commandments was that He is who He is and that He had provided redemption for His people (Deuteronomy 5:6; cf. Deuteronomy 13:4-5; Exodus 20:3; Leviticus 26:13; Numbers 15:41). God always gives first (grace) then asks for a response (obedience). [Note: See H. H. Rowley, "Moses and the Decalogue," Bulletin of the John Rylands Library of the University of Manchester 34:1 (September 1951):81-118, for arguments for the Mosaic origin of the Ten Commandments as opposed to a later origin.]

"Love and mercy are the dominant characteristics of the covenant relationship." [Note: Miller, p. 77.]