Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 5

Introduction

Overview

Deuteronomy 5:1, The covenant in Horeb; Deuteronomy 5:6, The ten commandments; Deuteronomy 5:23, At the people’s request Moses receives the law from God.

Verse 1

all Israel: Deuteronomy 1:1, Deuteronomy 29:2, Deuteronomy 29:10

Hear: Deuteronomy 4:1

keep, and: Heb. keep to, Matthew 23:3

Reciprocal: Exodus 18:16 - make Exodus 18:20 - teach Exodus 21:1 - the judgments Exodus 24:3 - all the judgments Leviticus 19:37 - General Leviticus 20:22 - judgments Deuteronomy 4:13 - And he Deuteronomy 5:31 - General 1 Kings 2:3 - statutes 2 Kings 23:3 - made a covenant 2 Chronicles 33:8 - to do all Nehemiah 1:7 - the commandments Nehemiah 10:29 - to observe Ezekiel 18:9 - walked Ezekiel 20:19 - walk John 1:17 - the law Romans 2:13 - For not Philippians 4:9 - do

Verse 2

Deuteronomy 4:23, Exodus 19:5-8, Exodus 24:8, Hebrews 8:6-13, Hebrews 9:19-23

Reciprocal: Exodus 34:10 - I make Deuteronomy 1:6 - in Horeb Deuteronomy 4:10 - the day Deuteronomy 26:17 - avouched Deuteronomy 29:1 - beside the Deuteronomy 29:12 - thou shouldest Joshua 24:25 - made 2 Kings 11:17 - made a covenant 2 Chronicles 23:16 - made a covenant Jeremiah 11:4 - I commanded Jeremiah 34:13 - I made Hebrews 8:9 - the covenant

Verse 3

Deuteronomy 29:10-15, Genesis 17:7, Genesis 17:21, Psalms 105:8-10, Jeremiah 32:38-40, Matthew 13:17, Galatians 3:17-21, Hebrews 8:8, Hebrews 8:9

Reciprocal: Exodus 34:10 - I make Deuteronomy 11:7 - General Deuteronomy 26:17 - avouched Deuteronomy 29:12 - thou shouldest Deuteronomy 29:15 - also with him Joshua 24:25 - made 2 Kings 11:17 - made a covenant 2 Chronicles 23:16 - made a covenant Esther 9:27 - and upon their seed Jeremiah 11:4 - I commanded Jeremiah 31:32 - Not Jeremiah 34:13 - I made Hebrews 12:19 - and the voice

Verse 4

Deuteronomy 5:24-26, Deuteronomy 4:33, Deuteronomy 4:36, Deuteronomy 34:10, Exodus 19:9, Exodus 19:18, Exodus 19:19, Exodus 20:18-22, Exodus 33:11, Numbers 12:8

Reciprocal: Genesis 17:22 - General Numbers 14:14 - art seen Deuteronomy 4:12 - the Lord Deuteronomy 5:22 - These words Deuteronomy 10:4 - which Nehemiah 9:13 - spakest Psalms 97:3 - General

Verse 5

Deuteronomy 5:27, Genesis 18:22, Exodus 19:16, Exodus 20:18-21, Exodus 24:2, Exodus 24:3, Numbers 16:48, Psalms 106:23, Jeremiah 30:21, Zechariah 3:1-5, Galatians 3:19, Hebrews 9:24, Hebrews 12:18-24

Reciprocal: Exodus 18:19 - Be thou Exodus 19:3 - went up Exodus 19:17 - General Exodus 20:21 - the people Deuteronomy 5:24 - we have heard Deuteronomy 18:15 - like unto me Deuteronomy 18:18 - like unto Deuteronomy 34:10 - the Lord Judges 6:22 - because 2 Thessalonians 1:8 - flaming

Verse 6

I am the: Deuteronomy 4:4, Exodus 20:2-17, Leviticus 26:1, Leviticus 26:2

brought: Psalms 81:5-10

bondage: Heb. servants

Reciprocal: Exodus 13:3 - out of the Deuteronomy 5:15 - the Lord Deuteronomy 6:4 - the Lord Deuteronomy 6:21 - We were Deuteronomy 9:10 - all the words Jeremiah 34:13 - out of Ezekiel 16:4 - for Ezekiel 20:19 - the Lord Micah 6:4 - I brought

