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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִפְּנֵ֤י
of
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֤י
of
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הָאַף֙
the anger
H639
הָאַף֙
the anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וְהַ֣חֵמָ֔ה
and hot displeasure
H2534
וְהַ֣חֵמָ֔ה
and hot displeasure
Strong's:
H2534
Word #:
5 of 17
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
קָצַ֧ף
was wroth
H7107
קָצַ֧ף
was wroth
Strong's:
H7107
Word #:
7 of 17
to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage
יְהוָה֙
wherewith the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
wherewith the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
H5921
עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע
hearkened
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע
hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
12 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָה֙
wherewith the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
wherewith the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
גַּ֖ם
H1571
גַּ֖ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:10And 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 99:6Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.Exodus 32:14And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.Exodus 33:17And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
Historical Context
This intercession occurred immediately after the golden calf incident. Moses' successful advocacy prevented Israel's complete destruction and secured covenant renewal with new tablets of the law.
The parallel between Moses' intercession and Christ's advocacy demonstrates progressive revelation - the old covenant mediator was faithful servant in God's house, while Christ is Son over God's house (Hebrews 3:5-6).
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's holy wrath against sin deepen appreciation for Christ's intercession?
- What made Moses' intercession effective before God?
- How does Moses' repeated intercession prefigure Christ's continuous advocacy for believers?
- Why should proper fear of God's wrath drive us to the mediator rather than to despair?
- What does it mean that God 'hearkened' to Moses' plea?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. Moses' fear was not cowardice but proper recognition of God's holy wrath against sin. The Hebrew words for anger (aph) and hot displeasure (chemah) emphasize the intensity of divine judgment Israel deserved.
Moses' successful intercession demonstrates the power of faithful mediation. Though God's wrath was justly kindled, He hearkened to Moses' plea, showing that the covenant relationship included provisions for advocacy and restoration. This previews the greater intercession of Christ, whose mediation is always effective because He pleads His own perfect righteousness on our behalf.
The phrase at that time also indicates this was one of multiple intercessions. Moses repeatedly stood between God's wrath and Israel's sin throughout the wilderness journey, foreshadowing Christ's continuous intercession for believers (Hebrews 7:25).