Deuteronomy 9:14

Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.

Let me alone {H7503}, that I may destroy {H8045} them, and blot out {H4229} their name {H8034} from under heaven {H8064}: and I will make {H6213} of {H854} thee a nation {H1471} mightier {H6099} and greater {H7227} than they.

Let me alone, so that I can put an end to them and blot out their name from under heaven! I will make out of you a nation bigger and stronger than they.'

Leave Me alone, so that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. Then I will make you into a nation mightier and greater than they are.”

let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven; and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 9:14 records a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where God expresses His severe displeasure with the nation after their egregious sin of worshipping the golden calf at Mount Horeb.

Context

This verse is found within Moses' second discourse to the Israelites as they stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land. He recounts their history, particularly emphasizing their disobedience and God's faithfulness despite it. Here, Moses reminds them of the immediate aftermath of receiving the Law at Mount Sinai (Horeb), when they quickly turned to idolatry by creating and worshipping the golden calf (Exodus 32:7-10). God's fury was immense, leading Him to propose the complete destruction of the rebellious nation and the creation of a new, greater people through Moses.

Key Themes

  • Divine Wrath and Justice: The phrase "Let me alone, that I may destroy them" powerfully conveys God's righteous anger against Israel's idolatry and covenant breaking. It highlights His absolute holiness and intolerance for sin, particularly after such a direct revelation of His presence and law.
  • Threat of Annihilation: God's intention to "blot out their name from under heaven" signifies a complete erasure of their identity and legacy as a people. This was a severe judgment, threatening the very existence of the nation chosen by God.
  • Conditional Promise to Moses: The offer, "and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they," tests Moses' character and commitment to his people. It's a striking proposition, suggesting God could fulfill His covenant promises through a new lineage, bypassing the currently rebellious generation.
  • Implications for the Abrahamic Covenant: This divine declaration underscores the seriousness of Israel's sin, putting the future of the Abrahamic covenant into jeopardy. However, it also sets the stage for Moses' powerful intercession, which ultimately preserves the nation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "blot out their name" (Hebrew: ΧžΦΈΧ—ΦΈΧ” א֢Χͺ־שְׁמָם, machah et-shmam) carries significant weight. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a name represented identity, legacy, and existence. To "blot out" a name meant not just physical destruction but the complete eradication of memory and lineage. It's a metaphor for utter destruction, ensuring no descendant or remembrance would remain, similar to erasing an inscription from a tablet or a mark from a scroll.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 9:14 serves as a stark reminder of several timeless truths:

  • The Gravity of Sin: God does not take rebellion lightly. Our actions have consequences, and disregard for His commands can provoke divine wrath.
  • The Power of Intercession: While this verse highlights God's anger, it simultaneously sets the stage for Moses' crucial act of intercession (Deuteronomy 9:18-19; Exodus 32:11-14). This demonstrates the profound impact of prayer and standing in the gap for others.
  • God's Faithfulness and Patience: Ultimately, God did not destroy Israel, demonstrating His long-suffering and faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people proved unfaithful. This underscores His compassionate and gracious character (Exodus 34:6-7).
  • Warning Against Complacency: Israel's history, as recounted by Moses, reminds believers not to presume upon God's grace but to walk in humility and obedience.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 32:10

    Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

  • Exodus 32:13

    Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit [it] for ever.

  • Deuteronomy 29:20

    The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.

  • Psalms 9:5

    Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.

  • Luke 11:7

    And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

  • Luke 11:10

    For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

  • Psalms 109:13

    Let his posterity be cut off; [and] in the generation following let their name be blotted out.
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