Deuteronomy 5:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} heard {H8085} the voice {H6963} of your words {H1697}, when ye spake {H1696} unto me; and the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, I have heard {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the words {H1697} of this people {H5971}, which they have spoken {H1696} unto thee: they have well {H3190} said all that they have spoken {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI heard what you were saying when you spoke to me, and ADONAI said to me, 'I have heard what this people has said when speaking to you, and everything they have said is good.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD heard the words you spoke to me, and He said to me, “I have heard the words that these people have spoken to you. They have done well in all that they have spoken.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and Jehovah 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 5:28 captures a profound moment in Israel's covenant history, where the LORD unequivocally affirms the sincerity and appropriateness of the people's response at Mount Horeb. Overwhelmed by the terrifying, direct manifestation of God's presence as He delivered the Ten Commandments, the Israelites pleaded with Moses to serve as their intermediary, promising to listen and obey all that God would communicate through him. This verse records God's immediate and positive acknowledgment of their words, signifying divine approval of their expressed fear, reverence, and initial commitment to the covenant, thereby validating Moses' pivotal role as mediator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Moses' second major discourse in Deuteronomy, which serves as a solemn recounting and re-establishment of the covenant made at Mount Horeb (Sinai) with the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab. Immediately preceding this, [Deuteronomy 5:6-21](/deuteronomy/5-6-21 "Deuteronomy 5:6-21 - The Ten Commandments") vividly describes the direct, awe-inspiring, and profoundly terrifying delivery of the Ten Commandments by God Himself. The people's overwhelming fear, their sense of impending death, and their inability to endure further direct divine communication are powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 5:24-27](/deuteronomy/5-24-27 "Deuteronomy 5:24-27 - Israel's Fear and Request for a Mediator"), where they earnestly request Moses to act as their intermediary. [Deuteronomy 5:28](/deuteronomy/5-28 "Deuteronomy 5:28 - God's Affirmation of Israel's Words") is God's direct, affirming response to this plea, validating their words and setting the crucial precedent for Moses' ongoing role as the primary conduit of divine revelation and law for the nation of Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Moses' address is the plains of Moab, approximately 40 years after the Exodus, with the generation that initially experienced the Horeb covenant having largely passed away. Moses is speaking to a new generation on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, reminding them of their foundational covenant obligations and the unique, terrifying, yet glorious nature of their encounter with God at Sinai. The Horeb event was unparalleled in ancient Near Eastern history, as God revealed Himself directly to an entire nation, establishing their identity as His chosen people. The Israelites' request for a mediator was not a rejection of God but a profound recognition of His overwhelming holiness and their own finite, sinful nature, a common human response to divine power. This act of mediation would become a defining characteristic of Israel's relationship with God, highlighting the necessary bridge between a holy God and His people.

* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 5:28](/deuteronomy/5-28 "Deuteronomy 5:28 - God's Affirmation of Israel's Words") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's Attentiveness and Responsiveness** to His people, demonstrating a deity who actively listens, understands, and engages with the concerns and expressions of His covenant partners. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Approval of Sincerity and Righteous Intent**, as God commends their words not merely for being spoken, but for being "well said," reflecting a genuine, albeit temporary, fear and desire to obey. This divine validation is crucial. Thirdly, the verse solidifies the **Necessity and Divine Sanction of a Mediator**, establishing Moses' crucial role in bridging the gap between a holy God and fallible Israel, a theme that profoundly foreshadows the ultimate mediator. Finally, it touches on the theme of **Human Responsibility and the Promise of Obedience**, as the people's words imply a commitment to "hear and do" (as stated in [Deuteronomy 5:27](/deuteronomy/5-27 "Deuteronomy 5:27 - The People's Promise to Obey")), which God acknowledges with approval, even as the subsequent narrative will reveal their tragic failures to consistently live up to this promise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** Occurring twice in the verse, this term (H3068) refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, the covenant name of God revealed to Israel. Its presence emphasizes that it is the sovereign, personal, and covenant-keeping God who is actively hearing, speaking, and affirming His people. This is not a distant deity, but Yahweh, intimately involved in the covenant relationship with Israel, demonstrating His character as both transcendent and immanent.
* **heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** The verb "heard" (H8085) is highly significant in Deuteronomy, often carrying the connotation of "to hear intelligently," "to listen attentively," and implicitly, "to obey." Here, in its initial usage, it emphasizes God's active perception and understanding of the people's words. It is not a passive reception of sound but an attentive, discerning reception of their plea. God not only registers their spoken words but comprehends the underlying fear, reverence, and sincere intention behind their request for a mediator. This divine "hearing" sets the stage for His subsequent affirmation and the continuation of the covenant relationship through Moses.
* **well (Hebrew, _yâṭab'_):** The phrase "they have well said" comes from the root (H3190), meaning "to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)." This is a powerful divine commendation. It indicates that the people's words were not merely appropriate or understandable, but morally and spiritually commendable in God's sight. Their expression of fear and their request for a mediator stemmed from a proper understanding of God's holiness and their own limitations, and God affirmed this discernment as "good" and fitting, validating their response to His overwhelming presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me;":** This initial clause emphasizes God's direct and immediate perception of the Israelites' plea. The phrase "voice of your words" highlights that their spoken request, born out of profound fear and awe at Mount Horeb, reached the divine ear. The "unto me" clarifies that Moses is recounting God's direct address to him, confirming that God was fully aware of the people's sentiments and their request for mediation.
* **"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."**: This second, more extensive clause is God's direct affirmation to Moses concerning the people's words. The repetition of "I have heard the voice of the words" underscores the certainty and completeness of God's understanding. The crucial addition, "they have well said all that they have spoken," is the divine stamp of approval. It signifies that their request for Moses as a mediator, their recognition of God's terrifying holiness, and their expressed desire to obey were not only understood but deemed righteous, appropriate, and commendable in God's eyes. This validates their fear and their choice to seek an intermediary for further divine communication.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 5:28 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and underscore its significance. **Repetition** is prominently used, particularly in the phrases "heard the voice of your words" and "heard the voice of the words of this people." This repetition serves to emphasize God's attentiveness and the certainty of His reception of their plea, highlighting the gravity of the people's spoken words and God's direct, responsive engagement. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God "hearing" and "speaking," attributing human senses and actions to the divine. This device makes God's engagement relatable and comprehensible to the Israelites, underscoring His personal involvement in their covenant relationship. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful moment of **Divine Affirmation**, where God explicitly validates the people's response as "well said." This affirmation is a crucial rhetorical act, establishing the legitimacy of their fear and the necessity of Moses' mediatorial role, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent giving of the Law through Moses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 5:28 profoundly reveals God's character as an attentive and responsive deity who not only hears the cries of His people but also discerns the sincerity of their hearts. His commendation, "they have well said," underscores that genuine fear of the Lord and a humble recognition of one's limitations in the face of divine holiness are pleasing to Him. This moment establishes the foundational principle of mediation in the covenant, acknowledging humanity's inherent need for an intermediary to bridge the infinite gap between a holy God and fallible humanity. While the Israelites' initial sincerity was commendable, the subsequent narrative of Israel's history, particularly in the wilderness, would tragically demonstrate their inability to consistently live up to this promise of obedience, highlighting the persistent need for divine grace and a more perfect mediator.

