Deuteronomy 9:27

KJV

Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142} thy servants {H5650}, Abraham {H85}, Isaac {H3327}, and Jacob {H3290}; look {H6437} not unto the stubbornness {H7190} of this people {H5971}, nor to their wickedness {H7562}, nor to their sin {H2403}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Remember your servants Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov! Don't focus on the stubbornness of this people, or on their wickedness or on their sin.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Overlook the stubbornness of this people and the wickedness of their sin.

American Standard Version

Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 9:27 encapsulates Moses' profound intercessory prayer for Israel, a people consistently marked by rebellion. His plea appeals not to their deservingness, but to the immutable covenant faithfulness of God, urging Him to remember His sworn promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This verse powerfully articulates the tension between God's perfect justice and His unwavering grace, highlighting that Israel's continued existence and inheritance of the Promised Land were solely dependent on divine mercy and the sanctity of His foundational commitments, rather than their own merit or obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 9 is a pivotal chapter within Moses' final discourses to the new generation of Israelites, who stand on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. Immediately prior to this verse, Moses has recounted Israel's most egregious act of rebellion: the worship of the golden calf at Mount Horeb (Sinai), a stark reminder that their future success in Canaan would be entirely by God's grace, not their own righteousness or strength ([Deuteronomy 9:4-6](/deuteronomy/9-4-6 "Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - Not by Your Righteousness")). The narrative from [Deuteronomy 9:7-29](/deuteronomy/9-7-29 "Deuteronomy 9:7-29 - Israel's Rebellion and Moses' Intercession") serves as a detailed recollection of Israel's persistent rebellion and Moses' subsequent forty-day intercession, during which he pleaded with God not to destroy the nation. Verse 27, therefore, forms a crucial part of this impassioned prayer, articulating the theological basis of Moses' appeal: God's character and His prior, unconditional promises to the patriarchs. It sets the stage for God's merciful decision to spare Israel, despite their profound unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of Deuteronomy is the wilderness-born generation, encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to cross the Jordan River into Canaan. This generation, though not directly involved in the golden calf incident, is being taught from their ancestors' mistakes. Moses' recounting of the Horeb rebellion ([Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")) serves as a potent cautionary tale, emphasizing the historical pattern of Israel's unfaithfulness despite God's miraculous provision and the covenant relationship established at Sinai. Culturally, the appeal to "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" resonates deeply within Israelite identity. These patriarchs were the foundational figures through whom God initiated His covenant promises concerning land, descendants, and blessing. These promises were considered inviolable and eternal, forming the bedrock of Israel's national identity and their claim to the land. Moses' invocation of their names taps into the very core of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, reminding God of His own self-imposed obligations.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 9:27 powerfully encapsulates several enduring themes prevalent throughout the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Moses' indispensable role as an intercessor**, standing as a mediator between a holy God and a sinful people, a motif central to the covenant relationship and God's redemptive plan ([Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Moses' Intercession for Israel")). Secondly, the verse underscores **God's unwavering covenant faithfulness** (Hebrew: *hesed*), demonstrating that His character and sworn word to the patriarchs ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant"); [Genesis 26:3-5](/genesis/26-3-5 "God's Promise to Isaac"); [Genesis 28:13-15](/genesis/28-13-15 "God's Promise to Jacob")) often take precedence over immediate justice for human transgression. Finally, it starkly portrays **Israel's persistent sinfulness and rebellion**, characterizing them as "stubborn," "wicked," and full of "sin," a recurring lament throughout their history that emphasizes the absolute necessity of divine grace for their continued existence and salvation ([Nehemiah 9:16-17](/nehemiah/9-16-17 "Israel's Disobedience and God's Mercy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention." In the context of God, it implies acting in accordance with a prior commitment or covenant. Moses is not reminding an forgetful God, but rather appealing to God's covenant faithfulness and reputation, urging Him to act upon the promises He has already made and to keep them in remembrance.
* **Stubbornness (Hebrew, _qᵉshîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be hard," this term denotes "obstinacy." It vividly portrays a people resistant to divine guidance and instruction, evoking the image of an unyielding will that refuses to submit to God's authority. It signifies a deep-seated spiritual resistance and an unbending heart that actively resists God's will and covenant demands.
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This word refers to "an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty." It broadly encompasses missing the mark, falling short of God's perfect standard, or a failure to fulfill one's covenant obligations. It highlights humanity's inherent inability to perfectly adhere to God's holy requirements, encompassing both intentional and unintentional transgressions, and points to the pervasive nature of Israel's unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;":** This opening clause forms the theological bedrock of Moses' intercessory appeal. It is not a reminder to an omniscient God, but a profound rhetorical strategy by Moses to invoke God's covenant promises. By naming the patriarchs, Moses grounds his plea in the unconditional covenants God made with them ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "The Covenant with Abraham"); [Genesis 26:3-5](/genesis/26-3-5 "God's Promise to Isaac"); [Genesis 28:13-15](/genesis/28-13-15 "God's Promise to Jacob")), which guaranteed their descendants would become a great nation and inherit the land. Moses argues that destroying Israel would effectively nullify these sacred, sworn oaths, thereby impugning God's faithfulness and reputation among the nations.
* **"look not unto the stubbornness of this people,":** This phrase directly confronts Israel's culpability and persistent rebellion. Moses acknowledges their deep-seated resistance to God's authority and guidance, their "stiff-necked" refusal to obey. He asks God to avert His gaze from their present and past disobedience, implying that if God were to judge them solely on their merit, their destruction would be inevitable and just. This highlights the stark contrast between profound human sinfulness and the potential for divine mercy.
* **"nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:":** These concluding phrases reinforce the depth and breadth of Israel's moral and spiritual failings. Moses piles up terms for their depravity, emphasizing that their actions are not merely isolated incidents but a pervasive pattern of deliberate transgression against God's holy character and law. The plea is for God to set aside His righteous indignation and the just consequences of their collective depravity, choosing instead to act on the basis of His prior, unconditional commitments to the patriarchs.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 9:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Intercession** is the overarching device, as Moses stands as a mediator, pleading on behalf of a guilty party. This is not a simple request but a deeply theological argument that hinges on God's character. **Rhetorical Appeal** is powerfully evident in Moses' direct address to God, "Remember thy servants," which functions not to inform an omniscient deity but to remind Him of His own nature, His prior commitments, and the implications for His reputation among the nations, thereby shaping the divine response. There is a powerful **Contrast** established between God's unwavering covenant faithfulness (represented by the patriarchs) and Israel's persistent and egregious sinfulness (described as "stubbornness," "wickedness," and "sin"). This contrast underscores the central theme of grace triumphing over judgment. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of negative attributes ("stubbornness," "wickedness," "sin") serves to emphasize the severity and pervasive nature of Israel's rebellion and, consequently, the magnitude of the mercy Moses is seeking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 9:27 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine mercy and the efficacy of intercessory prayer. It powerfully reveals that God's ultimate disposition towards humanity is often rooted not in human merit or deservingness, but in His own immutable character and His prior, unconditional covenant promises. Moses' appeal to the patriarchs demonstrates a deep understanding that God's faithfulness to His word, even in the face of profound human failure, is a cornerstone of His being. This verse powerfully illustrates that while God is just and must address sin, His compassion and commitment to His covenants can lead Him to defer or mitigate judgment. It provides a foundational Old Testament understanding of salvation by grace, where God's saving action is based on His own initiative and the covenant established through His sovereign will, rather than human works or righteousness. It foreshadows the ultimate grace extended through the New Covenant.

