Deuteronomy 5:28 records God telling Moses that he has heard what the people said at Mount Horeb and that their words were good. The verse shows God paying close attention to what his people ask for and affirming the right kind of response to him. It is spoken by the LORD to Moses, after the Israelites had asked Moses to stand between them and the overwhelming presence of God on the mountain.
The LORD heard the voice of your words, when you spoke to me; and the LORD said to me, “I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken to you. They have well said all that they have spoken.
Deuteronomy 5:28 (WEB)
What Deuteronomy 5:28 Means
The verse opens with God hearing “the voice of your words,” a phrase that refers to what the people spoke to Moses. God is not simply noting that a conversation took place. He is saying he took their request seriously and noticed the content of it. The phrase “I have heard the voice of the words of this people” repeats the idea of listening, which makes the point that God’s attention is directed to his people’s actual words and not only to their general condition.
The final sentence, “They have well said all that they have spoken,” is an affirmation. The people had said they were terrified of the fire and voice of God and wanted Moses to receive God’s words and pass them along. God says that this was a good thing to say. The verse does not promise that God will grant every request, nor does it say the people were perfect in their faith. It shows that God commends a humble recognition of his holiness and a willingness to hear and obey.
The Context of Deuteronomy 5:28
Deuteronomy is presented as the words Moses spoke to Israel on the plains of Moab just before they entered the promised land, and tradition attributes the book to Moses. Chapter 5 recalls the giving of the Ten Commandments at Horeb, the mountain also called Sinai. The people had just witnessed the fire, cloud and voice of God and feared that another direct encounter would destroy them. Their request, in verses 25 to 27, was for Moses to go near God and bring back the message.
Just before verse 28, the people ask why they should die in the fire and say that Moses should go near and listen. Verse 28 is God’s answer, and it is immediately followed in verse 29 by God wishing that their hearts would fear him and keep his commandments always. Read in that setting, verse 28 is not a casual compliment. It is the hinge between the people’s fear and the longing God expresses for a faithful heart that would keep his commands for generations.
Key Phrases in Deuteronomy 5:28
Deuteronomy 5:29
Oh that there were such a 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 forever!
(WEB)
This verse follows directly after and shows God’s heart behind his approval. He longs for a heart that fears him and keeps his commandments so that his people may flourish. Reading it alongside verse 28 shows that God’s affirmation of the people’s words is tied to his hope for their lasting faithfulness.
Exodus 20:19
They said to Moses, “Speak with us yourself, and we will listen; but don’t let God speak with us, lest we die.”
(WEB)
This passage records the same scene at Sinai from the perspective of the account in Exodus, where the people ask Moses to speak with God on their behalf. Reading it together with Deuteronomy 5:28 helps you see the continuity of Israel’s request and God’s response across the two books.
A Short Prayer From Deuteronomy 5:28
Lord, you hear the words I speak, even when they come out of fear or uncertainty. Thank you that you are not distant from my requests but attentive to every honest word I bring to you. Help me to ask for your guidance with a humble heart and to listen for your voice in your word. Give me a heart that fears you, keeps your commands and trusts your faithfulness for my life and for those I love. Amen.
