Deuteronomy 9:26

KJV

I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

I prayed {H6419} therefore unto the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559}, O Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, destroy {H7843} not thy people {H5971} and thine inheritance {H5159}, which thou hast redeemed {H6299} through thy greatness {H1433}, which thou hast brought forth {H3318} out of Egypt {H4714} with a mighty {H2389} hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I prayed to ADONAI ; I said, 'Adonai ELOHIM! Don't destroy your people, your inheritance! You redeemed them through your greatness, you brought them out of Egypt with a strong hand!

Berean Standard Bible

And I prayed to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, do not destroy Your people, Your inheritance, whom You redeemed through Your greatness and brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

American Standard Version

And I prayed unto Jehovah, and said, O Lord Jehovah, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, that thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, that thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 9:26 captures Moses' profound intercessory prayer on behalf of the rebellious Israelites, a pivotal moment recounted within his farewell address to the new generation on the plains of Moab. This verse highlights Moses' appeal to God's covenant faithfulness and redemptive power, reminding the Lord of His prior acts of delivering Israel from Egypt and establishing them as His own "people and inheritance," despite their egregious sin of the golden calf. It serves as a powerful testament to the efficacy of intercession rooted in God's character and promises, rather than in human merit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 9:26 is embedded within Moses' extended discourse (Deuteronomy 9:1-10:11) where he vividly recounts Israel's persistent rebellion against God, particularly focusing on the catastrophic incident of the golden calf at Mount Horeb (Sinai). Moses' purpose in this section is to disabuse the new generation of any notion that their impending conquest of Canaan is due to their own righteousness. Instead, he emphasizes their stubbornness and sinfulness (e.g., [Deuteronomy 9:6](/deuteronomy/9-6 "Deuteronomy 9:6 - Israel's Stubbornness")). The specific prayer in verse 26 is a flashback to Moses' desperate plea to God after God declared His intention to destroy the people (recounted in [Deuteronomy 9:13-14](/deuteronomy/9-13 "Deuteronomy 9:13-14 - God's Anger at Israel")). Moses' intercession here, and throughout [Deuteronomy 9:18-29](/deuteronomy/9-18 "Deuteronomy 9:18-29 - Moses' Intercession"), serves as a powerful counterpoint to Israel's unfaithfulness, showcasing God's mercy extended through a mediator.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This address takes place on the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites are to enter the Promised Land. The audience is a new generation, many of whom did not personally witness the Exodus or the original covenant at Sinai. Moses, now an old man, is recounting pivotal historical events to impress upon them the lessons of the past. The golden calf incident (detailed in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")) was the most egregious act of rebellion in Israel's early history, a direct violation of the first two commandments received directly from God. In the ancient Near East, a king's reputation was tied to his people; for God to destroy Israel would have been seen by surrounding nations as a failure of His power or commitment, which Moses shrewdly uses in his appeal (see [Deuteronomy 9:28](/deuteronomy/9-28 "Deuteronomy 9:28 - Moses' Appeal to God's Reputation")). Moses' role as an intercessor was crucial, as he stood between a holy God and a sinful people, a concept understood in the context of priestly mediation.

