Deuteronomy 5:26

“For who [is there] of all flesh, etc.] What man was there in any age, that was ever heard of or can be named: that hath heard the voice of the living God; who lives in and of himself, and is the author and giver of life to all his creatures, whereby he is distinguished from and is opposed unto the lifeless deities of the Gentiles; and which makes him and his voice heard the more awful and tremendous, and especially as speaking out of the midst of the fire: which was the present case: as we [have], and lived? of this there never was the like instance; for though some had seen God and lived, as Jacob did, and therefore called the name of the place where he saw him Penuel, (<013230>Genesis…”

“These verses contain a much fuller narrative of the events briefly described in Exodus 20:18-21. Here it is important to call attention to the fact that it was on the entreaties of the people that Moses had taken on him to be the channel of communication between God and them. God approved Deuteronomy 5:28 the request of the people, because it showed a feeling of their own unworthiness to enter into direct communion with God. The terrors of Sinai had done their work; they had awakened the consciousness of sin. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Deuteronomy 5". "Barnes' Notes on the…”

“Flesh - Is here put for man in his frail, corruptible, and mortal state. Deuteronomy 5:29”

“who is: It seems to have been a general opinion, that if God appeared to men, it was for the purpose of destroying them. And indeed most of the extraordinary manifestations of God were in the way of judgment; but here it was widely different. God did appear in a sovereign and extraordinary manner; but it was for the instruction, direction, deliverance, and support of his people. 1\. They heard this voice speaking with them in a distinct, articulate manner. 2\. They saw the fire, the symbol of his presence, the appearances of which demonstrated it to be supernatural. 3\. Notwithstanding God appeared so terrible, yet no person was destroyed; for he came not to destroy but to save. Deu 4:33 all…”