Exodus 34:9 - He said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, Lord, please let the Lord go among us; although this is a stiff-necked people; pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.”
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What does "Exodus 34:9" mean?
This verse, Exodus 34:9, is a powerful plea from Moses to God after the Israelites have committed a grievous sin by worshipping a golden calf. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:
"He said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, Lord...": This is Moses beginning with a statement of humility and acknowledging his dependence on God's grace. He recognizes that his request can only be granted if God is favorably disposed towards him. He's not demanding, but appealing based on any merit God might see in him.
"...please let the Lord go among us...": This is the core of the request. Moses is asking God to continue to dwell among the Israelites. Given their sin, God had threatened to withdraw His presence (Exodus 33:3). Moses understands that God's presence is essential for their well-being, guidance, and protection. He's desperate for God not to abandon them.
"...although this is a stiff-necked people...": This is a remarkably honest and humble admission. "Stiff-necked" is a Hebrew idiom meaning stubborn, obstinate, and unwilling to submit to authority. Moses is acknowledging the Israelites' rebellious nature; he doesn't try to downplay their sin or portray them as innocent. This honesty makes his plea even more powerful.
"...pardon our iniquity and our sin...": This is a direct request for forgiveness. Moses is asking God to overlook their transgression and not hold their sin against them. "Iniquity" and "sin" are often used synonymously, but sometimes "iniquity" refers to a more deep-seated moral corruption, while "sin" is a specific act of disobedience.
"...and take us for your inheritance.": This is the crucial part. Moses is asking God to reaffirm the covenant He made with Abraham and his descendants. To be God's "inheritance" means to be His chosen people, cherished, protected, and blessed by Him. It's a plea for restoration of the relationship between God and Israel, despite their unfaithfulness.
In essence, this verse is:
A plea for God's continued presence: Moses understands that their well-being depends on God's presence among them.
A frank admission of guilt: Moses doesn't excuse or minimize the Israelites' sin, but rather acknowledges their stubborn and rebellious nature.
A request for forgiveness: He begs God to pardon their sins and not hold them accountable.
A prayer for covenant renewal: He asks God to reaffirm His commitment to them as His chosen people and to continue to cherish and protect them.
Significance:
This verse demonstrates Moses' exceptional leadership and his profound understanding of God's character. He intercedes on behalf of his people, not by denying their guilt, but by appealing to God's grace and mercy. It highlights the importance of repentance, humility, and the enduring nature of God's covenant love, even in the face of human failings. It serves as a powerful example of intercessory prayer.
Exodus 34:9 - He said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, Lord, please let the Lord go among us; although this is a stiff-necked people; pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.”
What does "Exodus 34:9" mean?
This verse, Exodus 34:9, is a powerful plea from Moses to God after the Israelites have committed a grievous sin by worshipping a golden calf. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:
"He said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, Lord...": This is Moses beginning with a statement of humility and acknowledging his dependence on God's grace. He recognizes that his request can only be granted if God is favorably disposed towards him. He's not demanding, but appealing based on any merit God might see in him.
"...please let the Lord go among us...": This is the core of the request. Moses is asking God to continue to dwell among the Israelites. Given their sin, God had threatened to withdraw His presence (Exodus 33:3). Moses understands that God's presence is essential for their well-being, guidance, and protection. He's desperate for God not to abandon them.
"...although this is a stiff-necked people...": This is a remarkably honest and humble admission. "Stiff-necked" is a Hebrew idiom meaning stubborn, obstinate, and unwilling to submit to authority. Moses is acknowledging the Israelites' rebellious nature; he doesn't try to downplay their sin or portray them as innocent. This honesty makes his plea even more powerful.
"...pardon our iniquity and our sin...": This is a direct request for forgiveness. Moses is asking God to overlook their transgression and not hold their sin against them. "Iniquity" and "sin" are often used synonymously, but sometimes "iniquity" refers to a more deep-seated moral corruption, while "sin" is a specific act of disobedience.
"...and take us for your inheritance.": This is the crucial part. Moses is asking God to reaffirm the covenant He made with Abraham and his descendants. To be God's "inheritance" means to be His chosen people, cherished, protected, and blessed by Him. It's a plea for restoration of the relationship between God and Israel, despite their unfaithfulness.
In essence, this verse is:
A plea for God's continued presence: Moses understands that their well-being depends on God's presence among them.
A frank admission of guilt: Moses doesn't excuse or minimize the Israelites' sin, but rather acknowledges their stubborn and rebellious nature.
A request for forgiveness: He begs God to pardon their sins and not hold them accountable.
A prayer for covenant renewal: He asks God to reaffirm His commitment to them as His chosen people and to continue to cherish and protect them.
Significance:
This verse demonstrates Moses' exceptional leadership and his profound understanding of God's character. He intercedes on behalf of his people, not by denying their guilt, but by appealing to God's grace and mercy. It highlights the importance of repentance, humility, and the enduring nature of God's covenant love, even in the face of human failings. It serves as a powerful example of intercessory prayer.