“All That the LORD Has Spoken”

The Tone Of Voice often reveals the intent of the heart. When reading scripture aloud, we supply the tone of voice which we attribute to those whose words are quoted. By varying volume, speed and pitch and by stressing particular words or phrases, we try to convey the appropriate emotion. While the way we read reflects our understanding of the passage, it can also influence our under­standing of it.

What did Israel mean?

How, then, do we read, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do”? (Ex. 19:8, RSV, as all quotes). Do we lay the emphasis upon “all,” “we,” “the LORD,” “will” or “do?” Or perhaps the stress should be on “all” and “we will do.” Does the intent of the heart require a tone of voice that is clearly self-confident indicating the people of Israel are certain they are well-equipped to meet the moral challenge? Such a tone would proclaim their superiority over their neighbors and convey they believed they could become “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” by virtue of their own unaided efforts. Do they think they can be perfect?

After Moses returns from the Mount and recounts “all the words of the LORD and all the ordinances,” the people again affirm, “All the words which the LORD has spoken we will do” (24:3). Following the reading of the book of the covenant, the vow is repeated a third time. They are committed to accept the covenant of the Lord and to serve Him alone. They will not serve other gods.

The right emphasis

When the Deuteronomy account of these same incidents is consulted, it appears that, in each of these three readings, the stress should be on “the LORD.” When reading the declaration, the pace should be fairly slow, reflecting a thoughtful, reverent, humble spirit. There is no arrogance, no presumption involved. We have this upon divine authority: “Oh that they had such a mind as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments…” (Deut. 5:29).

In Deuteronomy 5:23-27, Moses recalls the people’s response: “Behold the LORD our God has shown us his glory and greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire…” Smitten with reverential awe, they commission Moses to be their mediator, “Go near, and hear all that the LORD our God will say; and speak to us all that the LORD our God will speak to you; and we will hear and do it.”

For this statement of faith, they are commended, “They have rightly said all that they have spoken” (v.28). The message of verse 29 is that such a spirit, if sustained, would bring blessing to them and to their children “for ever.”

A true remnant

Sadly, that spirit was not sustained in many. They turned to other gods. As always, however, there were faithful hearts whose commitment to God would endure throughout their mortal lives. Among them was Joshua. Years later, he reaffirms his determination to reject the worship of other gods and “fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness” (Josh. 24:14,15).

The challenge echoes down to us, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Conscious that the Lord our God abounds in “steadfast love and faithfulness,” we vow, “all that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.”