Deuteronomy 5:22

KJV

These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

These words {H1697} the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto all your assembly {H6951} in the mount {H2022} out of the midst {H8432} of the fire {H784}, of the cloud {H6051}, and of the thick darkness {H6205}, with a great {H1419} voice {H6963}: and he added no more {H3254}. And he wrote {H3789} them in two {H8147} tables {H3871} of stone {H68}, and delivered {H5414} them unto me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"These words ADONAI spoke to your entire gathering at the mountain from fire, cloud and thick mist, in a loud voice; then it ceased. But he wrote them on two stone tablets, which he gave to me.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD spoke these commandments in a loud voice to your whole assembly out of the fire, the cloud, and the deep darkness on the mountain; He added nothing more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me.

American Standard Version

These words Jehovah spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them upon two tables of stone, and gave them unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 5:22 serves as the climactic conclusion to Moses' recounting of the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Horeb (Sinai). This verse powerfully emphasizes the direct, overwhelming, and final nature of God's revelation to the entire Israelite assembly, delivered amidst a terrifying display of fire, cloud, and thick darkness. It highlights the divine authorship and enduring permanence of these foundational laws, which God Himself inscribed on stone tablets, subsequently entrusting them to Moses as the covenant mediator for the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 5:22 concludes Moses' vivid recapitulation of the Sinai covenant event, specifically the direct promulgation of the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:6-21). This chapter functions as a foundational reminder for the new generation of Israelites, poised to enter the Promised Land, of the unique and direct relationship God established with their ancestors at Horeb. The verse immediately precedes the people's terrified response to God's direct voice, leading them to request Moses to serve as an intermediary (Deuteronomy 5:23-27). Thus, Deuteronomy 5:22 not only marks the end of God's direct address but also sets the stage for Moses' ongoing mediatorial role, which is central to the entire book of Deuteronomy as a series of sermons delivered by him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Deuteronomy is the plains of Moab, approximately 40 years after the Exodus and the initial covenant ceremony at Mount Sinai (Horeb). The generation that experienced the direct revelation at Sinai had largely passed away due to their rebellion, and a new generation stood on the cusp of inheriting the land of Canaan. Moses, nearing the end of his life, delivers this series of sermons to impress upon them the critical importance of covenant faithfulness. Culturally, the act of inscribing laws on stone tablets was a common practice in the ancient Near East, signifying permanence, authority, and public declaration, often associated with treaties or royal decrees. The theophany described—fire, cloud, and darkness—was a unique and terrifying manifestation of God's presence, designed to instill awe and reverence, distinguishing Yahweh from the deities of surrounding nations and emphasizing His unapproachable holiness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It underscores the **Divine Authority** of God's law, originating directly from the Sovereign Lord, not merely from human wisdom or tradition. The **Direct Revelation** to the entire assembly highlights God's personal engagement with His people, establishing a unique covenant relationship that demanded exclusive loyalty. The phrase "he added no more" speaks to the **Sufficiency and Completeness** of these foundational commands as the core of God's moral and covenantal demands. Furthermore, the inscription on "two tables of stone" emphasizes the **Permanence and Immutability** of God's Word, intended to endure through generations. Finally, Moses' role in receiving these tablets foreshadows the ongoing need for **Mediation** between a holy God and His people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The fear and awe inspired by God's direct voice (as seen in [Exodus 19:16-19](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16-19 - The Terrifying Theophany at Sinai")) is a recurring motif, emphasizing God's transcendence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"great voice" (Hebrew, _qol gadol'_):** This phrase emphasizes the overwhelming power, clarity, and undeniable nature of God's direct speech. It was not a whisper or a mere impression, but an audible, resonant declaration that left no room for doubt about its divine origin and authority. The intensity of this voice is further underscored by its accompaniment of fire, cloud, and thick darkness, signifying a divine manifestation that transcended normal human experience and instilled profound awe and terror.
