Deuteronomy 9:20

The LORD was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, but at that time I also prayed for Aaron.

Study Bible

The LORD
This phrase refers to Yahweh, the covenantal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). In Hebrew, it is "YHWH," often vocalized as "Yahweh." This name emphasizes God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. In the context of Deuteronomy, it underscores the personal relationship and covenant between God and Israel, highlighting His righteous standards and expectations.

was angry enough
The Hebrew word for "angry" here is "anaph," which conveys a deep, burning wrath. This is not a capricious anger but a righteous indignation against sin. God's anger is always just and reflects His holiness and intolerance of idolatry, as seen in the incident of the golden calf (Exodus 32). It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.

with Aaron
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest of Israel. His involvement in the creation of the golden calf (Exodus 32:1-6) was a significant failure in leadership. Despite his role as a spiritual leader, Aaron's actions demonstrate that even those in positions of authority are not immune to sin and its consequences. This highlights the need for accountability and the grace of God in leadership.

to destroy him
The Hebrew word "shamad" means to annihilate or exterminate. This indicates the severity of Aaron's sin and the just consequence it warranted. However, it also sets the stage for understanding the power of intercessory prayer and God's mercy. The potential destruction of Aaron underscores the gravity of idolatry and the holiness of God.

but at that time
This phrase marks a pivotal moment of divine intervention. It suggests a turning point where judgment could have been executed, but another course of action was taken. It emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of the situation, as well as the responsiveness of God to prayer.

I also prayed
Moses' intercession is a powerful example of standing in the gap for others. The Hebrew word "palal" means to intervene or mediate. Moses' prayer reflects his role as a mediator between God and the people, prefiguring the ultimate mediation of Christ. It highlights the importance of prayer in seeking God's mercy and the impact one person's faithfulness can have on others.

for Aaron
This phrase underscores the personal nature of Moses' intercession. Despite Aaron's failure, Moses' love and concern for his brother led him to plead for his life. It is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the importance of supporting one another in times of failure. It also reflects the communal aspect of faith, where the actions of one can affect the whole community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. In Deuteronomy 9:20, Moses is interceding on behalf of Aaron.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He was involved in the sin of the golden calf, which provoked God's anger.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is holy and just, yet merciful. He was angered by the idolatry of the Israelites but listened to Moses' intercession.

4. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were delivered from Egypt but often fell into disobedience and idolatry during their journey to the Promised Land.

5. The Golden Calf Incident
A significant event where the Israelites, led by Aaron, created and worshiped a golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law from God.

Teaching Points

The Power of Intercession
Moses' intercession for Aaron demonstrates the power and importance of standing in the gap for others in prayer. As believers, we are called to intercede for those who have fallen into sin, trusting in God's mercy and grace.

The Seriousness of Idolatry
The incident with the golden calf serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of idolatry. Anything that takes the place of God in our lives can become an idol, and we must guard our hearts against such temptations.

God's Mercy and Justice
While God is just and His anger is righteous, He is also merciful. Moses' successful intercession shows that God is willing to forgive when we repent and seek His face.

Leadership and Accountability
Aaron's failure as a leader highlights the importance of accountability and the need for leaders to remain steadfast in their commitment to God, even under pressure.

The Role of a Mediator
Moses acted as a mediator between God and the people, pointing to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf before the Father.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' intercession for Aaron in Deuteronomy 9:20 inspire you to pray for others who may be struggling with sin?

2. In what ways can we identify and remove modern-day idols from our lives, drawing from the lessons of the golden calf incident?

3. How does the role of Moses as an intercessor compare to the role of Jesus as our intercessor, and what comfort does this bring to you?

4. What can we learn from Aaron's failure about the importance of strong, godly leadership, and how can we apply this in our own spheres of influence?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy despite your failures. How can this experience encourage you to extend grace and forgiveness to others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
This chapter provides the detailed account of the golden calf incident, highlighting Aaron's role and the people's rebellion.

Psalm 106
This psalm recounts Israel's history, including their idolatry and God's mercy, emphasizing the importance of intercession.

Hebrews 7:25
This verse speaks of Jesus as our intercessor, drawing a parallel to Moses' role in interceding for Aaron and the Israelites.