Deuteronomy 5:29

“O that there were such an heart in them, etc.] Not that there is properly speaking such volitions and wishes in God; but, as Aben Ezra observes, the Scripture speaks after the language of the children of men; and may be considered as upbraiding them with want of such an heart, and with weakness to do what they had promised; and, at most, as approving of those things they spoke of as grateful to him, and profitable to them: the words may be rendered, “who will give f59 that they had such an heart”; not to me, but to them, as Aben Ezra notes; they cannot give it to themselves, nor can any creature give it to them; none but God can, and therefore they ought to have prayed to him to give them an…”

“Oh, that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me--God can bestow such a heart, and has promised to give it, wherever it is asked (Jer 32:40). But the wish which is here expressed on the part of God for the piety and steadfast obedience of the Israelites did not relate to them as individuals, so much as a nation, whose religious character and progress would have a mighty influence on the world at large. Next: Deuteronomy Chapter 6”

“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…”

“O that there were such an heart in them! - A heart to fear God, and keep his commandments forever! The God of heaven is truly and earnestly desirous of the salvation of poor sinners. He has given abundant proof that he is so: he gives us time and space to repent; by his mercies invites us to repentance, and waiteth to be gracious: has sent his son to redeem us, published a general offer of pardon, promised his spirit to those that pray for him; and has said, yea and sworn, that he hath no pleasure in the death of a sinner! Next: Deuteronomy Chapter 6”

“The language of the original is emphatic: Mee yittain wehayah levavom zeh lahem, literally, "Who will give that there may be such a heart in them?" They refuse to receive such a heart from me, who then can supply it? O that there: Deu 32:29, Deu 32:30; Psa 81:13-15; Isa 48:18; Jer 44:4; Eze 33:31, Eze 33:32; Mat 23:37; Luk 19:42; Co2 5:20, Co2 6:1; Heb 12:25 keep all: Deu 11:1; Psa 106:3, Psa 119:1-5; Luk 11:28; Joh 15:14; Rev 22:14 that it might: Deu 5:16; Deu 4:40, Deu 6:3, Deu 6:18; Deu 12:25, Deu 12:28; Deu 19:13; Deu 22:7; Rut 3:1; Psa 19:11; Isa 3:10; Jer 22:14, Jer 22:15; Eph 6:3; Jam 1:25 Deuteronomy 5:31”