Deuteronomy 9:27

Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Overlook the stubbornness of this people and the wickedness of their sin.

Study Bible

Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
This phrase is a plea for divine mercy based on the covenantal relationship God established with the patriarchs. The Hebrew word for "remember" is "זָכַר" (zakar), which implies not just recalling but acting upon a promise or covenant. In the ancient Near Eastern context, remembering was often associated with covenant fidelity. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the patriarchs with whom God made significant covenants, promising land, descendants, and blessings. This appeal to the patriarchs underscores the continuity of God's promises and the faithfulness expected from both God and His people.

Overlook the stubbornness of this people
The term "stubbornness" translates from the Hebrew "קְשִׁי" (qeshi), which conveys a sense of being stiff-necked or obstinate. This imagery is vivid in the ancient world, where a stiff-necked animal would resist the guidance of its master. The Israelites' stubbornness is a recurring theme in the Pentateuch, highlighting their frequent rebellion and resistance to God's commands. The plea to "overlook" suggests a request for God to show grace and not hold their rebellious nature against them, emphasizing the need for divine patience and forgiveness.

their wickedness and sin
"Wickedness" and "sin" are translated from the Hebrew words "רָשָׁע" (rasha) and "חַטָּאָה" (chatta'ah), respectively. "Rasha" often denotes moral wrongness or guilt, while "chatta'ah" refers to missing the mark or falling short of God's standards. In the biblical narrative, these terms encapsulate the moral failures and transgressions of the Israelites. The historical context of Deuteronomy involves the Israelites on the brink of entering the Promised Land, a moment requiring reflection on past failures and a renewed commitment to covenantal faithfulness. This plea for forgiveness is a recognition of human frailty and the need for divine grace to overcome it.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is interceding on behalf of the people, reminding God of His covenant with the patriarchs.

2. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
The patriarchs of Israel, with whom God made significant covenants, promising land, descendants, and blessings.

3. The Israelites
The people Moses is interceding for, who have shown stubbornness and sinfulness.

4. The Promised Land
The land God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which the Israelites are on the verge of entering.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the Law and where the Israelites committed the sin of the golden calf, demonstrating their stubbornness.

Teaching Points

The Power of Intercession
Moses' prayer demonstrates the importance of interceding for others, reminding us to pray for those who have strayed from God's path.

God's Covenant Faithfulness
Despite human failure, God remains faithful to His promises. This encourages us to trust in His unchanging nature.

The Importance of Remembrance
Moses calls God to remember His servants, teaching us to recall God's past faithfulness in our own lives.

Dealing with Stubbornness and Sin
Acknowledge and confess our own stubbornness and sin, seeking God's forgiveness and transformation.

The Role of Leaders
Moses' leadership highlights the responsibility of leaders to advocate for their people and guide them back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' intercession in Deuteronomy 9:27 inspire you to pray for others, especially those who are struggling with sin?

2. In what ways can you see God's covenant faithfulness in your own life, similar to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

3. Reflect on a time when you were stubborn or sinful. How did you experience God's mercy and forgiveness?

4. How can the example of Moses as a leader influence your approach to leadership in your community or family?

5. What steps can you take to better remember and recount God's faithfulness in your life, as Moses did in his prayer?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12, 26, 28
These chapters detail the covenants God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which Moses references in his intercession.

Exodus 32
Describes the sin of the golden calf, an example of the Israelites' stubbornness and sinfulness.

Psalm 106
Reflects on Israel's history of rebellion and God's mercy, echoing the themes of Deuteronomy 9:27.

Hebrews 11
Highlights the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, underscoring the importance of God's promises to them.

Romans 11
Discusses God's faithfulness to Israel despite their disobedience, similar to Moses' plea for mercy.