Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 5

Verses 1-5

DEUTERONOMY - CHAPTER FIVE

Verses 1-5:

The text is Moses’ reminder of the making of the Covenant of the Law at Mount Horeb, see Exodus 19:16-25. There was established at Horeb a covenant relationship between Jehovah and Israel. The entire body of the Law relates to that covenant. Here, Moses begins a recapitulation of the basic tenets of that Law.

The Covenant at Horeb is separate and distinct from the Abrahamic Covenant, Genesis 12:1-3. It was made with Israel as a nation. Note some contrasts:

Abrahamic Covenant Mosaic Covenant

A Covenant of Grace A Covenant of Law

Unconditional, based upon Conditional, based upon

God’s faithfulness Israel’s obedience

Affecting all nations Affecting Israel only

Verse 3: All who witnessed the events at Horeb were dead at the time of this text, except Moses, Joshua, and Caleb. "All of us here alive this day" does not refer to individuals as such, but to the nation of Israel as an organic unit.

Verses 6-15

Verses 6-15:

This text is a repetition of the first four of the Ten Commandments, see Exodus 20:1-11. There are minor variations in the wording. These four commandments deal primarily with man’s duties toward God.

Verses 16-21

Verses 16-21:

These six commandments deal with man’s duties toward man. Compare this text with Exodus 20:12-17. Note the variation in wording. This variation is most evident in verse 21, and Exodus 20:17.

Verses 22-27

Verses 22-27:

This is a recapitulation of Exodus 20:18-21, preparing the way for Moses’ admonition to fear the Lord and to do all He had commanded. It identifies Moses as the intermediary between the awesome, holy God and the frightened people.

Verses 28-33

Verses 28-33:

The Book of Exodus does not record the narrative of this text. Moses inserts it here to emphasize the fickleness of the people, as they promised to obey all God had said, only to forget this solemn vow very shortly.

This is a reminder of the blessings God promises to those who obey the laws, deviating neither to the right nor to the left. The principle applies today. God blesses His obedient child, Joshua 1:1-8.