Deuteronomy 9:25 - Moses pleads for Israel's survival

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 9:25) recounts Moshe Rabbeinu's plea before Hashem after the sin of the Golden Calf. Moshe describes how he prostrated himself in prayer for forty days and nights to avert the decree of destruction against Bnei Yisrael. This event is a continuation of his earlier forty-day prayer session mentioned earlier in the parsha (Devarim 9:18).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 9:25) clarifies that Moshe's falling before Hashem signifies deep supplication and self-nullification, as if physically prostrating in desperate prayer. The repetition of "as I fell down at the first" refers to the initial forty-day period after the Golden Calf incident (Shemot 34:28), emphasizing Moshe's unwavering dedication to pleading for mercy.

Forty Days and Nights

The number forty holds significance in Jewish tradition:

• It parallels the forty days Moshe spent on Har Sinai receiving the first Luchot (Shemot 24:18).
• It represents a complete period of transformation or judgment, as seen in the Flood (Bereishit 7:4) and the formation of a fetus (Talmud, Sanhedrin 65b).
• The Ramban (Devarim 9:18) notes that Moshe's forty-day fasts mirrored the divine process of atonement, demonstrating his role as an intermediary.

Moshe's Self-Sacrifice

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 3:11) highlights Moshe's willingness to sacrifice himself spiritually through continuous prayer, showing his leadership as the "faithful shepherd" (Talmud, Berachot 32a). His actions embody the principle of "arveiut" (mutual responsibility) - identifying completely with the nation's fate.

Theological Implications

The Sforno explains that Moshe's prayer wasn't merely to cancel the decree, but to transform it into an opportunity for teshuvah. This reflects the Jewish concept that sincere repentance can alter divine decrees (Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 17b). The verse ultimately teaches about the power of intercessory prayer and a leader's responsibility for his people.