Deuteronomy 9:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 9:27
27 Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 9 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, redemption, fellowship. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 9:27
27 Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 14:21