Deuteronomy 9:20

"For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure with which the LORD was angry against you to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me that time also."

Key Reflection

In Deuteronomy 9:20, Moses recounts his experience at Mount Horeb where he pleaded with God to spare the Israelites after they had sinned by making a golden calf. The original audience would have understood that Moses feared for the future of the nation, knowing that their idolatry had incurred divine wrath and could lead to total destruction. However, they also knew that despite their rebellious behavior, God's mercy prevailed, as He listened to Moses' intercession and forgave them on this occasion, though not without consequences.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Israel could not even boast that its heads and representatives continued, faithful. Aaron had been already designated for the high priestly functions; but he fell away with the rest of the people. It was due therefore solely to the grace of God and the intercession of Moses that Aaron himself and his promised priesthood with him were not cut off; just as at a later time, when Aaron had actually to die for a new sin Israel owed it still to the same causes that Eleazar was substituted and the High Priesthood perpetuated (compareDeuteronomy 10:6;Numbers 20:24-26).

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