Deuteronomy 10:10

KJV

And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, [and] the LORD would not destroy thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I stayed {H5975} in the mount {H2022}, according to the first {H7223} time {H3117}, forty {H705} days {H3117} and forty {H705} nights {H3915}; and the LORD {H3068} hearkened {H8085} unto me at that time {H6471} also, and the LORD {H3068} would {H14} not destroy {H7843} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I stayed on the mountain forty days and nights, as previously; and ADONAI listened to me that time too -ADONAI would not destroy you.

Berean Standard Bible

I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights, like the first time, and that time the LORD again listened to me and agreed not to destroy you.

American Standard Version

And I stayed in the mount, as at the first time, forty days and forty nights: and Jehovah hearkened unto me that time also; Jehovah would not destroy thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 10:10 recounts Moses' second forty-day and forty-night period on Mount Horeb, a time of intense intercession following Israel's grievous sin with the golden calf. This verse powerfully highlights God's profound mercy and responsiveness to Moses' prayers, affirming that despite the nation's deserving judgment, the Lord graciously relented and chose not to destroy them, thereby renewing His covenant and preserving His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy is presented as Moses' final addresses to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. Chapters 9 and 10 form a significant unit where Moses recounts Israel's past rebellion, particularly the golden calf incident, and God's subsequent mercy. Deuteronomy 10:10 specifically refers back to the events described in [Exodus 32-34](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32-34 - The Golden Calf and Covenant Renewal"), where Moses first broke the tablets due to Israel's idolatry ([Deuteronomy 9:17](/deuteronomy/9-17 "Deuteronomy 9:17 - Moses Breaking the Tablets")) and then, at God's command, prepared new ones ([Exodus 34:1](/exodus/34-1 "Exodus 34:1 - God Commands New Tablets")). This verse emphasizes the second forty-day period, which was crucial for the renewal of the covenant and the averting of divine judgment, setting the stage for the subsequent commands and blessings in Deuteronomy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the cusp of entering Canaan, a generation removed from the initial Exodus. The memory of the golden calf incident was a stark reminder of their collective failure and God's holiness. In the ancient Near East, covenants were foundational to relationships between kings and vassals, or gods and their people. Israel's covenant with Yahweh was unique, based on His gracious election rather than their merit. Moses' role as a mediator was culturally understood but divinely appointed, standing between a holy God and a rebellious people. The forty-day period was a significant duration in biblical narratives, often associated with divine encounters, testing, or preparation, such as Noah's flood, Elijah's journey, or Jesus' temptation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **Divine Mercy and Forgiveness**, demonstrating God's willingness to pardon even after severe transgression, choosing compassion over deserved wrath. It underscores the **Power of Intercession**, as Moses' fervent prayers on behalf of the nation were instrumental in God's decision not to destroy them, echoing his earlier pleas in [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel"). Furthermore, it highlights **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**, revealing that even when Israel broke their side of the covenant, God remained true to His promises to the patriarchs, preserving the lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. This also speaks to the theme of **Divine Patience** and the **Consequences of Sin**, showing that while sin provokes divine anger, God's character is ultimately one of abounding steadfast love.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stayed (עָמַד, _'amad'_):** This Hebrew verb means "to stand," "to remain," "to endure," or "to take one's stand." In this context, it signifies Moses' sustained and fixed presence on the mountain, not merely a fleeting visit. It conveys the intensity and duration of his communion with God and his persistent intercession, emphasizing the profound spiritual work being done during those forty days and nights.
* **hearkened (שָׁמַע, _shama'_):** More than just "to hear," _shama'_ implies attentive listening that leads to understanding, obedience, or a favorable response. When God "hearkened" to Moses, it means He not only heard Moses' fervent prayers but actively and favorably responded to them, demonstrating His responsiveness to His servant's earnest plea on behalf of His people. This highlights God's active engagement and willingness to alter a course of judgment in response to intercession.
* **destroy (שָׁחַת, _shachat'_):** This verb means "to spoil," "to ruin," "to corrupt," or "to destroy." Its use here emphasizes the gravity of Israel's sin (the golden calf idolatry) which justly merited complete annihilation. God's decision "not to destroy" underscores the magnitude of His mercy and the averted judgment, preserving the nation from the ultimate consequence of their rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights":** This clause refers to Moses' second extended period on Mount Horeb (Sinai). The phrase "according to the first time" directly links this event to the initial forty days and nights when Moses received the first set of commandments, which he subsequently broke due to Israel's idolatry. This second period was not merely a repetition but a crucial time of renewed divine encounter, where Moses interceded for the nation and received the second set of stone tablets, symbolizing the re-establishment of the covenant despite Israel's grievous sin. It underscores the profound spiritual intensity and divine purpose of this prolonged communion.
* **"and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also":** This pivotal phrase reveals God's divine responsiveness to human intercession. Moses had passionately pleaded with God on behalf of the rebellious Israelites, reminding Him of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God's "hearkening" signifies that He not only heard Moses' prayers but acted upon them favorably, demonstrating His willingness to relent from judgment and extend mercy in response to the mediator's earnest plea. It highlights the efficacy and power of intercessory prayer in altering divine decrees.
* **"[and] the LORD would not destroy thee":** This is the climactic outcome of God's hearkening to Moses' intercession. Israel's idolatry with the golden calf was an act of profound covenant unfaithfulness that warranted utter destruction. However, because of God's inherent character of mercy, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His response to Moses' mediation, He chose to spare the nation. This statement powerfully emphasizes the depth of God's patience, His capacity for forgiveness, and His commitment to preserving His chosen people, through whom His broader redemptive plan for humanity would ultimately unfold.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is evident in "forty days and forty nights," a significant biblical motif that emphasizes the extended duration and spiritual intensity of Moses' time with God, mirroring the first period of covenant reception. There is an implicit **Contrast** between Israel's profound unfaithfulness and God's steadfast mercy, highlighting the divine character that chooses to forgive rather than destroy. Moses functions as a **Mediator** or **Intercessor**, a **type** of one who stands between a holy God and a sinful people, pleading for mercy. The phrase "the LORD hearkened unto me" employs **Divine Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like action (listening and responding) to God, making His active engagement with humanity more relatable and emphasizing His personal involvement in the affairs of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 10:10 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring themes of divine mercy, the efficacy of intercession, and God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. It reveals a God who, though just and holy, is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Character Revealed")). Despite Israel's egregious sin and deserving judgment, God's character prevailed, demonstrating His willingness to forgive and restore rather than annihilate. This act of divine relenting, prompted by Moses' fervent prayers, underscores the profound impact of a faithful mediator and sets a precedent for God's gracious interaction with His people throughout salvation history. It reminds us that God's ultimate desire is not destruction but reconciliation and the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes.