* [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Moses' Intercession for Israel")
* [Numbers 14:18-20](/numbers/14-18-20 "Numbers 14:18-20 - God's Mercy and Forgiveness")
* [Romans 11:28-29](/romans/11-28-29 "Romans 11:28-29 - God's Unchanging Call and Gifts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 9:27 offers a profound lens through which to view God's character and our own human condition. It reminds us that our standing before God is never based on our own righteousness, which is consistently marred by "stubbornness, wickedness, and sin," but solely on His gracious covenant promises. This truth should cultivate deep humility and profound gratitude within us, recognizing that any blessing, deliverance, or continued favor we experience is a testament to God's faithfulness, not our deserving. The verse also powerfully models the practice of intercession. Moses, despite the people's egregious sin, stood in the gap, appealing to God's character and His prior commitments. This calls us to a similar posture of prayer for others, especially those who may be far from God or struggling deeply with sin, reminding God of His promises and His desire for reconciliation. It challenges us to look beyond immediate failures and appeal to the greater, unwavering purposes of God's redemptive plan for individuals, communities, and nations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' intercession for Israel challenge or affirm your understanding of prayer for others, especially those who seem undeserving?**
* **In what ways do you see "stubbornness, wickedness, or sin" manifest in your own life or in the community around you, and how does this verse prompt you to respond with grace and intercession?**
* **How does God's willingness to "look not unto" Israel's sin, based on His covenant with the patriarchs, illuminate the nature of grace and unconditional love in your own spiritual journey?**

