Deuteronomy 9:27
Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:
Original Language Analysis
זְכֹר֙
Remember
H2142
זְכֹר֙
Remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
6 of 15
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֵּ֗פֶן
look
H6437
תֵּ֗פֶן
look
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
7 of 15
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
הָעָ֣ם
of this people
H5971
הָעָ֣ם
of this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
Historical Context
God made unconditional promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would become a great nation, possess the land of Canaan, and bring blessing to all nations. These promises, confirmed by divine oath, could not fail despite Israel's unworthiness.
Paul later argues (Romans 11:28-29) that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable - His covenant with the patriarchs ensures Israel's ultimate preservation and restoration.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the patriarchal promises demonstrate the unconditional nature of God's covenant grace?
- What does it mean to ask God to 'remember' His promises?
- Why is it crucial that salvation depends on God's faithfulness rather than human worthiness?
- How should awareness of our own stubbornness and sin drive us to depend on God's covenant promises?
- In what sense are Christians recipients of the Abrahamic promises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin. Moses appeals to the patriarchal promises as basis for Israel's preservation. This demonstrates covenant theology - God's promises to the fathers obligate Him to the children regardless of the children's merit.
The command Remember thy servants does not imply God has forgotten, but uses covenant language requesting God to act consistently with His promises. Remembering in biblical usage means acting in accordance with prior commitments. Moses asks God to fulfill His sworn oath to the patriarchs.
Moses explicitly requests God look not unto Israel's actual character - their stubbornness, wickedness, and sin. This is crucial theology - preservation comes not from Israel's worthiness but from God's covenant faithfulness. If God judges by what Israel deserves, they merit destruction; only if God acts by His promises can they be saved.
Reformed theology sees here the principle that salvation depends entirely on God's sovereign grace and covenant promises, not on human merit or achievement. The covenant of grace rests on God's commitment, not human performance.