Deuteronomy 9:1-29
Q.1. In Whom did Moses direct the new generation’s confidence, as they entered the Promised Land? Why was God giving them the good land? – (Dt.9:1-6)
A previous generation had fallen through unbelief. Moses reminded the people that victory was assured, because God would be with them – Know therefore today that it is the Lord your God who is crossing over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and He will subdue them before you, so that you may drive them out and destroy them quickly, just as the Lord has spoken to you (Dt.9:3). Moses gave two reasons why Israel would possess the Promised Land – It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Dt.9:5 c.f. Gen.15:13-21). The good land was given in fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham, and because the inhabitants of the land were now ripe for judgment.
Q.2. Why did God threaten to wipe out the previous generation of Israelites? How was Israel spared from destruction? – (Dt.9:6-19)
God had severely punished the generation of Israelites whom He had redeemed from slavery in Egypt. He had provided for these people in the wilderness for forty years, in spite of their rebelliousness (Dt.9:7 c.f. Ps.95:8-11). Their provocations were so great that God had threatened to blot out the nation from under Heaven – Let Me alone, that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven; and I will make of you a nation mightier and greater than they.’ (Dt.9:14). However, the Lord responded to the pleadings on Israel’s behalf by Moses – For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure with which the Lord was wrathful against you in order to destroy you, but the Lord listened to me that time also (Dt.9:19).
Q.3. How did Moses make his appeal to God? What important truths were revealed by the prayer of Moses for his people? – (Dt.9:20-29)
Moses asked God to overlook Israel’s wickedness and keep His ancient promises to the patriarchs. He also argued that if Israel were destroyed after the miracle of its birth out of bondage, then the nations would conclude that God was either incapable or unwilling to keep caring for His people. Primarily, Moses reminded the Lord that Israel were His people, and gave the responsibility of the nation to their rightful Owner – Yet they are Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm.’ (Dt.9:29). The prayer of Moses considered God and His reputation. Such a prayer has great power with God.