Verse 7

Exodus 20:3, Matthew 4:10, John 5:23, 1 John 5:21

Reciprocal: Genesis 35:2 - strange Exodus 34:14 - worship 2 Kings 17:12 - whereof Ezekiel 20:19 - the Lord Mark 12:32 - for 2 Corinthians 6:16 - what

Verse 8

graven image: Deuteronomy 4:15-19, Exodus 20:4

Reciprocal: Leviticus 26:1 - Ye shall Deuteronomy 27:15 - maketh Psalms 97:7 - Confounded Isaiah 40:25 - General Acts 7:43 - figures Romans 1:23 - an image

Verse 9

shalt not: Exodus 20:4-6

the Lord: On the import of the word yehowah, which we translate Lord, see note on Exodus 3:15. The word elohim, which is rendered God, in the singular, eloah, and in Arabic allah, is derived from the Arabic alaha, he worshipped, adored, was struck with astonishment, fear, or terror, and hence, he adored with sacred honour and veneration. It also signifies, he succoured, liberated, kept in safety, or defended. Here we learn that elohim denotes the sole object of adoration; the perfections of whose nature must astonish all who contemplate them, and fill with horror all who rebel against him; that consequently he must be worshipped with reverence and religious fear; and that every sincere worshipper may expect help in all his weaknesses, etc., freedom from the power, guilt, and consequences of sin, and support and defence to the uttermost.

a jealous God: Exodus 34:14

visiting: Exodus 34:7, Jeremiah 32:18, Daniel 9:4-9, Matthew 23:35, Matthew 23:36, Romans 11:28, Romans 11:29

Reciprocal: Leviticus 26:1 - Ye shall Leviticus 26:39 - and also Deuteronomy 28:18 - the fruit of thy body Deuteronomy 32:16 - provoked Deuteronomy 32:41 - them that hate Judges 2:12 - bowed 2 Kings 9:26 - I will requite 2 Kings 10:6 - your master's sons 2 Chronicles 19:2 - hate the Lord Ezekiel 8:3 - provoketh Ezekiel 16:45 - that loatheth Ezekiel 18:19 - Why John 15:24 - hated Acts 7:43 - figures

Verse 10

showing: Isaiah 1:16-19, Jeremiah 32:18, Daniel 9:4, Matthew 7:21-27, Galatians 5:6, 1 John 1:7

love me: Deuteronomy 6:5, Deuteronomy 6:6, Deuteronomy 10:12, Deuteronomy 10:13, John 14:15, John 14:21-23, John 15:14, Romans 8:28, James 1:25, 1 John 5:2, 1 John 5:3

Reciprocal: Exodus 34:6 - merciful Exodus 34:7 - Keeping Deuteronomy 7:9 - which keepeth Psalms 103:8 - merciful

Verse 11

Deuteronomy 6:13, Exodus 20:7, Leviticus 19:12, Psalms 139:20, Jeremiah 4:2, Matthew 5:33, Matthew 5:34, James 5:12

Reciprocal: Proverbs 19:5 - unpunished Ezekiel 17:19 - surely Malachi 3:5 - the sorcerers

Verse 12

Exodus 20:8-11, Isaiah 56:6, Isaiah 58:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 2:3 - blessed Exodus 16:30 - General Exodus 31:14 - keep Exodus 34:21 - Six Exodus 35:2 - Six days Nehemiah 10:31 - the people Nehemiah 13:22 - sanctify Jeremiah 17:22 - neither do Ezekiel 20:12 - I gave

Verse 13

Exodus 23:12, Exodus 35:2, Exodus 35:3, Ezekiel 20:12, Luke 13:14-16, Luke 23:56

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:26 - General Leviticus 23:3 - General

