John Calvin Commentary 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?" — Deuteronomy 5:26 (ASV)

For who is there of all flesh? The word “flesh” is often used elsewhere in Scripture with a sense of contempt, referring to the human race. Although we consist of body and soul, when Scripture refers to the frailty of humans and their perishable and transitory condition, it calls them “flesh.” In this sense, Zechariah calls upon all flesh to be silent before the Lord (Zechariah 2:13), Isaiah says that all flesh is grass (Isaiah 40:6), and elsewhere, that the horses of the Egyptians are flesh, and not spirit (Isaiah 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. They were not ignorant that God had formerly spoken from the burning bush. However, in their agony of fear, they did not reflect on what had previously happened but only expressed their own feeling: that God’s voice is deadly to the flesh unless it is softened by some interposing remedy.

The notion of the Rabbis—that the Prophets are not to be counted among humans—is a foolish fancy, except insofar as God supports and strengthens them by His Spirit, so that they are capable of receiving visions. The Israelites were fully aware that Moses himself was also a mere mortal. Yet, because they knew that he was God’s chosen interpreter, they did not doubt that he would be inspired with power from heaven to endure God’s speaking.

There is no question that this confession was forced from them, so that they would eventually learn to return to their proper place and submit themselves to Moses, against whom they had so often been rebellious. Now, therefore, they willingly subscribed to that distinction, which they previously would not endure.

Their promise to do all things that God would command undoubtedly proceeded from the fervor of their zeal, and therefore God soon afterward praised 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 were thundering from heaven. Meanwhile, regarding themselves, their fickleness and inconsistency were soon discovered.

Thus, people often hastily and rashly consent to promise what they are not able to perform—not because they intentionally desire to deceive, but because they neglect to examine their own capabilities. God, therefore, pronounced what they said to be right: namely, that they would be obedient to Moses and content with his teaching.

This sentiment also applies to us, who are commanded to hear Moses and the Prophets, but especially God’s only Son, so that our vague speculations do not hurry us away further than is proper for us.