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Deuteronomy 5

33 verses

TL;DR

Moses reminds Israel of the covenant made at Horeb and recites the Ten Commandments, urging obedience to God’s law.

Summary

Moses gathers the Israelites and proclaims the statutes and judgments given at Horeb, emphasizing that the covenant was made with the living generation, not the fathers. He recounts God’s identity as deliverer from Egypt, the prohibition against other gods and graven images, and the sanctity of God’s name. The Sabbath command is detailed, mandating rest for all people and animals. Moses then restates the Ten Commandments—no killing, adultery, theft, false witness, or coveting—highlighting moral conduct. He reminds Israel of God’s covenantal faithfulness and mercy, warns against turning away, and concludes with a call to walk in God’s ways to secure a blessed life in the promised land.

Outline
  1. Covenant encounter at Horeb and the role of Moses as mediator
  2. Restatement of the Ten Commandments and Sabbath law
  3. Israel’s responsibility to obey and the promise of blessing
Themes
Covenant fidelityDivine authorityHuman obedience
Keywords
covenantlawcommandmentsSabbathworshipIsraelMosesGodidolatrymercyjealousy
People
Mosesthe LORDIsrael
Places
HorebMount SinaiEgyptPromised Land
Things
covenanttablets of stoneSabbathcommandmentsGod’s namefireclouddarknessvoice of Godgraven images
Key Verses
  • Deuteronomy 5:6: Reasserts God’s identity and role as deliverer from Egypt
  • Deuteronomy 5:7-8: Prohibits idolatry and creation of graven images
  • Deuteronomy 5:12-14: Specifies Sabbath observance and its universal rest requirement
  • Deuteronomy 5:16: Commands honoring parents as a foundational moral law
  • Deuteronomy 5:17-20: Lists core ethical prohibitions that form the Ten Commandments
  • Deuteronomy 5:22: Describes God writing the law on stone tablets, underscoring its permanence
Questions
  • How does the covenant at Horeb shape Israel’s identity and expectations?
  • What is the theological significance of the Sabbath command within the broader covenant?
  • In what ways do the Ten Commandments serve as a foundation for subsequent moral teaching?
  • How does Moses’ role as mediator influence the transmission of divine instruction?
Sentiment

mixed
Authoritative and solemn instruction with admonitions and promises