Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Deuteronomy 5:26
For who [is there of] all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we [have], and lived?
26. flesh ] Emphatic; it cannot endure immediate contact with spirit (Isa 31:3).
the living God ] Rather, a living God, cp. Deu 4:33. The phrase always occurs in the O.T. without the article even when as in 1Sa 17:26; 1Sa 17:36, and Jer 23:36 it is the living God who is meant. In Jer 10:10 it is indefinite as here. These are all the instances of this form. Kindred forms in Jos 3:10 indefinite; Hos 2:1, 2Ki 19:4; 2Ki 19:16 definite.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Flesh is here put for man in his frail, corruptible, and mortal state, as Mat 16:17; 1Co 15:50; Eph 6:12; Heb 2:14.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
For who [is there] of all flesh,…. 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, Ge 32:30, and Moses had heard the voice of the angel of the Lord out of a bush, which seemed to be burning, and was not consumed, Ex 3:2, yet none ever heard the voice of the Lord out of real fire, and particularly expressing such words as he did, but the Israelites. Zoroastres, the founder of the Magi among the Persians, and of their religion, seems to have had respect to this, and to have applied falsely this to himself, which belonged to Moses and the people of Israel; for it is said k,
“one reason the Persians have fire in so much veneration is, because they say that Zoroastres, being caught up to heaven, did not see God, but heard him speaking with him out of the midst of fire.”
k Hyde Hist. Relig. Vet. Pers. c. 8. p. 160.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
26. For who is there of all. flesh? The word “flesh” is used in contempt, as often elsewhere, for the human race; for, although we consist of body and soul, yet when the frailty of men, and their perishing and transitory condition is referred to, Scripture calls them “flesh.” In this sense Zechariah calls upon “all flesh to be silent before the Lord,” (Zec 2:13,) and Isaiah says that “all flesh is grass,” (Isa 40:6,) and elsewhere, that “the horses of the Egyptians are flesh, and not spirit,” (Isa 31:3.) In these words, then, the reason is given why the Israelites should wonder that they were not killed and consumed after hearing God’s voice. Still they were not ignorant that God had formerly spoken in the burning bush; but in their agony of fear they do not reflect on what had previously happened, but only express their own feeling that God’s voice is deadly to the flesh, unless it is softened by some interposing remedy. For the notion of the Rabbins, that the Prophets are not to be counted amongst men, is a foolish fancy, except in so far as God supports and strengthens them by His Spirit, that they may be equal to the reception of visions. The Israelites were fully aware that Moses also was himself a mere mortal; yet, because they knew that he was God’s chosen interpreter, they do not doubt but that he will be inspired with power from heaven, to endure the speaking of God. Nor is there any question that this confession was forced from them, that they may at length learn to fall back to their proper place, and to submit themselves to Moses, against whom they had been so often rebellious. Now, therefore, they willingly subscribe to that distinction, which before they would not bear. Their promise, that they would do all things which God should command, undoubtedly proceeded from the fervor of their zeal; and therefore, God soon afterwards praises their answer. Their words were to the same effect., as if they had said that they would value whatever Moses might set before them, as if God Himself should thunder from heaven. Meanwhile: as to themselves, their levity and inconsistency was soon discovered. Thus do men often hastily and rashly consent to promise what they are not able to perform, although they do not intentionally desire to deceive, from neglecting to examine their own powers. God, therefore, pronounces what they said to be right, viz., that they would be obedient to Moses, and content with his teaching. And this sentiment has reference to us also, who are commanded to hear Moses and the Prophets, but especially God’s only Son; lest our vague speculations should hurry us away further than becomes us.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
who . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.
the living God. Both plurals. First occurrence of this title, always in contrast with idols, latent or expressed. Compare Act 14:15. 1Th 1:9, &c,
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
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 flesh: Gen 6:12, Isa 40:6, Rom 3:20
living: Jos 3:10, Psa 42:2, Psa 84:2, Jer 10:10, Dan 6:26, Mat 26:63, Act 14:15, 2Co 6:16, 1Th 1:9
Reciprocal: Exo 25:22 – and I will Deu 4:7 – who hath Jdg 6:22 – because Jdg 13:22 – We shall 1Sa 17:26 – defy Jer 23:36 – of the Jer 42:3 – General Mat 16:16 – the living 1Ti 3:15 – the living Heb 9:14 – the living Heb 12:22 – of the Rev 7:2 – living
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Deu 5:26. Flesh Is here put for a man in his frail, corruptible, and mortal state.