Question 1

What is happening in this passage where Moses repeats the commandments?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, Moses gathers all Israel and reminds them of the covenant God made with them at Horeb. He tells them that God spoke to them from the fire and that he, Moses, stood between God and the people because they were afraid to come near. Then he repeats the Ten Commandments, starting with God’s claim on them as the One who brought them out of slavery in Egypt. Moses ends by urging them to obey everything God has said so they can live and do well in the land God is giving them.

Question 2

Why does Moses say the covenant was made not with the fathers but with us?

Accepted Answer

When Moses says the covenant was not made with their fathers but with “us,” he is stressing that the people standing there are personally bound to God’s agreement. He is not denying that earlier generations knew God, but he is saying this generation heard God’s voice at Horeb and is directly included. This keeps the covenant from feeling like an old story that belongs only to their ancestors. It is meant to press on their hearts that God’s words still matter right now, for them and their children.

Question 3

What does it mean that God is a jealous God visiting iniquity to the third and fourth generation?

Accepted Answer

“Jealous God” means God guards His honour and will not share His worship with idols. The warning about visiting sin to the third and fourth generation shows that turning from God has real effects on families and communities. Children often walk in the same path as their parents. At the same time, the passage says God shows mercy to thousands who love Him and keep His commands. So His mercy reaches far beyond His judgments. This saying is meant to warn against stubborn idolatry and draw people to loving, faithful obedience.

Question 4

Why is the Sabbath command linked to being brought out of Egypt here?

Accepted Answer

In this passage the Sabbath is tied to Israel’s past as slaves in Egypt. They once had no rest, but God brought them out by His strong hand. Because He freed them, they are to set apart the seventh day, stop work, and let servants and even animals rest as well. The day is not only about stopping work but about remembering God’s rescue and His kindness. Their own story of being oppressed and then freed should lead them to show mercy and to honour God by trusting His care enough to rest.

Question 5

What does this chapter teach about Moses being a mediator?

Accepted Answer

The people were terrified when God spoke from the fire, so they begged Moses to go near, hear God’s words, and then report them. Moses says he stood between the Lord and the people to show them God’s word. God approved what they said and continued to speak to Moses so he could pass everything on. This shows that while God is near and speaks, sinful people need someone to stand in between. Moses’ role highlights both God’s holiness and His kindness in providing a way for His people to hear and obey without being destroyed.

Question 6

Why were the people afraid when God spoke from the midst of the fire?

Accepted Answer

The people saw fire, thick darkness, and heard a great voice from the mountain. They understood that the living God was speaking directly to them, and they felt sure they would die if they kept hearing Him. They said that no one hears the voice of the living God from the fire and lives. Their fear shows they sensed God’s holiness and their own smallness and guilt. God did not rebuke them for this, but said they had spoken well, wishing that this fear of Him would stay in their hearts and lead them to ongoing obedience.

Question 7

What does this passage show about God’s heart when He says, “O that there were such an heart in them”?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “O that there were such an heart in them,” He is revealing His desire for a people who truly fear Him and keep His commandments always. He wants this not to crush them, but “that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever.” This line shows that God’s commands are given for their good. He is not pleased with empty or forced obedience. He longs for a sincere heart that loves Him, trusts His ways, and shows that love by walking in what He says.

Question 8

How do the Ten Commandments in this passage guide how people should live?

Accepted Answer

The Ten Commandments here shape life in two main directions: toward God and toward other people. They call Israel to worship only the true God, avoid images, honour His name, and keep a day set apart to remember Him and rest. They also command honour for parents, and forbid murder, adultery, stealing, lying, and coveting. Together they show that love for God should shape behaviour, thoughts, and desires. Obeying them is presented as the path to life, peace in the community, and long enjoyment of the land God is giving them.

Question 9

How can someone today apply the message of obedience and not turning aside right or left?

Accepted Answer

The call not to turn aside to the right or to the left means to stick closely to what God has said without adding to it or taking away from it. For someone today, this points to taking God’s word seriously, not treating His commands as suggestions, and not bending them to fit personal wishes or pressure from others. It also reminds us that obedience flows from remembering who God is and what He has done to save. Walking in His ways is presented as the path to life, not a burden meant to rob people of joy.

Deuteronomy 5:1

And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.

The Covenant at Horeb

The Ten Commandments

Moses Intercedes for the People

The Covenant at Horeb

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Deuteronomy 5:1

And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.

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The Covenant at Horeb

The Ten Commandments

Moses Intercedes for the People

The Covenant at Horeb

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