Verse 14

the sabbath: Genesis 2:2, Exodus 16:29, Exodus 16:30, Hebrews 4:4

thy stranger: Nehemiah 13:15, Nehemiah 13:21

thy manservant: Exodus 23:12, Leviticus 25:44-46, Nehemiah 5:5

Reciprocal: Exodus 20:10 - thy manservant Deuteronomy 15:15 - General Deuteronomy 24:22 - General Deuteronomy 29:11 - stranger Nehemiah 13:16 - men of Tyre Mark 2:27 - General 1 Corinthians 9:9 - Doth

Verse 15

remember: Deuteronomy 15:15, Deuteronomy 16:12, Deuteronomy 24:18-22, Isaiah 51:1, Isaiah 51:2, Ephesians 2:11, Ephesians 2:12

the Lord: Deuteronomy 5:6, Psalms 116:16, Isaiah 63:9, Luke 1:74, Luke 1:75, Titus 2:14

through: Deuteronomy 4:34-37

Reciprocal: Exodus 13:3 - Remember Exodus 20:2 - out of the Exodus 20:10 - thy manservant Deuteronomy 6:21 - We were Deuteronomy 24:22 - General Deuteronomy 26:8 - the Lord 2 Kings 17:36 - a stretched

Verse 16

Honour: Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:3, Matthew 15:4-6, Colossians 3:20

that thy days: Deuteronomy 4:40, Deuteronomy 27:16, Ephesians 6:1-3

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 2:29 - into the land Deuteronomy 5:29 - that it might Deuteronomy 6:2 - thy days Deuteronomy 11:9 - prolong Deuteronomy 11:21 - your days Deuteronomy 12:25 - that it Deuteronomy 25:15 - that thy days Deuteronomy 30:20 - thou mayest 1 Kings 3:14 - I will lengthen Proverbs 4:10 - the Jeremiah 7:23 - that it Jeremiah 27:5 - and have Jeremiah 35:18 - Because Malachi 1:6 - son Matthew 19:18 - Thou shalt do Mark 7:10 - Honour Mark 10:19 - commit Luke 18:20 - Do not commit Romans 13:9 - For this Ephesians 6:3 - General

Verse 17

Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:21, Matthew 5:22

Reciprocal: Malachi 3:5 - the sorcerers James 2:11 - Do not commit

Verse 18

Exodus 20:14, Proverbs 6:32, Proverbs 6:33, Matthew 5:27, Matthew 5:28, Luke 18:20, James 2:10, James 2:11

Reciprocal: Leviticus 18:20 - General Jeremiah 5:8 - every one

Verse 19

Exodus 20:15, Romans 13:9, Ephesians 4:28

Reciprocal: Genesis 44:8 - how then Leviticus 19:11 - shall not Psalms 106:3 - at all times Habakkuk 1:7 - their judgment

Verse 20

Deuteronomy 19:16-21, Exodus 20:16, Exodus 23:1, 1 Kings 21:13, Proverbs 6:19, Proverbs 19:5, Proverbs 19:9, Malachi 3:5

Verse 21

Exodus 20:17, 1 Kings 21:1-4, Micah 2:2, Habakkuk 2:9, Luke 12:15, Romans 7:7, Romans 7:8, Romans 13:9, 1 Timothy 6:9, 1 Timothy 6:10, Hebrews 13:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 49:4 - because 1 Kings 21:2 - Give me Jeremiah 5:8 - every one Daniel 11:37 - the desire

Verse 22

These words: Deuteronomy 5:4, Deuteronomy 4:12-15, Deuteronomy 4:36, Exodus 19:18, Exodus 19:19

he wrote: Deuteronomy 4:13, Exodus 24:12, Exodus 31:18

Reciprocal: Exodus 10:22 - thick darkness Exodus 20:1 - General Exodus 32:15 - the testimony Deuteronomy 10:4 - out of the Deuteronomy 33:2 - a fiery law Judges 5:5 - that Sinai 1 Kings 8:12 - the thick Nehemiah 9:13 - spakest Job 38:1 - General Psalms 18:9 - darkness Psalms 147:19 - word Nahum 1:3 - his way Matthew 17:5 - a voice 2 Corinthians 3:7 - written Galatians 3:19 - in Hebrews 12:18 - General

