Deuteronomy 9:14

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

הֶ֤רֶף Let me alone H7503
הֶ֤רֶף Let me alone
Strong's: H7503
Word #: 1 of 14
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
מִמֶּ֙נִּי֙ H4480
מִמֶּ֙נִּי֙
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
וְאַשְׁמִידֵ֔ם that I may destroy H8045
וְאַשְׁמִידֵ֔ם that I may destroy
Strong's: H8045
Word #: 3 of 14
to desolate
וְאֶמְחֶ֣ה them and blot out H4229
וְאֶמְחֶ֣ה them and blot out
Strong's: H4229
Word #: 4 of 14
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמָ֔ם their name H8034
שְׁמָ֔ם their name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 6 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
מִתַּ֖חַת H8478
מִתַּ֖חַת
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 7 of 14
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם from under heaven H8064
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם from under heaven
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 8 of 14
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙ and I will make H6213
וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙ and I will make
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 9 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֽוֹתְךָ֔ of H854
אֽוֹתְךָ֔ of
Strong's: H854
Word #: 10 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לְגוֹי thee a nation H1471
לְגוֹי thee a nation
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 11 of 14
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
עָצ֥וּם mightier H6099
עָצ֥וּם mightier
Strong's: H6099
Word #: 12 of 14
powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous
וָרָ֖ב and greater H7227
וָרָ֖ב and greater
Strong's: H7227
Word #: 13 of 14
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ H4480
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 14 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis & Commentary

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. This shocking statement tests Moses' faith and reveals both God's righteous justice and His providential plan to preserve a remnant through a faithful mediator.

The phrase Let me alone is remarkable - the sovereign God who needs no permission presents the situation in terms that invite Moses' intercession. This is not divine indecision but a test of Moses' heart and an invitation to participate in the covenant relationship through faithful prayer.

God's proposal to make of thee a nation mightier and greater would technically fulfill the Abrahamic promise - Moses was Abraham's descendant. Yet it would break the specific promises to the twelve tribes and nullify the exodus narrative's purpose. God's offer tests whether Moses will grasp at personal glory or intercede for the guilty people.

Reformed theology sees this as analogous to Christ's mediatorial work. Christ, the faithful mediator, interceded for His people even when we deserved destruction, securing our salvation through His advocacy before the Father.

Historical Context

This pattern of divine threat followed by mediatorial intercession appears repeatedly in Israel's history. Similar exchanges occurred when God threatened judgment at Kadesh-Barnea and during various rebellions.

These incidents demonstrate the power of intercessory prayer and the importance of faithful mediators in God's redemptive purposes.

Questions for Reflection

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