Ver. 32. Ye shall not turn aside, &c.— A phrase signifying their strict observance of God's laws, and a steadfast persisting in the path of their duty. It is a metaphor taken from a traveller, who, being once set into the right way, ought not to deviate from it. See chap. Deuteronomy 4:2 Deuteronomy 17:11; Deuteronomy 17:20. Joshua 1:7.
REFLECTIONS.—Overcome by the displays of the terrible Majesty that they beheld, and trembling at the voice of God, they cannot endure the method of immediate communion with him, lest they die. Note; (1.) Fallen man is naturally in terror at God's voice. But, (2.) In Christ Jesus we are not afraid to approach him, because we know it is the voice of love. They propose:
1. That God would speak to them, not immediately from himself, but through Moses their mediator. They had despised him before, but they value him now when he can stand their friend. Awakened consciences see with different eyes.
2. They promise to be obedient. Nothing more common than to make great promises in time of peril; which are usually as soon forgotten, as the sailor's prayers when the storm is over.
3. God condescends to approve their motion, and speaks his desire that there were such a heart in them as now appeared, humble, reverential, and dutiful. Moses is appointed as the mediator between them, and him they must hear. Note; (1.) God is well pleased with every gracious purpose that his spirit excites in the heart, and delights in the salvation of souls. (2.) It were well for us, that there were constantly such a sense of God, and the things of God, upon our minds, as we sometimes feel. (3.) The word God speaks by his prophets and apostles, is as sure as what he speaks by his own voice from heaven, and equally to be regarded; and if the Scriptures are neglected, all the appearances of Sinai, if repeated, would never have any effect upon us.
4. Moses infers from all this, their obligation to be obedient; and assures them that it is the only way to be happy. No true happiness, in time or in eternity, is to be enjoyed, but in the way of true holiness.