Deuteronomy 5 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Deuteronomy 5

The book of Deuteronomy was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Moses stood on the edge of the Promised Land and recounted the history of their journey and the laws that God had given them. He reminds the people of the Ten Commandments, the foundation of their covenant with God in this chapter.

The Israelites had witnessed God’s power and deliverance firsthand, from the plagues in Egypt to the parting of the Red Sea. Now, as they prepared to enter the land flowing with milk and honey, Moses emphasizes the importance of obedience to the divine commands. He underscores the need to honor the Lord as the one true God and to avoid the temptation of idolatry that had plagued their ancestors.

Throughout this passage, we see echoes of the Exodus narrative, where God’s voice thundered from Mount Sinai, and the people trembled in awe and fear. Moses reminds them that the Lord is a jealous God, who will not tolerate any rivals. The chapter also foreshadows the challenges the Israelites will face as they seek to establish their new homeland and remain faithful to the covenant.

Deuteronomy 5:1-5

The verse in Deuteronomy 5:1-5 can be broken down into several important sections that provide insight into the commandments given by God to His people.

Starting with verse 1, Moses calls upon all of Israel to hear the statutes and judgments that he was about to deliver to them. This emphasizes the importance of the laws and regulations that would be given to the Israelites. It highlights the need for attentiveness and obedience to God’s word, setting the stage for the recounting of the Ten Commandments in the following verses.

Moving on to verse 2, Moses reminds the people that the Lord made a covenant with them at Horeb. This references the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, which is also known as Horeb in some parts of the Bible. This covenant was a sacred agreement between God and His people, outlining the expectations and responsibilities of both parties. It serves as a reminder of the relationship between God and the Israelites and the importance of following His commandments. Moses states in verse 3 that the Lord did not make this covenant with their fathers but with them, those who were present and alive at that time. This distinction serves to remind the current generation of Israelites that they were the ones who directly received the covenant from God. It reinforces the idea that the commandments were given not only to their ancestors but also to them as individuals, emphasizing personal accountability and adherence to God’s laws.

Verse 4 reiterates the circumstances under which the Ten Commandments were given – God spoke directly to the people from the midst of the fire. This powerful image of God’s presence amidst fire symbolizes His holiness, power, and divine authority. It underscores the seriousness of the commandments and the reverence with which they should be received and followed by the Israelites.

Finally, verse 5 emphasizes Moses’s role as the intermediary between God and the people. He stood between God and the Israelites to convey God’s words and commandments to them. This highlights Moses’s unique position as a prophet and leader chosen by God to guide His people. It also underscores the importance of having a spiritual guide or leader to help interpret and implement God’s teachings. Deuteronomy 5:1-5 sets the stage for the recounting of the Ten Commandments by establishing the context, importance, and significance of these divine laws. It emphasizes the covenant between God and His people, the direct communication of God’s commandments, and the role of Moses as the mediator. These themes of obedience, reverence, and leadership are timeless messages that resonate throughout the Bible, reminding believers of the importance of following God’s word and seeking guidance from those appointed to lead them spiritually.

Deuteronomy 5:6-10

Deuteronomy 5:6-10 states, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

This passage begins with a crucial declaration of God’s identity – “I am the Lord your God.” This statement emphasizes the monotheistic belief of the Israelites and affirms the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. The reminder of being brought out of Egypt, out of slavery, serves as a foundational event that highlights God’s deliverance and faithfulness to His promises. The Israelites are encouraged to place their trust and allegiance solely in God by acknowledging Him as the one who rescues and redeems.

The commandments that follow in this section deal with the prohibition of idolatry. The Israelites were prone to be influenced by the polytheistic beliefs and practices of the surrounding nations. God’s instruction to have no other gods before Him stresses the exclusive worship and devotion required from His people. The prohibition against creating and worshipping idols is significant because it addresses the temptation to represent God in physical forms, which can lead to distortion and limitation of His divine nature. This commandment serves as a safeguard against the spiritual dangers of idol worship and reinforces the invisible, omnipotent, and spiritual nature of God.

The mention of God being a jealous God may sound alarming, but it reflects His holiness and rightful demand for loyalty and reverence. God’s jealousy is not rooted in insecurity or pettiness but in His desire for a pure and undivided relationship with His people. The consequences mentioned here, of punishing future generations for the sins of their ancestors, illustrate the seriousness of idolatry and rebellion against God. This demonstrates the principle of individual responsibility and the far-reaching impact of sin on subsequent generations.

On the other hand, God’s promise to show love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments reflects His abundant grace and mercy. This assurance highlights God’s enduring faithfulness and willingness to bless those who remain faithful to Him. It underscores the idea that obedience to God’s commands leads to blessings and a flourishing life, not only for the individual but also for their descendants. This contrasts the generational consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in one’s relationship with God. This passage from Deuteronomy 5:6-10 emphasizes the foundational truths of the Israelites’ faith – the exclusive worship of the one true God, the dangers of idolatry, the nature of God’s jealousy, and the consequences of obedience or disobedience. It serves as a timeless reminder for believers today to prioritize God above all else, to guard against the allure of false gods or idols, and to choose faithfulness in order to experience the abundance of God’s love and blessings for generations to come.