* **"added no more" (Hebrew, _lo yasaf'_):** This concise but potent phrase conveys the finality and self-sufficiency of the Ten Commandments as the foundational bedrock of God's covenant with Israel. It implies that these commands were complete in themselves, requiring no further elaboration or addition for their core purpose as the moral and ethical framework for the nation. This highlights their unique status as the direct, unmediated utterance of God, distinguishing them from subsequent statutes and ordinances given through Moses.
* **"two tables of stone" (Hebrew, _luchot even'_):** The material and quantity of the tablets are significant. Stone signifies permanence, durability, and immutability, contrasting with more perishable writing materials. The act of God Himself writing on them (Exodus 31:18) underscores their divine authorship and authority. "Two tables" likely refers to two copies of the covenant document, one for each party (God and Israel), or perhaps a division of the commandments (duties to God and duties to neighbor), both emphasizing the contractual and binding nature of the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount":** This clause establishes the direct, personal, and corporate nature of God's revelation. "These words" refers specifically to the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:6-21). "The LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes the covenant God's personal engagement. The address was not to Moses alone, nor to a select few, but "unto all your assembly," underscoring the collective responsibility and witness of the entire nation at Mount Horeb (Sinai).
* **"out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice":** This vividly describes the awe-inspiring theophany accompanying God's revelation. Fire, cloud, and thick darkness are classic biblical symbols of God's holy, unapproachable presence, often associated with judgment and divine majesty. The "great voice" confirms the audible nature of this direct communication, making the experience undeniably real and terrifyingly powerful for the Israelites.
* **"and he added no more":** This short phrase signifies the completeness and sufficiency of the Ten Commandments as the core, foundational revelation of God's moral law for Israel. It implies that these specific words were God's direct and final pronouncement for the fundamental principles of the covenant, distinct from the subsequent detailed laws and statutes given through Moses.
* **"And he wrote them in two tables of stone":** This highlights the divine authorship and the enduring, immutable nature of the Ten Commandments. God Himself inscribed these laws, not Moses, signifying their ultimate authority and permanence. The "two tables of stone" serve as a tangible, physical record of the covenant, designed to be a perpetual witness and guide for the nation.
* **"and delivered them unto me":** This final phrase establishes Moses' crucial role as the covenant mediator. While God spoke directly to the people, He entrusted the written, permanent form of the Law to Moses. This underscores Moses' unique position as the one chosen to receive, preserve, and teach God's laws to the nation, bridging the gap between a holy God and His people.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 5:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Theophany**, the visible manifestation of God. The description of God speaking "out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness" with a "great voice" is a classic depiction of divine presence, designed to evoke awe, fear, and reverence. This dramatic imagery emphasizes God's power, holiness, and transcendence. There is also significant **Emphasis** through **Repetition**, as Moses reiterates the Sinai event to a new generation, underscoring the foundational importance and enduring relevance of the covenant. The phrase "added no more" serves as a powerful **Understatement** or **Litotes**, succinctly conveying the absolute finality and sufficiency of these core commands. Finally, **Symbolism** is evident in the "tables of stone," which symbolize the permanence, immutability, and divine authorship of God's law, a tangible representation of an eternal truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 5:22 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine revelation, the authority of God's law, and the establishment of the covenant. It underscores God's active and personal engagement with humanity, choosing to reveal His character and will directly to His chosen people in a terrifying yet glorious display. The direct speech and the inscription on stone tablets signify the absolute authority and unchanging nature of God's moral standards, which are not subject to human whims or cultural shifts. This revelation forms the very bedrock of Israel's identity as a covenant nation, called to live in exclusive loyalty and obedience to Yahweh. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of mediation, as God's direct presence was too overwhelming for the people, necessitating Moses' role, which foreshadows the ultimate mediator.

