Exodus 34:9
And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.
Exodus 34:9 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse, found in Exodus 34:9, shows Moses pleading with the Lord on behalf of the Israelites. Moses acknowledges the stiff-necked nature of the people, meaning they are stubborn and resistant to change. Despite this, Moses asks for God's presence to go with them, showing his desire for guidance and protection as they continue their journey. In addition, Moses asks for forgiveness for the sins and iniquities of the Israelites, recognizing their faults and shortcomings. By asking God to take them as His inheritance, Moses is expressing a desire for the Lord to claim them as His own special possession, to lead, protect, and provide for them. This verse signifies a plea for God's mercy, grace, and presence among His people, despite their flaws and failings.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Exodus 34:9, Moses is pleading with God on behalf of the Israelites, acknowledging their stubbornness and sinfulness as a people. The phrase "stiffnecked people" refers to their rebellious nature and tendency to resist God's will. By asking God to go among them, Moses is requesting His presence and guidance to lead the Israelites on the right path despite their shortcomings. Additionally, when Moses asks for forgiveness of their sins and for God to take them as His inheritance, he is acknowledging the need for God's mercy and grace to cover their transgressions. This verse highlights the importance of seeking God's presence, forgiveness, and guidance in the midst of human weakness and sin. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God's mercy and their desire to be chosen as His people despite their imperfections.
Exodus 34:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he said, If now I have found favor in thy sight, O Lord, let the Lord, I pray thee, go in the midst of us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.
World English Bible
He said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, Lord, please let the Lord go in the midst of us; although this is a stiff-necked people; pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.”
Douay-Rheims
Said: If I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, I beseech thee that thou wilt go with us, (for it is a stiffnecked people) and take away our iniquities and sin, and possess us.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And sayde, O Lord, I pray thee, If I haue founde grace in thy sight, that the Lord woulde nowe goe with vs ( for it is a stiffe necked people) and pardon our iniquitie and our sinne, and take vs for thine inheritance.