Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.
They could not bear God's voice and begged Moses to stand between them, promising obedience. But see their instability: earlier they had been ready to stone him. Terror wakes the conscience but does not change the heart. Fair promises drawn from guilt prove nothing; conviction without grace does not purify or fix good principles in the soul.
AI summary
Commenting on Deuteronomy 5:23-33
And the Lord heard the voice of your word, when ye spake unto me,.... Not only in a general way, as he hears and knows all that is spoken by men; for there is not a word on the tongue, formed upon it, and uttered by it, but what is altogether known to him; but in a special and particular manner observed, took notice of...