Deuteronomy 9:26 - I prayed to Yahweh, and said, “Lord Yahweh, don’t destroy your people and your inheritance, that you have redeemed through your greatness, that you have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 9:26

What does "Deuteronomy 9:26" mean?


This verse is part of Moses's plea to God to forgive the Israelites for their sin of idolatry after receiving the Ten Commandments. Let's break down the meaning:

"I prayed to Yahweh, and said, “Lord Yahweh...": This establishes the context: Moses is interceding on behalf of the people, addressing God directly and acknowledging his authority. "Yahweh" is the personal name of God, emphasizing a personal relationship.

"Don't destroy your people and your inheritance...": This is the core of Moses's argument. He reminds God that the Israelites are his people. Destroying them would reflect poorly on God's own character and plan. "Inheritance" refers to the Promised Land that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their descendants. Destroying the people would mean the promise would not be fulfilled.

"...that you have redeemed through your greatness...": Moses emphasizes God's past actions. He redeemed them, meaning He bought them back or rescued them from slavery. This highlights God's power and commitment to His people. Destroying them now would undermine the significance of that redemption.

"...that you have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.": This is a specific example of God's "greatness." The Exodus from Egypt was a monumental act of divine power and a foundational event in Israelite history. Again, Moses reminds God of this powerful demonstration of His commitment. To now destroy the people He so miraculously saved would be a contradiction.

In essence, Moses's prayer is a powerful appeal to God's character, past actions, and the promises He made. He's arguing that destroying the Israelites would contradict God's own glory, redemption, and the fulfillment of His covenant. It's a plea for mercy based on God's reputation and faithfulness.