Verse 23

Exodus 20:18, Exodus 20:19, Hebrews 12:18-21

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 4:11 - stood Deuteronomy 9:15 - the mount Psalms 18:9 - darkness Psalms 68:8 - Sinai Psalms 97:3 - General

Verse 24

we have heard: Deuteronomy 5:4, Deuteronomy 5:5, Exodus 19:19

he liveth: Deuteronomy 4:33, Genesis 32:30, Exodus 33:20, Judges 13:22

Reciprocal: Exodus 34:14 - jealous God Deuteronomy 11:2 - his greatness Deuteronomy 18:16 - Let me not hear Deuteronomy 32:3 - ascribe Judges 6:22 - because Psalms 97:3 - General Isaiah 33:14 - Who among us shall dwell with the Habakkuk 3:3 - His glory John 2:11 - manifested Hebrews 12:19 - they that

Verse 25

this great: Deuteronomy 18:16, Deuteronomy 33:2, 2 Corinthians 3:7-9, Galatians 3:10, Galatians 3:21, Galatians 3:22, Hebrews 12:29

hear: Heb. add to hear

Reciprocal: Genesis 3:8 - And they Isaiah 33:14 - Who among us shall dwell with the Matthew 8:34 - they besought Mark 5:17 - General Luke 8:37 - besought Acts 10:33 - are we

Verse 26

who is: It seems to have been a general opinion, that if God appeared to men, it was for the purpose of destroying them. And indeed most of the extraordinary manifestations of God were in the way of judgment; but here it was widely different. God did appear in a sovereign and extraordinary manner; but it was for the instruction, direction, deliverance, and support of his people.

1. They heard this voice speaking with them in a distinct, articulate manner.

2. They saw the fire, the symbol of his presence, the appearances of which demonstrated it to be supernatural.

3. Notwithstanding God appeared so terrible, yet no person was destroyed; for he came not to destroy but to save. Deuteronomy 4:33

all flesh: Genesis 6:12, Isaiah 40:6, Romans 3:20

living: Joshua 3:10, Psalms 42:2, Psalms 84:2, Jeremiah 10:10, Daniel 6:26, Matthew 26:63, Acts 14:15, 2 Corinthians 6:16, 1 Thessalonians 1:9

Reciprocal: Exodus 25:22 - and I will Deuteronomy 4:7 - who hath Judges 6:22 - because Judges 13:22 - We shall 1 Samuel 17:26 - defy Jeremiah 23:36 - of the Jeremiah 42:3 - General Matthew 16:16 - the living 1 Timothy 3:15 - the living Hebrews 9:14 - the living Hebrews 12:22 - of the Revelation 7:2 - living

Verse 27

Exodus 20:19, Hebrews 12:19

Reciprocal: Exodus 19:8 - General Exodus 24:3 - All the words Deuteronomy 5:5 - General Joshua 1:16 - General Joshua 24:21 - Nay Psalms 81:8 - if thou wilt Jeremiah 2:20 - and thou saidst Jeremiah 34:13 - I made Jeremiah 42:5 - if we Habakkuk 1:7 - their judgment Matthew 20:2 - he had Matthew 23:3 - whatsoever Mark 14:31 - Likewise John 6:28 - What Acts 7:38 - who

Verse 28

they have well said all: Deuteronomy 18:17, Numbers 27:7, Numbers 36:5

Reciprocal: Exodus 24:3 - All the words Joshua 24:21 - Nay Joshua 24:24 - General 2 Kings 21:8 - only if they Psalms 78:36 - Nevertheless Isaiah 48:1 - which swear Isaiah 58:2 - they seek Jeremiah 1:12 - Thou hast Ezekiel 33:31 - for with

Verse 29

The language of the original is emphatic: Mee yittain wehayah levavom zeh lahem, literally, "Who will give that there may be such a heart in them?" They refuse to receive such a heart from me, who then can supply it?

