Have you ever felt tempted to think—and perhaps genuinely believed for a moment—that blessings and victories in your life were due to your own righteousness, wisdom, or strength? Moses sensed exactly this danger as Israel stood poised to enter the Promised Land. He reminds them explicitly:
“Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.” (Deuteronomy 9:6, New International Version)
The term “stiff-necked” (Hebrew: עָרְפְּךָ קָשֶׁה, pronounced “orpekha kasheh”) vividly captures the stubborn resistance of the Israelites, who, like rebellious oxen, refused to yield their wills. It is a compelling reminder of our universal condition—our stubborn and independent human tendency to resist God’s nurturing authority.
Moses makes certain to emphasize that Israel’s success is not due to personal merit, but solely God’s promise and mercy. This point is central in understanding not only the book of Deuteronomy but also the whole story of God’s covenant relationship with His people. God does not choose us based on merit, but in spite of our rebellion, purely out of His loyal-love, His hesed—a rich Hebrew word that encompasses loving-kindness, mercy, grace, and fidelity.
Historically, we see in this chapter a powerful recounting of Israel’s rebellion at Mount Horeb (Sinai), particularly their forming of the golden calf idol (referenced in Exodus 32). Moses reminds them succinctly of their past, not to shame them, but to ensure they never forget the depth of God’s mercy in contrast to their frequent unfaithfulness.
From a broader theological perspective, this chapter echoes throughout scripture, as we find similar themes reiterated by the Apostles. Paul, in Ephesians 2:8-9 (New International Version), says clearly, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… not by works, so that no one can boast.”
For a western reader, it might be easy to overlook how deeply significant idol worship was in ancient cultures, even among those who claimed to worship one supreme God. In the context of Israel’s ancient Near Eastern neighbors, tangible idols were universal means of feeling connected with the divine. Israelites, in a moment of fear and impatience, fell back on this familiar form of comfort and control. This was not a small error, but a profound betrayal of their covenant with a God who specifically commanded no idols (Exodus 20:4-5).
At an archaeological level, several finds—such as calf-shaped idols discovered throughout the Levant—affirm not only the prominence of the type of idolatry Moses describes but also help demonstrate the swirling cultural pressures challenging the Israelites’ loyalty to Yahweh. Moses’ warning was not theoretical; it addressed a real temptation supported by pervasive cultural norms.
Despite all their rebellion and stubbornness, God remained committed to his promise. Moses passionately interceded for Israel (Deut. 9:25-29), which foreshadows Christ’s intercession for us (Romans 8:34). Like Israel, we do not enter into God’s promises by our own righteousness, but solely by the merit and intercession of Christ.
For us today, this principle stands firm. All our victories and the spiritual “lands” we possess—our ministries, gifts, and lives—are graciously given by God, not earned by human effort or inherent virtue. This posture keeps us deeply humble and endlessly thankful.
Moses’ words encourage us to acknowledge the hidden pride within ourselves—to lay aside self-congratulatory attitudes or any subtle sense of entitlement. They steer our hearts to thanksgiving, true humility, and a daily dependence on God’s mercy and grace alone.
To encourage thoughtful reflection today, consider listening to the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” particularly the lesser-known original final verse:
Oh, that day when freed from sinning, I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood-washed linen, How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace.
Narrated version of this devotional on Deuteronomy Chapter 9