Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 5

Introduction

Deuteronomy 5-11. Moses’ Second Address.— This contains laws ( Deuteronomy 5:6-21) and (mainly) exhortation based on the fundamental conception of Yahweh’ s uniqueness. This discourse had probably an independent origin, but it is exceedingly homogeneous, and conforms throughout with the type of composition characteristic of D. Many of the best scholars, including Driver, regard Deuteronomy 5-26 with Deuteronomy 28 as one continuous composition, not improbably (they think) the original D code.

Deuteronomy 6-11. Consists of a lengthy homily based on the first commandment ( Deuteronomy 5:6). Israel is to worship and serve Yahweh alone.

Verses 1-21

Deuteronomy 5:1-21 . Yahweh’ s covenant ( Deuteronomy 4:13 *) with Israel at Horeb ( Deuteronomy 1:2 *) and its obligations ( Deuteronomy 5:6-21). With D’ s version of the Decalogue ( Deuteronomy 5:6-21) compare the earlier form in Exodus 20:1-17 * (E). Wellhausen is wrong in holding that there is a third (an older) version in Exodus 34:10-26. The following are the principal characteristics of Dt.’ s rendering: ( a) There are hortatory additions, ( b) The statements are more definite and emphatic. ( c) The wife’ s status is higher. ( d) Dt. substitutes a humanitarian motive for the observance of the Sabbath (c f. Exodus 20:11 *). ( e) Dt. gives additional motives for honouring parents. ( f) Deuteronomy 5:14 adds ox, ass, man-servant, woman-servant to the list in Exodus 20:10 f.