### FAQ

**Why does Moses appeal to "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" instead of Israel's current obedience?**

Answer: Moses appeals to the patriarchs because God made unconditional, eternal covenants with them, promising to make their descendants a great nation and to give them the land of Canaan. These were not covenants based on Israel's future obedience but on God's sovereign choice and faithfulness. By appealing to these foundational promises, Moses reminds God of His own sworn word and reputation. If God were to destroy Israel, it would appear as though His promises were nullified, which would undermine His character and His standing among the nations ([Exodus 32:12](/exodus/32-12 "Exodus 32:12 - Moses' Appeal to God's Reputation")). This highlights that God's actions are often guided by His own immutable character and prior commitments, rather than solely by human merit or demerit. It underscores the concept of grace as the basis for God's continued relationship with His people.

**What is the significance of the triple description of Israel's sin: "stubbornness... wickedness... sin"?**

Answer: The triple description emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of Israel's rebellion. "Stubbornness" (Hebrew: *qᵉshîy*) points to their obstinate resistance to God's leading, a "stiff-necked" refusal to obey His commands and guidance. "Wickedness" (Hebrew: *reshaʻ*) refers to active wrongdoing and moral depravity, a state of being contrary to God's righteous standards and actively choosing evil. "Sin" (Hebrew: *chaṭṭâʼâh*) is a broader term for missing the mark, falling short of God's perfect standard, or failing to fulfill covenant obligations, encompassing both intentional and unintentional transgressions. Together, these terms paint a picture of deep-seated, multifaceted rebellion, underscoring that Israel's continued existence was purely by God's grace and covenant faithfulness, not their own deserving, and that their sin was not a superficial issue but a profound spiritual condition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 9:27, with Moses' intercession grounded in God's covenant with the patriarchs despite Israel's profound sin, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate intercession and covenant fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Moses, as a mediator, stands in the gap for a rebellious people, appealing to an ancient covenant and God's faithfulness to His word. This role is perfectly and eternally fulfilled in Christ, who is the "one mediator between God and mankind" ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - Christ, the One Mediator")). Unlike Moses, who appealed to a covenant made with others, Jesus is the very embodiment and guarantor of a new and better covenant, established through His own precious blood ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant"); [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). He does not merely remind God of past promises but actively fulfills the Abrahamic covenant's promise of blessing to all nations through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - The Blessing of Abraham Through Christ")). Where Israel's "stubbornness, wickedness, and sin" warranted destruction, Christ, the Lamb of God, perfectly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a righteousness not our own. Thus, God "looks not unto" our sin, not because of an appeal to ancient patriarchs, but because He has looked upon the perfect sacrifice and ongoing intercession of His Son, Jesus Christ, who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). In Christ, the covenant promises find their ultimate Yes and Amen, securing salvation for all who believe, based entirely on His perfect work and God's unfathomable grace.

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

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.

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Micah 7:19

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Exodus 13:5

And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.

Exodus 3:16

¶ Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and [seen] that which is done to you in Egypt:

Isaiah 43:24

Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

Isaiah 43:25

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.