Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. Moses, one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament, exemplifies this practice through his numerous intercessions for the people of Israel. His role as an intercessor highlights his deep relationship with God and his leadership over the Israelites.

Moses' Role as an Intercessor

Moses' intercessory prayers are pivotal moments in the narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. As a leader chosen by God, Moses often stood in the gap between God and the people, pleading for mercy and guidance on their behalf. His intercessions demonstrate his compassion, humility, and unwavering faith in God's promises.

Key Instances of Intercessory Prayer by Moses

1. The Golden Calf Incident (Exodus 32:11-14): One of the most notable instances of Moses' intercession occurs after the Israelites create and worship a golden calf while Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving the Law. God's anger burns against the people, and He threatens to destroy them. Moses, however, pleads with God, saying, "O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?" (Exodus 32:11). Moses appeals to God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and God relents from bringing disaster upon the people.

2. The Rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16:20-22): When Korah and his followers rebel against Moses and Aaron, God intends to consume the congregation in His wrath. Moses and Aaron fall on their faces and intercede, saying, "O God, the God who gives breath to all living things, will You be angry with the entire assembly when only one man sins?" (Numbers 16:22). Their prayer reflects their concern for the innocent and their desire for God's justice to be tempered with mercy.

3. The Sin of the Spies (Numbers 14:13-19): After the negative report of the spies and the people's subsequent rebellion, God threatens to strike them with a plague. Moses intercedes, reminding God of His reputation among the nations and His attributes of patience and steadfast love. He prays, "Please forgive the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of Your loving devotion, just as You have pardoned them from Egypt until now" (Numbers 14:19). God responds by pardoning the people, though they face consequences for their unbelief.

4. The Waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:6-8): When the Israelites grumble for water at Meribah, Moses and Aaron go to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fall facedown. The glory of the LORD appears, and God instructs Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. This instance, while not a direct intercession for forgiveness, shows Moses seeking God's provision for the people's needs.

Characteristics of Moses' Intercessory Prayers

Moses' intercessory prayers are characterized by several key elements:

· Appeal to God's Character: Moses often appeals to God's attributes, such as His mercy, faithfulness, and covenant promises. He reminds God of His past acts of deliverance and His commitment to His people.

· Identification with the People: Moses identifies with the Israelites, even when they sin. He uses inclusive language, such as "we" and "us," showing his solidarity with them.

· Persistence and Boldness: Moses demonstrates persistence and boldness in his prayers. He is not afraid to approach God with difficult requests, trusting in God's willingness to listen and respond.

· Humility and Reverence: Despite his boldness, Moses approaches God with humility and reverence, often falling on his face in prayer. He acknowledges God's sovereignty and seeks His will above all.

Moses' intercessory prayers serve as a powerful example of the role of a mediator and the impact of prayer in the life of a believer. Through his intercessions, Moses not only averts disaster but also deepens the relationship between God and His people, highlighting the transformative power of prayer.Exodus 8:12
And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried to the LORD because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 32:11-13
And Moses sought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why does your wrath wax hot against your people, which you have brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... They impressively bring out the intercessory feature of prayer and disclose Moses
in his great office as an intercessor before God in behalf of others. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/iv moses the mighty intercessor.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... blot my name out of the Book of Life." Never was there a mightier prophet than Moses,
and never one more intensely earnest in intercessory prayer. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Faith of Sinners in Prayer
... So intercessory prayer predominated in those early days of the ... the faith of wicked
men in prayer and their ... when they spoke against God and Moses, after this ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/xi faith of sinners in.htm

The Covenant of an Everlasting Priesthood
... to-day unto the Lord, even every man upon his brother." This call of Moses is as ...
In the work of saving men, He wants intercessory prayer to take the first place ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter xv the covenant of.htm

Praying Men at a Premium
... gather its priceless riches in the avenues of intercessory prayer. ... of the
Transfiguration was preceded by prayer, and was ... Moses and Elijah came to yield to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/vi praying men at a.htm

Whether a Man Can Merit the First Grace for Another
... On the other hand: it is said in Jer.15:1: "Though Moses and Samuel ... On the second
point: intercessory prayer depends on mercy, whereas merit depends on condign ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/nature and grace/article six whether a man.htm

The Ministry of the New Covenant
... From Moses they might receive knowledge and thoughts and desires,"the power of ... message
for his people, whether in secret or intercessory prayer, whether in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter xvi the ministry of.htm

Sanctified by the Truth.
... this agree the words of our Lord in His intercessory prayer. ... and to realize that
the Saviour's prayer is answered ... while the law was given by Moses, grace and ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter xiv sanctified by the.htm

The Psalmist --Setting the Lord
... must see that "No man hath seen God at any time": no, not Moses: no, not ... To have
seen and heard His intercessory prayer with His eyes lifted up to Heaven after ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/viii the psalmistsetting the lord.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... 1:Sam.7:5, 12; 8:16-18); personal (1:Sam.15:11, 35; 16:1). In Jeremiah (15:1) Moses
and Samuel are represented as offering intercessory prayer for Israel. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

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