Deuteronomy 9:26 - Moses pleads for Israel's survival

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 9:26) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's plea to Hashem after the sin of the Golden Calf (עגל הזהב). Moshe intercedes on behalf of Bnei Yisrael, begging Hashem not to destroy them despite their grave transgression. The language reflects Moshe's deep connection to the Jewish people and his role as their defender.

Key Themes in Moshe's Prayer

• Hashem's Relationship with His People: Moshe emphasizes that Bnei Yisrael are not just any nation, but "עמך ונחלתך" (Your people and Your inheritance). Rashi explains that this phrasing reminds Hashem of His eternal covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
• Redemption from Mitzrayim: Moshe invokes the Exodus ("אשר פדית בגדלך... אשר הוצאת ממצרים"), highlighting that Hashem's mighty redemption demonstrates His unique bond with Israel. The Ramban notes that this appeal underscores the futility of destroying a nation redeemed with such open miracles.
• Divine Mercy Over Justice: The Talmud (Berachot 32a) teaches that Moshe's prayer exemplifies how to appeal to Hashem's mercy by recalling His past kindnesses and His investment in the Jewish people.

Phrase-by-Phrase Analysis

"אל תשחת עמך ונחלתך" (Destroy not Your people and Your inheritance): The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 20) explains that Moshe argues that destroying Bnei Yisrael would lead the nations to question Hashem's power, as if He could not complete His mission of bringing them to Eretz Yisrael.

"אשר פדית בגדלך" (Which You have redeemed through Your greatness): The Sforno interprets this as Moshe reminding Hashem that His reputation for greatness is tied to His redemption of Israel. Abarbanel adds that this phrase stresses the irreversible nature of Hashem's choice of the Jewish people.

"אשר הוצאת ממצרים ביד חזקה" (Which You brought out of Mitzrayim with a mighty hand): The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) notes that Moshe specifically mentions the "mighty hand" to contrast Bnei Yisrael's current weakness (their sin) with Hashem's unwavering strength in redeeming them.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

• Power of Prayer: Moshe's prayer serves as a model for all generations, teaching that even in dire circumstances, one must never cease pleading for mercy (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 2:6).
• Defending the Jewish People: Leaders must prioritize the welfare of the community, even when they err, as Moshe did (Talmud Yerushalmi, Sanhedrin 10:2).
• Hashem's Attributes: The verse reflects the 13 Attributes of Mercy (י"ג מידות הרחמים), showing that Hashem responds to sincere repentance and advocacy (Exodus 34:6-7).