Deuteronomy 9:26
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.
Original Language Analysis
וָֽאֶתְפַּלֵּ֣ל
I prayed
H6419
וָֽאֶתְפַּלֵּ֣ל
I prayed
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
1 of 18
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
יְהוִ֗ה
therefore unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוִ֗ה
therefore unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יְהוִ֗ה
therefore unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוִ֗ה
therefore unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
7 of 18
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּשְׁחֵ֤ת
destroy
H7843
תַּשְׁחֵ֤ת
destroy
Strong's:
H7843
Word #:
8 of 18
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
עַמְּךָ֙
not thy people
H5971
עַמְּךָ֙
not thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְנַחֲלָ֣תְךָ֔
and thine inheritance
H5159
וְנַחֲלָ֣תְךָ֔
and thine inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
פָּדִ֖יתָ
which thou hast redeemed
H6299
פָּדִ֖יתָ
which thou hast redeemed
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
12 of 18
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
בְּגָדְלֶ֑ךָ
through thy greatness
H1433
בְּגָדְלֶ֑ךָ
through thy greatness
Strong's:
H1433
Word #:
13 of 18
magnitude (literally or figuratively)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הוֹצֵ֥אתָ
which thou hast brought forth
H3318
הוֹצֵ֥אתָ
which thou hast brought forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
15 of 18
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Cross References
Revelation 5:9And 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;Psalms 107:2Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;Jeremiah 14:21Do not abhor us, for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.Exodus 15:13Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Historical Context
Moses' prayer follows classic covenant lawsuit pattern, appealing to the relationship between parties and the treaty's terms. Ancient Near Eastern prayers similarly appealed to deity's past acts and established relationships.
The exodus redemption was the defining event of Israel's national existence, establishing them as God's treasured possession (Exodus 19:5). Moses leverages this covenant status in his intercession.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' prayer demonstrate proper theological foundation for intercession?
- Why does effective prayer appeal to God's character and promises rather than human merit?
- What does it mean that believers are God's 'inheritance' and possession?
- How should God's past acts of redemption shape our confidence in prayer?
- What can we learn from Moses' argumentation about how to pray for others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. Moses' prayer appeals to God's character, His past acts, and His covenant promises - employing arguments that demonstrate theological sophistication in intercession.
The address Lord GOD (Adonai Yahweh) combines divine titles emphasizing both sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. Moses grounds his appeal in who God is, not in any merit Israel possesses. This is essential Reformed understanding - prayer appeals to God's character and promises, not human worthiness.
Moses argues that Israel is thy people and thine inheritance - they belong to God by His own choice. This covenantal ownership creates obligation not based on Israel's performance but on God's character. Would God destroy His own possession?
The phrase which thou hast redeemed recalls the exodus deliverance. Moses argues from God's invested interest - having redeemed Israel at great display of power, would God now undo His own work? The appeal is to God's consistency and the purpose behind His mighty acts.