* **Key Themes:** Several major themes converge in this verse. Firstly, **Divine Ownership and Covenant** is paramount; Moses appeals to God's prior claim on Israel, referring to them as "thy people and thine inheritance," rooted in the Abrahamic covenant and the Sinai covenant (e.g., [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession")). Secondly, **God's Redemptive Power and Faithfulness** is highlighted by reminding God of His "greatness" and "mighty hand" in bringing Israel out of Egypt, a foundational act of salvation (e.g., [Exodus 13:3](/exodus/13-3 "Exodus 13:3 - Remember the Day of Deliverance")). Thirdly, the **Power of Intercession** is powerfully demonstrated. Moses does not excuse Israel's sin but appeals to God's character, reputation, and past actions, exemplifying the role of a mediator who "stands in the gap" (e.g., [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "Ezekiel 22:30 - Standing in the Gap")). Finally, the underlying theme of **God's Grace Despite Human Rebellion** permeates the chapter; despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant promises (e.g., [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeemed (Hebrew, _padah_):** The Hebrew verb פָּדָה (*padah*) signifies to "ransom," "deliver," or "redeem" through a powerful act, often involving a cost or a display of strength. It implies liberation from bondage, danger, or obligation. In this context, it specifically refers to God's powerful and costly act of delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt, emphasizing that their freedom was not earned but was a divine act of rescue. This term underscores God's initiative and power in establishing His relationship with Israel.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥalah_):** The Hebrew noun נַחֲלָה (*naḥalah*) denotes a "possession," "heritage," or "inheritance." It refers to something received as a portion or property, often through divine allocation or by right. When applied to Israel as God's "inheritance," it signifies a deep, personal, and exclusive claim God has over them. They are His treasured possession, a special portion acquired and cherished by Him, not merely a people He governs but a people to whom He is intimately bound by covenant.
* **Mighty Hand (Hebrew, _yad ḥazaqah_):** The phrase יָד חֲזָקָה (*yad ḥazaqah*) literally translates to "strong hand" or "mighty hand." This is a common biblical idiom used to describe God's overwhelming power, irresistible force, and sovereign authority, particularly in acts of judgment and deliverance. It evokes the miraculous plagues in Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, emphasizing that Israel's liberation was not by human strength or chance, but by the direct, overwhelming intervention of God's omnipotence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said,"**: This clause establishes Moses' direct and personal engagement with God in intercession. The "therefore" links this prayer to the preceding narrative of Israel's grievous sin at Horeb and God's declared intention to destroy them. Moses takes on the role of advocate, approaching God with earnestness and urgency.
* **"O Lord GOD,"**: This address uses the divine titles "Adonai Yahweh" (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה), a powerful combination. "Adonai" emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and mastership, while "Yahweh" (rendered LORD in KJV) is God's personal covenant name, highlighting His self-existence, faithfulness, and relational commitment. Moses appeals to both God's supreme authority and His covenant character.
* **"destroy not thy people and thine inheritance,"**: This is the core of Moses' plea – a passionate request for God to withhold judgment. The appeal is based not on Israel's merit, but on God's prior claim and relationship with them. By calling them "thy people and thine inheritance," Moses reminds God of His own investment and covenantal bond, implying that their destruction would diminish God's own glory and purpose.
* **"which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness,"**: Moses further strengthens his appeal by recalling God's past redemptive act. The redemption from Egypt was a monumental display of God's "greatness" (גֹּדֶל, *gōdel*), referring to His immense power, majesty, and capacity for mighty deeds. This reminds God of His character as a redeemer and His commitment to His chosen people.
* **"which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand."**: This final clause reiterates and amplifies the previous point, specifically referencing the Exodus. The phrase "with a mighty hand" emphasizes the irresistible power and sovereign intervention of God in delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage. Moses appeals to God's consistent character and His past, undeniable acts of salvation as the basis for His continued mercy and preservation of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 9:26 employs several significant literary devices. **Intercession** is the overarching device, as Moses' prayer serves as a prime example of a mediator pleading on behalf of others, demonstrating the power and necessity of standing in the gap. The verse also utilizes **Recapitulation**, as Moses is recounting a past event (his prayer after the golden calf incident) to a new generation, thereby reinforcing historical lessons and theological truths. The phrase "mighty hand" is a powerful instance of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human physical characteristic (a hand) to God to convey His immense power and direct action in history, making His intervention more tangible and comprehensible to the audience. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "thy people and thine inheritance," "redeemed through thy greatness," and "brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand" functions as a form of **Rhetorical Appeal**, as Moses builds a compelling case by reminding God of His own glorious attributes and past commitments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 9:26 profoundly illustrates the nature of divine grace and the critical role of intercession. It underscores that Israel's continued existence and their claim to the Promised Land were never based on their own righteousness or obedience, but solely on God's sovereign choice, His covenant faithfulness, and His mighty acts of redemption. Moses' prayer appeals to God's character and reputation, recognizing that God's glory is intrinsically linked to the preservation of His chosen people. This passage reveals a God who is both just in His wrath against sin and merciful in His willingness to hear the pleas of a mediator. It teaches us that true prayer often involves reminding God of His own promises and His past acts of faithfulness, trusting in His unchanging nature even when His people are deeply flawed.