Deuteronomy 5:11-15

This passage from Deuteronomy 5:11-15 focuses on the importance of observing the Sabbath day as a day of rest and reflection. Let’s break down the verse into important sections for a more in-depth commentary.

1. “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you.”

Here, Moses is reminding the Israelites of the commandment given by God to honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy. The Sabbath was a day set apart for rest and worship, a day to remember God’s creation and deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Israelites were demonstrating their trust in God’s provision and their obedience to His commands by observing the Sabbath.

1. “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. The section emphasizes the importance of rest not just for the Israelites but for all within their households, including servants and even animals. This commandment highlights God’s care for His creation, including the well-being of those who serve others. It serves as a reminder that rest is not just a physical need but also a spiritual one, providing time for reflection, worship, and rejuvenation.

2. The Lord your God brought you out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, remember that you were slaves there. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.”

This verse ties the observance of the Sabbath back to the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Sabbath was not only a day of rest but also a celebration of freedom and redemption. The Israelites were called to live in grateful obedience and to extend the same grace and rest to those around them by remembering their past bondage and God’s intervention. We can see the timeless message of the importance of rest, worship, and remembering God’s faithfulness in reflecting on this passage. The Sabbath serves as a symbol of trust in God’s provision, a reminder of His deliverance, and a call to extend compassion and rest to others. This commandment is not just a rule to follow but a way of living in gratitude and obedience to the God who sustains us.

References to the Sabbath can be found throughout the Bible, such as in Exodus 20:8-11 where the fourth commandment is given, and in Mark 2:27-28 where Jesus affirms the Sabbath as a gift to humanity. The Sabbath remains a significant aspect of the Judeo-Christian tradition, guiding believers to rest in God’s presence and acknowledge His sovereignty over all aspects of life.

Deuteronomy 5:16-21

Deuteronomy 5:16-21 continues the Ten Commandments, specifically focusing on commandments related to how individuals should interact with others in their community.

Starting with verse 16, “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” This commandment emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s parents, not just out of social convention but as a direct commandment from God. The significance of honoring parents is reiterated in various parts of the Bible, showcasing the timeless importance of respecting and caring for one’s parents. This commandment reflects the fundamental virtue of respect for authority and family ties, essential for maintaining harmony within society.

Moving on to verse 17, “You shall not murder.” This commandment addresses the sanctity of life and the severity of taking another person’s life unjustly. It underscores the value God places on human life and calls for respect for the inherent dignity of every individual. This commandment forms the basis for the respect for life that permeates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the need for justice and mercy. The commandment in verse 18, “You shall not commit adultery,” speaks to the importance of fidelity and loyalty within marriage. Adultery not only breaks the commitment made between spouses but also disrupts the foundation of trust and unity within the family. This commandment underscores the sacredness of the marital bond and warns against actions that can lead to broken relationships and societal discord. The theme of faithfulness in relationships is echoed in various stories in the Bible, such as the account of David and Bathsheba, highlighting the destructive consequences of adultery.

Verse 19 commands, “You shall not steal.” This simple yet essential directive emphasizes the respect for others’ property and the value of honesty and integrity. Theft disrupts the social fabric by infringing on the rights of others and eroding trust within the community. This commandment lays the groundwork for a just and equitable society where individuals respect each other’s possessions and uphold principles of fairness and righteousness. We encounter a commandment that upholds the virtue of truthfulness and integrity in interpersonal relationships in verse 20, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” Bearing false witness not only harms the individual being falsely accused but also corrupts the judicial system and breeds injustice within society. This commandment underscores the importance of honesty and highlights the need for individuals to speak truthfully and act with integrity.

Concluding with verse 21, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor,” we see a commandment that addresses the root cause of many transgressions – coveting. Coveting leads to jealousy, discontentment, and can ultimately drive individuals to commit other sins, such as adultery or theft. This commandment serves as a reminder to guard against the destructive nature of envy and to cultivate a heart of contentment and gratitude. These commandments provide a moral framework for individuals to live harmoniously within their communities, emphasizing the values of respect, justice, fidelity, honesty, and contentment. They form the basis for societal laws and ethical principles that guide individuals in their relationships with God and with one another. The overarching message conveyed through these commandments is the importance of love, righteousness, and moral uprightness in all aspects of life, reflecting the timeless wisdom and guidance found in the Word of God.

Deuteronomy 5:22-27

Moses recounts the moment when God spoke the Ten Commandments to the Israelites at Mt. in Deuteronomy 5:22-27. Sinai. Identify the subject: “Let’s”

Rewritten sentence: Let’s break down this passage into important sections and delve into their meanings. “These words the Lord spoke to all your assembly at the mountain from the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a loud voice; and He added no more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me.” (Deuteronomy 5:22) – This verse describes the awe-inspiring moment when God Himself communicated the Ten Commandments to His people. The fire, cloud, and darkness symbolize the powerful presence of God. The act of God personally writing the commandments on stone tablets underscores the permanence and significance of these laws. This event demonstrates the direct communication between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of divine laws in guiding human behavior.

