“Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.”
This verse is part of Moses’ prayer to God on behalf of the Israelites. To understand its context, it’s helpful to explore the preceding verses.
In Deuteronomy 9, Moses recounts the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. He reminds the people of their rebellion, particularly their worship of the golden calf, which occurred while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God. Moses recalls how God’s anger was kindled against them and how he interceded on their behalf to prevent their destruction.
When we come to verse 29, Moses acknowledges the rebellious nature of the Israelites, recognizing their unworthiness and the mercy God has shown them. Let’s break down the key elements of this verse:
“Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance”: Despite their shortcomings and disobedience, Moses acknowledges that the Israelites still belong to God. They are His chosen people, and He has established a covenant with them. This phrase emphasizes God’s ownership and sovereignty over the nation of Israel.
“Which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm”: Moses highlights God’s great power and His miraculous intervention in delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The phrase “mighty power” refers to the display of God’s strength and authority, while “stretched out arm” symbolizes His acts of redemption and deliverance throughout the Exodus narrative.
This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His enduring commitment to His people, despite their flaws and failures. It demonstrates the compassionate nature of God, who continues to extend His grace and mercy to those who belong to Him.
The broader context of this prayer, as well as the entire book of Deuteronomy, emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Moses urges the Israelites to remember their history, God’s faithfulness, and the consequences of disobedience, all in order to encourage them to live faithfully and in accordance with God’s will as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
In summary, Deuteronomy 9:29 reaffirms the special relationship between God and the Israelites, acknowledging their status as His chosen people and recognizing God’s mighty power in delivering them from Egypt. It underscores the significance of God’s mercy and His commitment to His people, even in the face of their shortcomings.
