Deuteronomy 5:23-33

Contemporary English Version

The People Were Afraid

(Exodus 20.18-21)

Moses said to Israel:

²³ When fire blazed from the mountain, and you heard the voice coming from the darkness, your tribal leaders came to me ²⁴ and said:

Today the Lord our God has shown us how powerful and glorious he is. He spoke to us from the fire, and we learned that people can live, even though God speaks to them. ²⁵ But we don't want to take a chance on being killed by that terrible fire, and if we keep on hearing the Lord's voice, we will die. ²⁶ Has anyone else ever heard the only true God speaking from fire, as we have? And even if they have, would they live to tell about it? ²⁷ Moses, go up close and listen to the Lord. Then come back and tell us, and we will do everything he says.

²⁸ The Lord heard you and said:

Moses, I heard what the people said to you, and I approve. ²⁹ I wish they would always worship me with fear and trembling and be this willing to obey me! Then they and their children would always enjoy a successful life.

³⁰ Now, tell them to return to their tents, ³¹ but you come back here to me. After I tell you my laws and teachings, you will repeat them to the people, so they can obey these laws in the land I am giving them.

Moses said:

³² Israel, you must carefully obey the Lord's commands. ³³ Follow them, because they make a path that will lead to a long successful life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.