1. “So it was, when you heard the voice from the midst of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, that you came near to me, all the heads of your tribes and your elders.” (Deuteronomy 5:23) – This verse highlights the response of the Israelites to God’s powerful revelation. The leaders of the tribes gathered, symbolizing their readiness to receive and follow God’s commands. It shows the importance of leadership and unity in obeying God’s word. The image of the mountain burning with fire signifies the holiness and purity of God’s presence, calling the people to approach Him with reverence and obedience.

2. “And you said: ‘Surely the Lord our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire. We have seen this day that God speaks with man; yet he still lives.’” (Deuteronomy 5:24) – The Israelites recognized the extraordinary nature of their encounter with God. Witnessing God’s glory and hearing His voice directly impacted their understanding of His power and holiness. This realization that God speaks to humankind and they can survive such divine encounters highlights His mercy and grace. It also emphasizes the privilege and responsibility of receiving and living out God’s commandments.

3. “Now therefore, why should we die? For this great fire will consume us; if we hear the voice of the Lord our God anymore, then we shall die.” (Deuteronomy 5:25) – This response from the Israelites reveals their fear of the holiness and power of God. They recognized their own sinfulness in contrast to God’s purity and feared the consequences of disobeying Him. It reflects the human tendency to shrink back from God’s holiness due to our awareness of our own shortcomings. This fear serves as a reminder of the importance of reverence and obedience in our relationship with God.

4. “For who is there of all flesh who has heard the voice of the living God speaking from the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?” (Deuteronomy 5:26) – Moses reminds the people of the unique privilege they had in hearing directly from the living God. This rhetorical question emphasizes the Israelites’ exceptional experience of divine communication. It underscores the importance of acknowledging God’s holiness and authority while recognizing His mercy in allowing them to live despite their sinfulness. This verse prompts reflection on the exceptional nature of encountering the living God. Deuteronomy 5:22-27 portrays the transformative encounter between God and His people at Mt. Sinai. The passage emphasizes the holiness, power, and mercy of God as He communicates His commandments to the Israelites. It underscores the importance of reverence, obedience, and gratitude in response to God’s divine revelation. This event is a pivotal moment in the history of God’s covenant with His people, highlighting the foundational role of the Ten Commandments in guiding believers to live in accordance with God’s will. The awe-inspiring nature of this encounter serves as a timeless reminder of the holiness of God and the privilege of receiving His word.

Deuteronomy 5:28-33

Moses recounts a key moment in the history of the Israelites in Deuteronomy 5:28-33 when they received the Ten Commandments from God at Mount Sinai. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Rewritten sentence: Let’s break down this passage into important sections and delve deeper into their meanings.

Starting with verse 28, Moses expresses the people’s fear and awe in response to God’s presence on the mountain. The sight of thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud filled with fire struck terror in the hearts of the Israelites. This display of God’s power and majesty highlights the magnitude of the moment and emphasizes the divine nature of the laws being given to them. It serves as a reminder that obedience to God’s commandments should be accompanied by reverence and fear.

Moving on to verse 29, we see Moses conveying the desire of God for His people to always have a heart that fears Him and keeps His commandments. This call to obedience is a central theme throughout the Bible. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding,” is written in Proverbs 9:10.” This verse underscores the importance of reverence for God as the foundation of righteous living. Moses addresses the Israelites in verse 30, acknowledging their response to the terrifying display of God’s power on the mountain. They requested Moses to serve as an intermediary between them and God, as they feared direct communication with the Almighty would result in their destruction. This moment foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. The verse in 1 Timothy 2:5 states, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”” Through Jesus, we find reconciliation with God and access to His grace and mercy. Moses emphasizes the importance of obedience to the commandments given by God in verses 31-33. He instructs the Israelites to listen to God’s voice, walk in His ways, and keep His commandments for their own good. This message is not only relevant to the Israelites but also to believers today. Jesus says in John 14:15, “Keep my commands if you love me.”” Obedience to God’s Word is a demonstration of love for Him and leads to blessings and fulfillment in our lives. Deuteronomy 5:28-33 reminds us of the awe-inspiring power of God, the necessity of fearing and obeying Him, and the importance of having a heart inclined towards keeping His commandments. Reflecting on these timeless truths can deepen our relationship with God and help us experience His abundant blessings in our lives.

After Deuteronomy 5

The people had heard the Lord’s commandments and were filled with awe. They trembled at the power of God’s voice. Moses knew their hearts were softened, and he saw an opportunity to guide them further on their journey. Moses prepared to reveal the next steps the Lord had in store for His chosen people as the chapter drew to a close. The road ahead would not be easy, but with God’s law to light their path, they would be equipped to face whatever challenges lay before them.