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.

For I was afraid {H3025} of {H6440} the anger {H639} and hot displeasure {H2534}, wherewith the LORD {H3068} was wroth {H7107} against you to destroy {H8045} you. But the LORD {H3068} hearkened {H8085} unto me at that time {H6471} also.

I was terrified that because of how angry ADONAI was at you, of how heatedly displeased he was, that he would destroy you. But ADONAI listened to me that time too.

For I was afraid of the anger and wrath that the LORD had directed against you, enough to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me this time as well.

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

Commentary

Deuteronomy 9:19 presents Moses' personal recollection of the intense fear he experienced due to God's righteous anger against the Israelites after their grievous sin with the golden calf. Despite the severe provocation, Moses emphasizes that the LORD "hearkened unto me at that time also," highlighting God's mercy and responsiveness to intercession.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' powerful farewell address to the Israelites as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy chapter 9, Moses vividly recounts their past rebellions, particularly the infamous incident of the golden calf at Mount Horeb (Sinai). This was a direct violation of the covenant they had just received, provoking God's fierce wrath to the point of threatening to destroy the entire nation. Moses' recounting serves as a stark reminder of their unworthiness and God's constant faithfulness, often mediated through Moses' prayers.

Key Themes

  • God's Righteous Anger and Displeasure: The phrase "anger and hot displeasure" (Hebrew: aph and chemah) conveys the intense, burning wrath of God against Israel's idolatry and rebellion. It underscores the severity of their sin and God's absolute holiness, which cannot tolerate such flagrant disobedience.
  • The Seriousness of Sin: The verse vividly portrays the destructive potential of sin, which nearly led to the annihilation of the nation. It reminds us that sin is not trivial but has profound consequences, inviting divine judgment.
  • Moses' Intercession: Moses' fear was not for himself, but for the people. His willingness to stand in the gap, even fasting for forty days and forty nights (Deuteronomy 9:18), demonstrates the critical role of a mediator. His bold plea to God, despite his own fear, was pivotal in averting divine destruction (Exodus 32:11-14).
  • God's Mercy and Responsiveness to Prayer: The crucial phrase "But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also" highlights God's incredible mercy. Despite His just anger, God listened to Moses' fervent intercession, demonstrating His willingness to relent from judgment when His people, or their chosen mediator, turn to Him in humility and prayer. This attribute of God is consistently seen throughout Scripture (Psalm 103:8).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "anger and hot displeasure" is a strong Hebrew idiom for intense, burning wrath. The words `aph` (nose/anger) and `chemah` (heat/fury) together emphasize the full, unbridled force of divine indignation. Moses' deep fear was a recognition of the overwhelming power and justice of God's character when provoked by sin.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 9:19 offers several timeless lessons:

  1. Acknowledge the Gravity of Sin: It reminds us that God is holy and righteous, and sin is a serious offense against Him. We should never underestimate the consequences of disobedience.
  2. The Power of Intercessory Prayer: Moses' example encourages believers to pray fervently for others, especially those who have strayed. Our prayers can genuinely influence divine outcomes, as God delights in hearing the petitions of His faithful.
  3. God's Character: Justice and Mercy: The verse beautifully balances God's justice (His anger against sin) with His mercy (His willingness to hear and relent). It reveals a God who is both righteous in judgment and abundant in grace.
  4. The Need for a Mediator: While Moses served as a crucial mediator for Israel, the ultimate and perfect mediator between God and humanity is Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). Through His sacrifice, we have direct access to God's mercy and grace.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • James 5:16 (6 votes)

    Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

  • James 5:17 (6 votes)

    Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

  • Deuteronomy 10:10 (6 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 99:6 (4 votes)

    ¶ Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.

  • Exodus 32:14 (4 votes)

    And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

  • Exodus 32:10 (4 votes)

    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 32:11 (4 votes)

    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?