Deuteronomy 9 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues Moses’ second speech, which began in chapter five.

1. Moses tells the Israelites that when they enter the land that Yahweh had promised to them that Yahweh will be with them and fight for them (1–3)
2. Moses reminds the Israelites that Yahweh is not allowing them to dispossess the people groups in the land that Yahweh had promised them because of the Israelites righteousness but rather because of the wickedness of the people who live in that land (4–6)
3. Moses recounts the Israelites’ consistent pattern of sinning against Yahweh and his intercession on their behalf (7–29)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Yahweh’s victory

This chapter assures the Israelites that it is Yahweh who will empower them to conquer the land that Yahweh had promised them. The Israelites will not be strong enough on their own to conquer these other nations. This victory will be Yahweh’s. The people did not earn this victory, but it is Yahweh’s punishment of these sinful nations. (See: promisedland and sin)

Israel’s sin

Yahweh is about to punish the Canaanites for their sin. He also reminds Israel of their sin. This serves as a warning to the people of Israel. If they sin again, Yahweh will punish them too.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

“you” and “your” singular and plural

When Moses is addressing the Israelites, he uses both the singular and plural forms of “you.”

• In verses 1–6: “you” and “your” are singular.
• In verse 7 see the note.
• In verses 8–9 “you” and “your” are plural.
• In verses 16–25 “you” and “your” are plural.

Although Moses is speaking to all the Israelites, he sometimes addresses them as “you” singular. If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation. (See: writing-pronouns and figs-youcrowd)