* [Exodus 32:11-13](/exodus/32-11 "Moses' First Intercession")
* [Numbers 14:15-19](/numbers/14-15 "Numbers 14:15-19 - Moses' Intercession for Israel's Rebellion")
* [Isaiah 63:11-14](/isaiah/63-11 "Isaiah 63:11-14 - Remembering God's Mighty Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 9:26 serves as a timeless model for our own spiritual lives, particularly in the realm of prayer and our understanding of God's grace. It calls us to engage in fervent, selfless intercession for others, especially for those who are struggling or have strayed from God's path. Like Moses, our prayers should be rooted not in the perceived worthiness of the one being prayed for, but in the unwavering character, past faithfulness, and glorious promises of God Himself. This verse reminds us that our standing with God, both individually and corporately, is always a gift of His grace, secured by His redemptive power, not by our own merit. When we face our own failures or the failures of others, we are invited to appeal to God's "greatness" and "mighty hand" that has already accomplished so much for our salvation. This fosters humility, deepens our trust, and empowers us to pray with confidence, knowing that God is faithful even when we are not.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' intercession challenge your understanding of prayer, especially for those who are disobedient?**
* **In what ways can you, like Moses, appeal to God's character and past faithfulness when you pray for difficult situations or people?**
* **How does remembering God's "mighty hand" in your own life or in biblical history strengthen your faith and encourage your prayers?**
* **What does it mean for you to be God's "people and inheritance" today, and how does that identity inform your walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Q: Why does Moses remind God of His past actions and character? Doesn't God already know these things?**

Answer: Moses' reminder is not for God's benefit in terms of information, but for the sake of the prayer's theological basis and perhaps for the benefit of the human audience hearing the recounting. When Moses appeals to God's "greatness" and "mighty hand" in bringing Israel out of Egypt, he is appealing to God's own covenant promises, His reputation among the nations (as seen in [Deuteronomy 9:28](/deuteronomy/9-28 "Deuteronomy 9:28 - God's Reputation Among Nations")), and His unchanging character as a redeemer. This rhetorical strategy is common in biblical prayer, demonstrating the intercessor's understanding of God's nature and their faith in His consistency. It's a way of aligning human desire with divine will, grounded in who God has revealed Himself to be.

**Q: Does Moses' prayer imply that God was truly going to destroy Israel and that Moses changed His mind?**

Answer: This passage, like similar ones in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident"), presents a dynamic interaction between God and Moses. Theologically, it's understood that God's declaration of destruction was a real expression of His righteous wrath against sin, but also an invitation for intercession. It reveals God's willingness to respond to the prayers of His faithful servants. While God's ultimate purposes are unchangeable, He often expresses His righteous anger in ways that allow for human response, particularly through the prayers of a mediator. Moses' intercession did not "change God's mind" in the sense of altering His eternal plan, but rather aligned with God's pre-ordained method of demonstrating mercy through a mediator, thereby showcasing both His justice and His grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 9:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Moses' intercession, standing between a holy God and a sinful people, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's perfect and eternal mediation. Just as Moses appealed to God's past acts of redemption and His covenant promises, Jesus, the greater Mediator, intercedes for His people on the basis of His completed work on the cross. We, the church, are God's "people and inheritance" (see [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ") and [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People")), not because of our own merit or righteousness, but because Christ "redeemed" us through His "greatness"—His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection (as highlighted in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). The "mighty hand" that brought Israel out of Egypt is ultimately revealed in the infinitely greater power of God that raised Jesus from the dead and delivered us from the bondage of sin and death (see [Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Incomparably Great Power")). Christ's intercession for us is not a one-time event but a continuous reality, as He "always lives to intercede for them" (as stated in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Thus, Deuteronomy 9:26 points us to the glorious truth that our salvation and preservation are entirely due to God's grace, mediated by the perfect Son, Jesus Christ.

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 32:11

And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

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.

Exodus 15:13

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided [them] in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

Jeremiah 14:21

Do not abhor [us], for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.

Revelation 5:9

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Psalms 107:2

Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;