Deuteronomy 5:27
Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.
Deuteronomy 5:27 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the Israelites are instructing Moses to serve as an intermediary between them and God. They request that Moses listen to God's commands and then relay them to the people so that they may hear and obey. This demonstrates the Israelites' desire to follow God's will and to live in accordance with His laws. By asking Moses to be their spokesperson, the Israelites are acknowledging his relationship with God and his role as a leader. They trust that Moses will accurately convey God's messages to them and that they will heed his words. This verse highlights the importance of communication between God and His people, as well as the necessity of having a faithful messenger to deliver His teachings. It also emphasizes the responsibility of the people to actively listen to God's commands and to act in accordance with His will.
Theological Overview
Within the theological interpretation of this verse, we see the Israelites expressing their desire to have a mediator between themselves and God. They ask Moses to go near and hear all that the Lord our God shall say, and then relay that information back to them. This request reveals the people's fear and reluctance to have a direct encounter with God, highlighting their belief in Moses as a trusted intermediary. The verse underscores the importance of having a spiritual guide or leader to help interpret and communicate God's message to the community. Additionally, this verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's word once it has been received, as the people promise Moses that they will hear and do all that the Lord has spoken through him. This demonstrates the Israelites' commitment to following God's commands and the role that Moses plays in facilitating their relationship with the divine.
Deuteronomy 5:27 in other translations
American Standard Version
Go thou near, and hear all that Jehovah our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that Jehovah our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.
World English Bible
Go near, and hear all that Yahweh our God shall say, and tell us all that Yahweh our God tells you; and we will hear it, and do it.”
Douay-Rheims
Approach thou rather: and hear all things that the Lord our God shall say to thee, and thou shalt speak to us, and we will hear and will do them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Go thou neere and heare all that the Lord our God saith: and declare thou vnto vs all that the Lord our God saith vnto thee, and we will heare it, and doe it.