Deuteronomy 5:31

But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do [them] in the land which I give them to possess it.

But as for thee, stand {H5975} thou here by me {H5978}, and I will speak {H1696} unto thee all the commandments {H4687}, and the statutes {H2706}, and the judgments {H4941}, which thou shalt teach {H3925} them, that they may do {H6213} them in the land {H776} which I give {H5414} them to possess {H3423} it.

But you, stand here by me; and I will tell you all the mitzvot, laws and rulings which you are to teach them, so that they can obey them in the land I am giving them as their possession.'

But you stand here with Me, that I may speak to you all the commandments and statutes and ordinances you are to teach them to follow in the land that I am giving them to possess.”

But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandment, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 5:31 captures a pivotal moment in ancient Israel's history, immediately following the dramatic revelation of the Ten Commandments at Mount Horeb (Sinai). This verse highlights God's direct communication with Moses, emphasizing his unique role as mediator between the Lord and the Israelite people. It sets the stage for the detailed laws and instructions that would govern their lives in the Promised Land.

Context

This verse is a direct continuation of the narrative in Deuteronomy chapter 5, which recounts the renewal of the covenant made at Horeb. The Israelites had just experienced the terrifying manifestation of God's presence as He spoke the Ten Commandments directly to them (Deuteronomy 5:4). Overwhelmed by the divine majesty and fearing for their lives, the people pleaded with Moses to be their intermediary, saying, "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). God approved of their request, confirming Moses' singular position. Verse 31 is God's response to this, instructing Moses to "stand thou here by me" to receive further instructions.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mediation: God chose Moses as His direct messenger to deliver the law to Israel. This mediation was essential due to the people's inability to withstand God's unmediated presence, underscoring Moses' unique relationship with the Almighty (Numbers 12:7).
  • The Comprehensive Nature of God's Law: The phrase "all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments" collectively refers to the entire body of divine law. These terms encompass moral principles (commandments), ceremonial laws and ordinances (statutes), and civil laws or judicial decisions (judgments). God intended to provide a complete framework for a holy and just society.
  • Moses' Role as Teacher: Moses was not merely a recipient of the law but also its primary instructor. He was commanded to "teach them," highlighting the importance of communicating God's word clearly and effectively to the next generation. This responsibility was passed down through the generations (Deuteronomy 6:7).
  • Obedience and Inheritance: The ultimate purpose of receiving and teaching the law was "that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it." This firmly connects Israel's obedience to God's commands with their successful inheritance, flourishing, and continued possession of the Promised Land. Disobedience would lead to severe consequences, while faithfulness would bring blessing and stability.

Linguistic Insights

The three terms—commandments (Hebrew: mitzvot), statutes (Hebrew: chukkim), and judgments (Hebrew: mishpatim)—are often used together in Deuteronomy. While there can be some overlap, they generally refer to different aspects of God's comprehensive law:

  • Commandments (mitzvot): Often refers to general moral principles, like the Ten Commandments.
  • Statutes (chukkim): Refers to ordinances or decrees, often those with a ritual or ceremonial aspect, whose reasons might not be immediately obvious but are binding because they are divinely ordained.
  • Judgments (mishpatim): Refers to civil laws, judicial decisions, or legal precedents that establish justice and equity in society.

Together, they emphasize the holistic nature of God's instruction, covering every facet of life for the Israelite community.

Practical Application

For believers today, Deuteronomy 5:31 underscores several timeless principles:

  1. The Value of God's Word: Like ancient Israel, we are called to receive and obey God's instructions. While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ, the moral principles and the call to live in obedience to God remain foundational.
  2. The Importance of Teaching: Just as Moses was to teach the people, there is a continuing need for faithful teaching and discipleship within the Christian community, ensuring that God's truth is communicated and understood.
  3. Obedience Leads to Blessing: While our salvation is by grace through faith, the principle that obedience to God's will leads to a flourishing life and deeper communion with Him is consistent throughout Scripture. We are called to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" (Ephesians 4:1).
  4. God's Desire for Intimacy: Even though the people feared God's direct voice, His ultimate desire was to dwell among them and guide them. This foreshadows the incarnation of Jesus Christ, through whom God speaks to us most perfectly and intimately.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 3:19

    ¶ Wherefore then [serveth] the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; [and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

  • Deuteronomy 4:1

    ¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

  • Ezekiel 20:11

    And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them.

  • 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 4:5

    Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

  • Deuteronomy 4:45

    These [are] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt,

  • Malachi 4:4

    ¶ Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, [with] the statutes and judgments.
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