I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights, like the first time, and that time the LORD again listened to me and agreed not to destroy you. As for me, I stayed on the mountainThis phrase highlights Moses' unique role as an intercessor between God and the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "stayed" is "עָמַד" (amad), which conveys the idea of standing firm or remaining steadfast. Moses' prolonged presence on the mountain signifies his dedication and commitment to seeking God's favor on behalf of the people. Historically, mountains are often seen as places of divine encounter, and Moses' time on Mount Sinai is a profound example of this. His willingness to remain there underscores the importance of perseverance in prayer and intercession. like the first time
This phrase refers back to Moses' initial forty days and nights on Mount Sinai, as described earlier in Deuteronomy and Exodus. The repetition of this experience emphasizes the gravity and significance of the covenant renewal process. The Hebrew word for "first" is "רִאשׁוֹן" (rishon), indicating precedence and primacy. It suggests that the renewal of the covenant is as crucial as its original establishment. This serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His willingness to restore and renew His people despite their failures. forty days and forty nights
The number forty in the Bible often symbolizes a period of testing, trial, or probation. This is seen in various contexts, such as the forty years of Israel's wandering in the wilderness and Jesus' forty days of fasting in the desert. The Hebrew word for "forty" is "אַרְבָּעִים" (arba'im), which carries connotations of completeness and sufficiency. Moses' forty days and nights on the mountain represent a complete cycle of intercession and communion with God, highlighting the thoroughness of his mediation on behalf of Israel. and the LORD listened to me
This phrase is a testament to the power of intercessory prayer. The Hebrew root for "listened" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear intelligently, often with the implication of attention and obedience. It indicates that God is attentive to the prayers of His faithful servants. Moses' successful intercession demonstrates God's mercy and willingness to forgive. It serves as an encouragement for believers to persist in prayer, trusting that God hears and responds to the cries of His people. at this time also
This phrase underscores the consistency of God's character. The Hebrew word for "time" is "פַּעַם" (pa'am), which can mean a beat or occurrence, suggesting a specific moment or instance. The addition of "also" (גַּם, gam) indicates that God's mercy is not a one-time event but a continual aspect of His relationship with His people. This reassures believers that God's grace and willingness to forgive are ever-present, encouraging them to approach Him with confidence and faith in His enduring love and compassion. He was unwilling to destroy you
This phrase reveals the depth of God's mercy and His desire for reconciliation rather than judgment. The Hebrew root for "unwilling" is "אָבָה" (abah), which means to be willing or to consent. In this context, it highlights God's deliberate choice to withhold His wrath. The word "destroy" comes from the Hebrew "שָׁחַת" (shachat), meaning to ruin or annihilate. This demonstrates God's preference for restoration over destruction, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of redemption. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's patience and long-suffering nature, offering hope to all who seek His forgiveness. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. He intercedes on behalf of the Israelites to prevent their destruction. 2. The Mountain (Mount Sinai/Horeb)The location where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. It is a place of divine revelation and covenant renewal. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who listens to Moses' intercession and shows mercy to the Israelites. 4. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are at risk of destruction due to their disobedience and idolatry, specifically the incident of the golden calf. 5. The Forty Days and Forty NightsA significant period of time in biblical accounts, symbolizing a time of testing, trial, and divine encounter. Teaching Points The Power of IntercessionMoses' intercession demonstrates the power and importance of standing in the gap for others. As believers, we are called to pray for others, trusting that God hears and responds to our prayers. God's Mercy and PatienceDespite the Israelites' repeated failures, God shows mercy. This teaches us about God's patience and willingness to forgive, encouraging us to seek His forgiveness and extend it to others. The Significance of Time with GodMoses' forty days and nights on the mountain highlight the importance of spending dedicated time with God. We are encouraged to prioritize our relationship with Him through prayer and study of His Word. The Role of a MediatorMoses serves as a mediator between God and the Israelites, pointing to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ. This underscores the necessity of Christ's intercession for our salvation. Obedience and Covenant FaithfulnessThe Israelites' situation reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's commands and faithfulness to His covenant. Our actions have consequences, but God's grace is available when we repent. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' role as an intercessor in Deuteronomy 10:10 inspire you to pray for others in your life? 2. In what ways can you relate the forty days and nights Moses spent on the mountain to your own spiritual journey and time spent with God? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy and patience. How does this passage encourage you to extend the same to others? 4. How does understanding Jesus as our ultimate mediator enhance your appreciation of Moses' intercession in this passage? 5. What steps can you take to ensure that you remain obedient and faithful to God's covenant in your daily life? Consider connections to other scriptures that emphasize obedience and faithfulness. Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 32-34These chapters provide the background to Moses' intercession, detailing the sin of the golden calf and God's initial decision to destroy the Israelites. Numbers 14Another instance where Moses intercedes for the Israelites after their rebellion, highlighting the recurring theme of intercession and God's mercy. Psalm 106:23This verse reflects on Moses' role as an intercessor, emphasizing the importance of his prayer in averting God's wrath. Hebrews 7:25This New Testament passage speaks of Jesus as our ultimate intercessor, drawing a parallel to Moses' role in the Old Testament. People Aaron, Eleazar, Jaakanites, Jakan, Levi, MosesPlaces Beeroth Bene-jaakan, Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Jotbathah, Moserah, SinaiTopics Destroy, Destruction, Ears, First-time, Former, Forty, Hearkened, Hearkeneth, Listened, Moreover, Mount, Mountain, Nights, Open, Prayer, Stayed, Stood, Unwilling, Willed, WillingDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 10:9 5661 brothers
5705 inheritance, spiritual Deuteronomy 10:8-9 1350 covenant, with Israel's priests Library Election and Holiness
Now, this morning it may be that some of you will not approve of what I have to say. You will remember, however, that I do not seek your approbation, that it will be sufficient for me if I have cleared my conscience concerning a grand truth and have preached the gospel faithfully. I am not accountable to you, nor you to me. You are accountable to God, if you reject a truth; I am accountable to Him if I preach an error. I am not afraid to stand before His bar with regard to the great doctrines which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860Book iii. The Ascent: from the River Jordan to the Mount of Transfiguration.
{hebrew} In every passage of Scripture where thou findest the Majesty of God, thou also findest close by His Condescension (Humility). So it is written down in the Law [Deut. x. 17, followed by verse 18], repeated in the Prophets [Is. lvii. 15], and reiterated in the Hagiographa [Ps. lxviii. 4, followed by verse 5].' - Megill 31 a. …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet
We shall now, in conclusion, give a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet. After an introduction in vi. 1, 2, where the mountains serve only to give greater solemnity to the scene (in the fundamental passages Deut. xxxii. 1, and in Is. 1, 2, "heaven and earth" are mentioned for the same purposes, inasmuch as they are the most venerable parts of creation; "contend with the mountains" by taking them in and applying to [Pg 522] them as hearers), the prophet reminds the people of …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Parable of the Importunate Widow.
^C Luke XVIII. 1-8. ^c 1 And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man [an utterly abandoned character]: 3 and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of [rather, Do justice to me as to] mine adversary. [In Scripture language widowhood is symbolic of defenselessness (Ex. xxii. 22-24; Deut. x. 18; xxvii. 19; Mal. iii. 5; Mark xii. 40), …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica An Appendix to the Beatitudes
His commandments are not grievous 1 John 5:3 You have seen what Christ calls for poverty of spirit, pureness of heart, meekness, mercifulness, cheerfulness in suffering persecution, etc. Now that none may hesitate or be troubled at these commands of Christ, I thought good (as a closure to the former discourse) to take off the surmises and prejudices in men's spirits by this sweet, mollifying Scripture, His commandments are not grievous.' The censuring world objects against religion that it is difficult …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision B. Jesus Talks with Nicodemus. ^D John III. 1-21. ^d 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [Nicodemus is mentioned only by John. His character is marked by a prudence amounting almost to timidity. At John vii. 50-52 he defends Jesus, but without committing himself as in any way interested in him: at John xix. 38, 39 he brought spices for the body of Jesus, but only after Joseph of Arimathæa had secured the body. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 10:10 NIVDeuteronomy 10:10 NLTDeuteronomy 10:10 ESVDeuteronomy 10:10 NASBDeuteronomy 10:10 KJV
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