O that there: Deuteronomy 32:29, Deuteronomy 32:30, Psalms 81:13-15, Isaiah 48:18, Jeremiah 44:4, Ezekiel 33:31, Ezekiel 33:32, Matthew 23:37, Luke 19:42, 2 Corinthians 5:20, 2 Corinthians 6:1, Hebrews 12:25

keep all: Deuteronomy 11:1, Psalms 106:3, Psalms 119:1-5, Luke 11:28, John 15:14, Revelation 22:14

that it might: Deuteronomy 5:16, Deuteronomy 4:40, Deuteronomy 6:3, Deuteronomy 6:18, Deuteronomy 12:25, Deuteronomy 12:28, Deuteronomy 19:13, Deuteronomy 22:7, Ruth 3:1, Psalms 19:11, Isaiah 3:10, Jeremiah 22:14, Jeremiah 22:15, Ephesians 6:3, James 1:25

Reciprocal: Genesis 6:6 - grieved Exodus 20:6 - showing Deuteronomy 4:10 - fear me Deuteronomy 5:33 - well Deuteronomy 6:13 - fear Joshua 1:8 - observe Joshua 24:24 - General 2 Kings 21:8 - only if they 2 Chronicles 12:14 - to seek Nehemiah 9:16 - hearkened Psalms 78:7 - keep Psalms 78:36 - Nevertheless Psalms 107:8 - Oh that men Psalms 119:4 - General Proverbs 17:16 - seeing Isaiah 58:2 - they seek Jeremiah 7:23 - Obey Jeremiah 11:7 - in the Jeremiah 32:39 - for the Jeremiah 36:3 - may be Jeremiah 42:3 - General Jeremiah 42:6 - that it Ezekiel 12:3 - it may Luke 13:34 - how Revelation 3:15 - I would

Verse 31

See note on Deuteronomy 5:1, Deuteronomy 4:1, Deuteronomy 4:5, Deuteronomy 4:45, Deuteronomy 6:1, Deuteronomy 11:1, Deuteronomy 12:1, Ezekiel 20:11, Malachi 4:4, Galatians 3:29

Reciprocal: Exodus 4:15 - will teach Exodus 21:1 - the judgments Exodus 24:3 - all the judgments Exodus 33:21 - place by Numbers 21:18 - the lawgiver Deuteronomy 26:1 - General 2 Kings 17:37 - the statutes 2 Chronicles 33:8 - to do all Nehemiah 9:14 - commandedst Psalms 147:19 - his statutes Zechariah 9:11 - As

Verse 32

observe: Deuteronomy 6:3, Deuteronomy 6:25, Deuteronomy 8:1, Deuteronomy 11:32, Deuteronomy 24:8, 2 Kings 21:8, Ezekiel 37:24

ye shall not: Deuteronomy 4:1, Deuteronomy 4:2, Deuteronomy 12:32, Deuteronomy 17:20, Deuteronomy 28:14, Joshua 1:7, Joshua 23:6, Psalms 125:5, Proverbs 4:27, 2 Peter 2:21

Reciprocal: Exodus 34:11 - Observe Deuteronomy 7:11 - General Deuteronomy 17:11 - to the right Joshua 1:8 - observe 2 Samuel 14:19 - turn 2 Kings 22:2 - turned 1 Chronicles 28:8 - that ye may 2 Chronicles 34:2 - declined Nehemiah 10:29 - to observe Proverbs 8:20 - in the Isaiah 30:21 - when ye turn to the right Ezekiel 20:19 - walk Matthew 28:20 - them 1 John 5:17 - all

Verse 33

walk: Deuteronomy 10:12, Psalms 119:6, Jeremiah 7:23, Luke 1:6, Romans 2:7

well: Deuteronomy 5:29, Deuteronomy 4:40, Jeremiah 7:23, 1 Timothy 4:8

Reciprocal: Genesis 5:22 - General Deuteronomy 6:2 - thy days Deuteronomy 6:18 - that it may Deuteronomy 8:1 - General Deuteronomy 8:6 - walk Deuteronomy 11:32 - General Deuteronomy 25:15 - that thy days Joshua 1:8 - observe 2 Kings 10:31 - walk 1 Chronicles 28:8 - that ye may Psalms 105:45 - That Jeremiah 42:6 - that it Ezekiel 20:19 - walk Ephesians 2:10 - walk