Deuteronomy 5:22-33

Concluding narrative 5:22-33

This pericope is another brief historical résumé. God said that the Israelites had "done well" (Deuteronomy 5:28) in committing themselves to obey the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:27). The people’s response to the revelation of the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:24-27) indicates great respect for God’s holiness. God revealed to Moses that unfortunately the heart of the people would not retain this attitude (Deuteronomy 5:29). These words of God (Deuteronomy 5:29) reflect God’s great love for Israel and His desire that His people experience His blessing.

"The best interests of his people are deep in the heart of God. This view of divine compassion shows how the Lord’s love focuses on what is best for his people. Here is no vindictive god in contrast to a loving NT Lord. No, this glimpse into the heart of God is in harmony with the most compassionate depiction of Christ in the NT." [Note: Kalland, pp. 61-62.]

God revealed the rest of the covenant only to Moses, not to all the Israelites (Deuteronomy 5:31), but Moses later reported this revelation to the people.

This chapter teaches us that the proper response to God’s Word is reverence for Him and obedience because God is who He is and because He desires our welfare.

"The Decalogue is at the heart of the message of Deuteronomy. It is the divinely given foundation of the covenant relationship, the standard set by the suzerain God as a basis for the continuing relationship with his vassal people." [Note: Craigie, The Book . . ., p. 149.]