וָאֶתְפַּלֵּ֣ל אֶל־יְהוָה֮ וָאֹמַר֒ אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֗ה אַל־תַּשְׁחֵ֤ת עַמְּךָ֙ וְנַחֲלָ֣תְךָ֔ אֲשֶׁ֥ר פָּדִ֖יתָ בְּגָדְלֶ֑ךָ אֲשֶׁר־הֹוצֵ֥אתָ מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם בְּיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה׃
(Deuteronomy 9:26)
And I prayed to YHWH and said, ‘Lord YHWH, do not destroy Your people and Your inheritance, whom You have redeemed in Your greatness, whom You brought out of Mitsrayim with a mighty hand.
Syntax as Supplication
In Deuteronomy 9:26, Moshe recounts his intercessory prayer on behalf of Yisraʾel after their rebellion with the golden calf. This verse is more than a narrative summary — it is a syntactically rich window into covenant theology, divine mercy, and rhetorical artistry. The structure of the verse reflects the layered nature of Moshe’s plea, blending direct speech, negative imperative, and two relative clauses that root his argument in divine action. This analysis explores how the syntax of this verse enhances its rhetorical and theological weight.
Opening Clauses: Coordinated Wayyiqtol for Narrative Action
The verse begins with two wayyiqtol verbs that form a sequential narrative frame:
– וָאֶתְפַּלֵּ֣ל אֶל־יְהוָה — “Then I prayed to YHWH”
– וָאֹמַר — “and I said”
These are standard narrative verb forms indicating past actions, but they are loaded with meaning. The verb אֶתְפַּלֵּל (Hithpael) reflects intensified reflexive intercession, emphasizing Moshe’s role as mediator. The coordination of these clauses anchors the verse in historical retelling, immediately transitioning into direct speech.
Speech Introductory Syntax: Titles and Address
Moshe addresses YHWH with the double title:
– אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֗ה — “Lord YHWH”
This pairing is significant both theologically and syntactically. The order reflects vocative emphasis, placing the direct address at the center of the petition. The appositional nature of the two divine titles heightens formality and reverence.
Imperative Clause: Negative Appeal
– אַל־תַּשְׁחֵ֤ת עַמְּךָ֙ וְנַחֲלָ֣תְךָ֔ — “Do not destroy your people and your inheritance”
The negative imperative אַל + imperfect verb (תַּשְׁחֵ֤ת) is a standard construction for prohibitions. The clause joins two direct objects via vav-conjunction: עַמְּךָ and נַחֲלָתְךָ, both second person singular possessive constructs. This pairing creates a poetic parallelism that strengthens Moshe’s appeal: YHWH should not destroy either His people or His portion.
Relative Clauses: Anchoring Appeal in Divine Action
Moshe adds two consecutive relative clauses, introduced by אֲשֶׁר:
1. אֲשֶׁ֥ר פָּדִ֖יתָ בְּגָדְלֶ֑ךָ — “whom you redeemed in your greatness”
2. אֲשֶׁר־הֹוצֵ֥אתָ מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם בְּיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה — “whom you brought out from Mitsrayim with a strong hand”
These clauses function as syntactic justification. Each one grounds the plea in YHWH’s previous covenantal actions:
– Redemption (פדה) in greatness
– Deliverance (הוציא) from Mitsrayim
By anchoring the appeal in God’s own actions, Moshe’s syntax subtly invokes the principle of continuity — YHWH does not abandon those He redeems.
Verbal Aspects and Syntax
– פָּדִיתָ and הֹוצֵאתָ are both perfect 2ms forms, emphasizing completed, covenant-rooted actions.
– These verbs are tightly integrated into the relative clauses, functioning as the semantic core of Moshe’s argument.
The phrase בְּגָדְלֶךָ (“in your greatness”) and בְּיָד חֲזָקָה (“with a strong hand”) are prepositional phrases that serve to intensify the divine agency. The syntax here amplifies the plea: YHWH, who once acted mightily, is now being implored to act mercifully.
Syntax Flow Table
| Structure | Hebrew Phrase | Syntactic Role | Theological Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayyiqtol Coordination | וָאֶתְפַּלֵּ֣ל… וָאֹמַר | Narrative framing | Sets stage for prayer |
| Vocative Address | אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֗ה | Direct address | Titles invoking mercy and authority |
| Negative Imperative | אַל־תַּשְׁחֵ֤ת… | Prohibition clause | Pleading for preservation |
| Relative Clause 1 | אֲשֶׁ֥ר פָּדִ֖יתָ בְּגָדְלֶ֑ךָ | Subordinate modifier | Emphasizes past redemption |
| Relative Clause 2 | אֲשֶׁר־הֹוצֵ֥אתָ… | Subordinate modifier | Recalls Exodus liberation |
Rhetorical Architecture of Intercession
Deuteronomy 9:26 offers a masterclass in intercessory syntax. Every clause is strategic: the verb sequence initiates prayer; the imperative petitions mercy; and the relative clauses establish divine precedent. Moshe does not merely plead emotionally — he builds a case syntactically.
Each grammatical unit serves a theological purpose. The syntax is covenantal logic: YHWH has redeemed and delivered — therefore, He must not destroy. The prayer is not merely a cry; it is a tightly-constructed argument.
Through its grammar, this verse teaches us that intercession in Hebrew Scripture is both relational and reasoned — built on memory, structured with reverence, and aimed at the heart of God.