Deuteronomy 9:26
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Moses appeals to God's "greatness" not just as immense power, but as the inherent characteristic that defines God's actions and His people's identity. He’s not just asking for a favor, but reminding God of His own glorious nature displayed in redemption.
And I prayed to the LORD, ‘O Lord GOD, do not destroy your people and your heritage, whom you have redeemed through your greatness, whom you have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off the heels of Moses recounting their past rebellions, he plunges into a desperate prayer to God. He reminds God that Israel is not just any people, but His chosen inheritance whom He dramatically rescued from Egypt with undeniable power. This plea is made because, just as in Exodus, Moses fears God’s wrath will consume the people after their sin with the golden calf.
When we face challenging situations, do we focus on our failures or God's faithfulness? Moses reminds us of a powerful way to approach God.
Moses doesn't hesitate to remind God of His own actions and character. He appeals to God's 'greatness' and 'mighty hand' that brought Israel out of Egypt. This isn't about correcting God, but about aligning our prayers with His revealed nature and past faithfulness.
God's Power, Our Hope
God’s greatness isn't just a descriptor; it's the foundation for His redemptive work. By recalling the Exodus, Moses anchors his plea in God's demonstrated power and commitment to His people. He’s essentially saying, 'You are the God who acts, the God who saves powerfully.' This approach shifts the focus from the people's unworthiness to God's magnificent ability and willingness to redeem.
God calls Israel both His 'people' and His 'inheritance.' What does this dual designation reveal about our relationship with Him?
Moses pleads, 'destroy not your people and your inheritance.' This phrase highlights two crucial aspects of God's relationship with Israel:
Ask a follow-up
A Cherished Possession
When we understand ourselves as both God's people and His inheritance, it reframes our value. It's not based on our performance but on His gracious choice and the immense price He has paid (through redemption). This understanding should inspire awe and a desire to live in a way that honors the One who holds us so dear.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, signifying His self-existence, faithfulness, and relationship with His people.
Adonai YHWH · Hebrew Noun
A title of God emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, authority, and lordship over all creation and specifically over His people.
shachath · Hebrew Verb
To act in a way that causes something to cease existing or to ruin its structure; in a biblical context, it often refers to divine judgment against sin.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
An inheritance or portion that belongs to someone; here, it refers to Israel as God's special possession and covenantal people.
padah · Hebrew Verb
To buy back or rescue someone from slavery or captivity, often involving the payment of a price; it reflects God's action in delivering Israel from Egypt.
Mitsrayim · Hebrew Noun
The specific place or nation of Israel's historical bondage, symbolizing separation from God and spiritual captivity from which God delivers His people.
yad chazaqah · Hebrew Noun phrase
A metaphor for God's active, intervening power and strength in history to achieve His purposes for His people.
This passage directly parallels Moses' intercession before God for the Israelites after the golden calf incident, highlighting the same plea to spare God's people and heritage.
Numbers 14:13-19Moses again appeals to God's 'greatness' and 'mighty hand' that brought Israel out of Egypt, arguing that God's reputation is at stake if He destroys His people.
Psalm 106:23This psalm recounts God's faithfulness amidst Israel's rebellion, noting how God intended to destroy them but was turned from His wrath by Moses' intercession, echoing Deuteronomy 9:20.
Nehemiah 9:17Nehemiah recounts Israel's history, acknowledging God as 'a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,' a characteristic Moses appeals to in his prayer.
gillDeuteronomy 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."
And I prayed therefore unto the Lord,.... What follows is a different prayer from that in Exodus 32:31 and agrees better with that in Deuteronomy 9:11 , delivered before he came down from the mount, yet could not be the same, because delivered at another forty days…
ellicottDeuteronomy 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."
(26) I prayed therefore . . . and said. —The words that follow are very similar to those which are recorded in Exodus 32:11-13 . Moses appears to be alluding to his first intercession here, before he descended from Sinai for the first time.
Moses appeals to God's "greatness" not just as immense power, but as the inherent characteristic that defines God's actions and His people's identity. He’s not just asking for a favor, but reminding God of His own glorious nature displayed in redemption.
Fresh off the heels of Moses recounting their past rebellions, he plunges into a desperate prayer to God. He reminds God that Israel is not just any people, but His chosen inheritance whom He dramatically rescued from Egypt with undeniable power. This plea is made because, just as in Exodus, Moses fears God’s wrath will consume the people after their sin with the golden calf.
Fresh off the heels of Moses recounting their past rebellions, he plunges into a desperate prayer to God. He reminds God that Israel is not just any people, but His chosen inheritance whom He dramatically rescued from Egypt with undeniable power. This plea is made because, just as in Exodus, Moses fears God’s wrath will consume the people after their sin with the golden calf.
"And I prayed to the LORD, ‘O Lord GOD, do not destroy your people and your heritage, whom you have redeemed through your greatness, whom you have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand." — Moses appeals to God's "greatness" not just as immense power, but as the inherent characteristic that defines God's actions and His people's identity. He’s not just asking for a favor, but reminding…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