* [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Character Revealed")
* [Psalm 106:23](/psalms/106-23 "Psalm 106:23 - Moses Standing in the Breach")
* [Nehemiah 9:17](/nehemiah/9-17 "Nehemiah 9:17 - God's Readiness to Forgive")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 10:10 offers profound spiritual nourishment for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in our deepest failings and most egregious sins, God's character is one of boundless mercy and forgiveness. Just as He did not destroy Israel despite their idolatry, He offers hope and restoration to us when we turn to Him in repentance. This verse encourages us to never despair, knowing that God is rich in compassion and always ready to "hearken" to the humble and contrite heart. Furthermore, Moses' example underscores the vital importance of intercessory prayer. Our prayers for others—for family, friends, communities, and nations—can genuinely influence divine action and avert spiritual or temporal judgment. It calls us to actively participate in God's redemptive work by standing in the gap for those who need mercy, trusting in God's overarching plan and His commitment to His people, even when they are undeserving.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's mercy in Deuteronomy 10:10 deepen your trust in Him, particularly when you face your own failures?**
* **In what specific ways can you apply the principle of intercessory prayer in your life today, following Moses' example?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the enduring nature of God's covenant promises, even when humanity is unfaithful?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Moses staying on the mount for "forty days and forty nights" a second time?**

Answer: The second forty-day period on Mount Horeb (Sinai) was profoundly significant. It mirrored the first period when Moses received the original tablets of the Law, but this time it occurred after Israel's catastrophic sin with the golden calf. Its significance lies in its demonstration of God's incredible grace and willingness to renew His covenant despite Israel's rebellion. During this time, Moses was not merely receiving laws but was actively interceding for the nation, pleading for God to relent from His righteous anger. This extended period signified a profound time of divine revelation, covenant re-establishment, and fervent intercession, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the depth of God's commitment to His people, preventing their destruction and offering a path to reconciliation.

**How does God "hearkening" to Moses relate to our prayers today?**

Answer: God's "hearkening" (Hebrew _shama'_) to Moses signifies much more than simply hearing sound; it implies attentive listening that leads to a favorable and active response. In Deuteronomy 10:10, it means God responded to Moses' intercession by relenting from destroying Israel. For believers today, this passage provides immense encouragement regarding the power and efficacy of prayer. It assures us that God truly hears the prayers of His people and is responsive to them, especially when they are offered in faith, humility, and in alignment with His will, particularly for the good of others. Just as Moses' intercession averted national judgment, our prayers can have real impact, influencing divine action and bringing about God's purposes in our lives and the world, encouraging us to pray with confidence and persistence, knowing God is listening and responsive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 10:10, with its powerful portrayal of Moses' intercession and God's mercy, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Moses, standing between a holy God and a sinful people, served as a **type** of the greater Mediator to come. While Moses' intercession averted temporal destruction for Israel, Christ's intercession and sacrificial death secured eternal salvation for all who believe. The phrase "the LORD hearkened unto me" foreshadows God's ultimate "hearkening" to the perfect sacrifice and perpetual intercession of His Son. Jesus is not merely a temporary mediator like Moses, but the one true Mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - Christ, the One Mediator")), whose blood speaks a better word than that of Abel ([Hebrews 12:24](/hebrews/12-24 "Hebrews 12:24 - The Blood of Sprinkling")). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice fully satisfied divine justice, thereby truly preventing our eternal destruction. Unlike Israel, who continually broke the covenant, Christ established a new and better covenant through His own blood ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")), ensuring that God's people would never again face the threat of ultimate destruction due to their sin. His intercession is not a one-time event but a perpetual reality, as He ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession")), demonstrating God's love for us even while we were still sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 34:28

¶ And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Deuteronomy 9:18

And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Deuteronomy 9:19

For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.

Deuteronomy 9:25

Thus I fell down before the LORD forty days and forty nights, as I fell down [at the first]; because the LORD had said he would destroy you.

Exodus 33:17

And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

Matthew 27:42

He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

Deuteronomy 3:23

And I besought the LORD at that time, saying,