* [Exodus 19:16-19](/exodus/19-16-19 "Exodus 19:16-19 - The Terrifying Revelation at Sinai")
* [Hebrews 12:18-24](/hebrews/12-18-24 "Hebrews 12:18-24 - Mount Sinai vs. Mount Zion")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - To Obey is Better than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 5:28 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God is not a distant, unfeeling deity but one who actively listens to the "voice of our words" and discerns the sincerity of our hearts. Just as He affirmed the Israelites' genuine fear and desire for a mediator, He values our honest confessions, our humble requests, and our heartfelt commitments. This verse calls us to approach God with reverence and sincerity, knowing that He desires a relationship built on truth and genuine intention, not mere ritual or empty words. While we, like the Israelites, often fall short of our promises, God's initial affirmation of their "well said" words invites us to continually return to Him with renewed commitment, trusting in His attentiveness and grace. It also deepens our appreciation for the ultimate mediator, without whom our access to a holy God would be impossible, transforming our fear into reverent love and confident approach.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's affirmation of the Israelites' "well said" words encourage you in your own prayers and commitments to Him?**
* **In what ways does the Israelites' fear at Horeb and their need for a mediator resonate with your understanding of God's holiness and your own human limitations?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sincerity and reverence in your relationship with God, moving beyond mere lip service to heartfelt obedience?**

### FAQ
**What does "they have well said all that they have spoken" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase signifies God's divine approval and commendation of the Israelites' words. It means that their expressed fear of God's overwhelming presence, their recognition of their inability to directly endure further divine communication, and their request for Moses to mediate on their behalf were not only appropriate but also righteous and commendable in God's sight. It wasn't just that their words were heard, but that the underlying sentiment—a proper reverence for God's holiness and a desire for obedience—was deemed "good" by Yahweh. This validation set the stage for Moses to continue as the primary conduit for God's law, as seen in [Deuteronomy 5:31](/deuteronomy/5-31 "Deuteronomy 5:31 - God's Promise to Speak Through Moses").

**Did the Israelites live up to their promise of obedience, which God affirmed here?**

Answer: While God affirmed their initial sincerity and their expressed desire to obey at Mount Horeb, the subsequent history of Israel, both in the wilderness and later in the land, demonstrates a consistent pattern of disobedience and covenant breaking. Despite their "well said" words in [Deuteronomy 5:27](/deuteronomy/5-27 "Deuteronomy 5:27 - The People's Promise to Obey"), their actions often fell short. This highlights the human tendency to fail even after sincere promises, underscoring the need for God's persistent grace and the ultimate solution found in a new covenant, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 5:28, with its emphasis on the people's desperate need for a mediator and God's approval of that need, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect mediation of Jesus Christ. The Israelites, terrified by God's unapproachable holiness at Sinai, recognized their profound inability to stand directly before Him, prompting their request for Moses to intercede. This human limitation finds its divine and perfect answer in Christ, who is the "one mediator between God and mankind" ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - Christ, the One Mediator")). Unlike Moses, who was a temporary and imperfect mediator, Jesus perfectly bridges the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, not merely by conveying words but by offering Himself as the atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). Through His finished work on the cross, believers can now "approach God with freedom and confidence" ([Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Access to God Through Christ")), having a High Priest who not only understands our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")) but also perfectly fulfills all righteousness and offers the means for true obedience from a transformed heart, a promise that the old covenant could not fully deliver ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")). Thus, the "well said" words of the Israelites at Horeb find their ultimate and lasting fulfillment in the "well done" work of Christ, which grants us access and reconciliation to God.

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

Deuteronomy 18:17

And the LORD said unto me, They have well [spoken that] which they have spoken.

Numbers 36:5

¶ And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well.

Numbers 27:7

The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.