Deuteronomy 9:27
Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:
Deuteronomy 9:27 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses is pleading with God on behalf of the Israelites, asking Him to remember the faithfulness of their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By invoking the names of these patriarchs, Moses is reminding God of His covenant with their descendants and asking for His mercy and intervention despite the people's stubbornness, wickedness, and sin. This verse serves as a reminder of God's steadfast love and faithfulness to His people, even when they stray from His commands. It also highlights the importance of intercessory prayer and the role of leaders such as Moses in advocating for the forgiveness and redemption of their community. Ultimately, this verse demonstrates the power of remembrance and supplication in seeking God's grace and mercy in the face of human frailty and transgression.
Theological Overview
When Moses pleaded with God to remember the patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - he was invoking the covenantal promises that God had made to their descendants. By referencing these forefathers, Moses was appealing to the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises and to show mercy to His people. The mention of the patriarchs also serves as a reminder of the relationship that God had with their ancestors, establishing a connection between the past and the present. Additionally, Moses asks God not to look upon the stubbornness, wickedness, and sin of the people. This showcases Moses' understanding of the mercy and forgiveness of God, as well as his acknowledgment of the sins of the Israelites. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of remembering God's promises, seeking His mercy, and acknowledging our own shortcomings in order to receive His grace.
Deuteronomy 9:27 in other translations
American Standard Version
Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin,
World English Bible
Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Don’t look at the stubbornness of this people, nor at their wickedness, nor at their sin,
Douay-Rheims
Remember thy servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: look not on the stubbornness of this people, nor on their wickedness and sin:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Remember thy seruants Abraham, Izhak, and Iaakob: looke not to ye stubburnes of this people, nor to their wickednes, nor to their sinne,