The Israelites express their terror through questions rather than direct statements to convey the urgency and existential threat they feel. By framing their fear as a question, they invite Moses to intercede and propose an alternative arrangement that will preserve their lives while maintaining covenant relationship with God.

Moses assured the people that God had heard their words and approved their request (Deuteronomy 5:28). God Himself validated their fear and established Moses as the mediatorial prophet who would receive divine communication and relay it to the people. Moses instructed them to return to their tents while he remained with God to receive the statutes and commandments (Deuteronomy 5:30-31).

The question ‘Why should we die?’ exposes the Israelites’ raw terror after hearing God’s voice at Horeb. The Hebrew word order emphasizes the absurdity they perceive: ‘And now, why should we die?’ They had survived the initial revelation, so continuing seemed suicidal. The people frame their concern as a question rather than a flat refusal because they genuinely seek understanding of how covenant relationship can continue without annihilation. Their second question, ‘This great fire will consume us?’ uses the verb ‘akal’ (consume), which carries overtones of complete destruction, like fire devouring stubble. The question format reveals their theological wrestling: they desire God’s presence but recognize their human limitations. This moment establishes the mediatorial principle that would govern Israel’s relationship with God and ultimately point to the necessity of Christ, the perfect Mediator who could represent both parties fully.