Deuteronomy 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Moses calls all Israel to listen to the statutes and ordinances he speaks (vv. 1-5). He emphasizes that Yahweh made a covenant with those present, not with their ancestors.

Key verse

“I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”
Deuteronomy 5:6 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 5:1–5 Moses Calls for Attention
Deuteronomy 5:6–10 Covenant Reminder
Deuteronomy 5:11–21 The Ten Commandments
Deuteronomy 5:22–27 The Divine Encounter
Deuteronomy 5:28–31 God's Response to the People
Deuteronomy 5:32–33 Call to Obedience

Discussion questions

What does Moses ask Israel to listen to in v1?
In v6, what does Yahweh remind Israel about their past?
Why does Yahweh say in v29, 'Oh that there were such a heart in them'?
In v25, what is the reason Israel gives for their fear of hearing God’s voice?
When have you struggled to 'keep my commandments' as mentioned in v10?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 5: Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 4, Joshua 1.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 6.