Deuteronomy 5

Moses as mediator (type of Christ)

The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, Deuteronomy 5:4–5

Moses stood between Jehovah and a frightened people and carried God's word down to them. He is a type of Jesus Christ, the one Mediator who stands between God and us.

How we know: a traditional type, cited · a footnote points to Him

• a type of what is in 1 Timothy 2:5 — "one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" — the antitype of what Moses does here.
• alluded to by Galatians 3:19 — The law "was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator" — Paul's name for Moses' office at Sinai.
• the same event in Exodus 20:18-19 — The people stood afar off and said, "Speak thou with us ... but let not God speak with us, lest we die."

Jehovah

Jehovah — the covenant name, "I AM"

I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Deuteronomy 5:6–10

Here Jehovah speaks the law in His own voice. The resurrected Jesus told the Nephites that He is the one who gave this law, so the God speaking at Sinai is the premortal Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him · a footnote points to Him

• a parallel account in Exodus 20:2-6 — The same commandments as first given at Sinai, nearly word for word.
• interpreted by 3 Nephi 15:5 — "I am he that gave the law, and I am he who covenanted with my people Israel."
• alluded to by John 14:15 — Jesus takes up His own Sinai formula: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Premortal Christ (antemortal appearance)

And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. Deuteronomy 5:24–26

A whole nation saw the glory of the Lord and heard the living God speak out of the fire, and lived to tell it. The Church's Topical Guide lists this very verse among the antemortal appearances of Jesus Christ.

How we know: a Church study aid lists it · a footnote points to Him

• the same event in Deuteronomy 4:33-34 — Moses' own wonder at the same day: "Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire ... and live?"
• the same event in Exodus 20:18-19 — The people's terror at the mount and their plea that God not speak with them directly.

Moses as mediator (type of Christ)

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 5:27–31

The people ask Moses to go near to God in their place, the LORD approves their words, and keeps Moses beside Him to receive the law. That go-between errand points to Christ, who draws near to the Father on our behalf — and it is the very request God answers by promising a Prophet like Moses.

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him · a traditional type, cited · a footnote points to Him

• alluded to by Deuteronomy 18:16-18 — Recalls this Horeb request and answers it: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth."
• a type of what is in Hebrews 8:6 — Christ "is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises."
• interpreted by Acts 3:22 — Peter applies the Prophet-like-Moses promise to Jesus Christ.

Jehovah

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! Deuteronomy 5:29

Jehovah voices His longing that His people would have hearts that stay true. It shows the Savior's love: what He wants is that it be well with us and with our children forever.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him