And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.
DEUTERONOMY 5:28KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 5:28 mean?
Deuteronomy 5:28 records that God listened to the words spoken by the Israelites and told Moses that He had heard everything the people said, affirming that what they expressed was good and appropriate. The verse highlights that God was attentive to the people's response and approved of their words at that moment.
In this setting, Moses is recounting to the Israelites how God responded after they heard His voice from the mountain and became afraid. The people had asked Moses to speak with God on their behalf because they were fearful of hearing directly from God. Deuteronomy 5:28 shows God acknowledging their request and expressing that their reaction was reasonable.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 5:28
- The word "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama‘) means more than just listening; it often includes the idea of paying attention and responding. Here, it emphasizes that God was fully aware of the people's concerns and took them seriously.
- "Voice" (קוֹל, qol) refers to the sound or utterance, highlighting that God was attentive not just to the content but to the very expression of the people's words.
- "Well" (יָטַב, yatav) means to do good or to be right. God is affirming that the people's request was appropriate, not just acceptable.
Why Deuteronomy 5:28 matters
- Deuteronomy 5:28 clarifies that God is not distant or indifferent; He listens carefully to people's fears and requests, even when they are afraid.
- The verse shows that God approved of the Israelites' desire for a mediator, which sets the stage for Moses' unique role as their go-between.
- This verse helps explain why the rest of the law is given through Moses rather than directly from God to the people, connecting to the broader narrative of Israel at Mount Sinai.