* [Exodus 20:1-17](/exodus/20-1 "Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments")
* [Hebrews 12:18-24](/hebrews/12-18 "Hebrews 12:18-24 - Sinai vs. Zion")
* [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 5:22 calls us to a profound reverence for the Word of God and the God of the Word. The direct, powerful, and final nature of God's revelation at Sinai reminds us that His commands are not suggestions but authoritative declarations from the Creator of the universe. We are invited to reflect on the immense privilege of having God's revealed will, recognizing its enduring truth and moral authority even in a changing world. This verse challenges us to consider our own posture towards divine revelation: Do we approach God's Word with the awe and seriousness it demands, understanding it as a direct communication from the Almighty? It also encourages us to appreciate the sufficiency of God's foundational truths, recognizing that while application may vary, the core principles of His character and moral law remain constant. Ultimately, it directs our gaze to the ultimate Mediator, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God's Word and makes true communion with God possible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the terrifying nature of God's revelation at Sinai (fire, cloud, thick darkness) inform your understanding of God's holiness and majesty?**
* **What does the phrase "he added no more" imply about the sufficiency and foundational nature of the Ten Commandments for all generations?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the importance of God's direct communication with humanity, and how do we experience that communication today?**
* **How does Moses' role as mediator in this verse point to our need for a greater mediator, and what implications does that have for your faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did God speak directly to the entire assembly at Sinai, and what was the significance of this direct address?**

Answer: God spoke directly to the entire assembly at Mount Sinai (Horeb) to emphasize the unique, personal, and corporate nature of His covenant with Israel. This direct revelation, accompanied by a terrifying display of fire, cloud, and thick darkness, was designed to instill profound awe, reverence, and fear of the Lord (Deuteronomy 4:10). It underscored the undeniable divine origin and authority of the Ten Commandments, ensuring that the entire nation bore witness to the foundational principles of their relationship with Yahweh. This direct, unmediated communication established the covenant not just with Moses, but with every individual in the assembly, binding them collectively to God's law and demanding their exclusive loyalty. It set Israel apart as a nation uniquely chosen and directly addressed by the living God, distinguishing Him from the silent idols of other nations.

**What is the meaning of "he added no more," and why is this phrase important?**

Answer: The phrase "he added no more" signifies the completeness, finality, and foundational nature of the Ten Commandments as the core of God's moral and covenantal law for Israel. It indicates that these specific "words" (the Decalogue) were God's direct, self-sufficient, and exhaustive pronouncement of the fundamental principles for righteous living and covenant faithfulness. While God would later give more detailed statutes and ordinances through Moses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12-26](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12-26 - Laws and Ordinances")), these Ten Words stood distinct as the direct, unmediated utterance from God's own "great voice." This phrase emphasizes their unique authority, immutability, and their role as the bedrock upon which all subsequent laws and covenant stipulations were built. They were the essential, non-negotiable terms of the covenant relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 5:22, with its emphasis on God's direct, powerful, and final revelation of His Law, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God spoke from the mount in fire and cloud, His ultimate and most complete revelation is found in His Son. As [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in His Son") declares, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Jesus is the living Word, the perfect embodiment and fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17). He not only perfectly obeyed every jot and tittle of the Law but also revealed its deeper spiritual intent, moving beyond external compliance to internal transformation. The "great voice" of God at Sinai, too terrifying for the people, is superseded by the gentle yet authoritative voice of Christ, who invites us to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28). Furthermore, just as the Law was written on "tables of stone," the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrifice, promises that God will write His laws not on stone, but on the hearts and minds of His people through the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33; [2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Letters on Hearts")). Moses, as the mediator of the Old Covenant, foreshadowed Christ, who is the "mediator of a new covenant" (Hebrews 9:15), providing access to God not through terrifying displays, but through His atoning blood, making reconciliation and intimate relationship possible for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 31:18

And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

Exodus 24:12

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.

Deuteronomy 4:36

Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.

Deuteronomy 5:4

The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire,

Deuteronomy 4:12

And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only [ye heard] a voice.

Deuteronomy 4:15

Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day [that] the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:

Exodus 19:18

And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.