And the LORD was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him: and I prayed for Aaron also the same time.

DEUTERONOMY 9:20KJV
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Deuteronomy 9:20 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 9:20 mean?

Deuteronomy 9:20 says that the LORD was extremely angry with Aaron and was ready to destroy him, but Moses prayed for Aaron at that same time. This verse highlights a moment when Aaron’s life was in danger because of his actions, and Moses intervened by praying on his behalf.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, reminding them of what happened after the golden calf incident at Mount Sinai. Aaron, Moses’ brother, had played a key role in making the idol, and God’s anger was directed at him for this serious wrongdoing. Moses’ prayer for Aaron shows both the seriousness of Aaron’s offense and the power of intercession in this crisis.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 9:20

  • The word “very” (מְאֹד, me’od) emphasizes the intensity of the LORD’s anger; it is not just anger, but a strong, overwhelming anger.
  • The word “angry” (אָנַף, anaph) is often used in the Hebrew Bible for God’s burning anger, especially in situations of grave disobedience.
  • The word “destroyed” (שָׁמַד, shamad) means to completely wipe out or annihilate, showing that Aaron’s life was truly at risk.
  • The word “prayed” (פָּלַל, palal) means to intercede or plead, highlighting that Moses was not just making a casual request but earnestly seeking mercy for Aaron.

Why Deuteronomy 9:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that even important leaders like Aaron were not above God’s judgment and needed forgiveness.
  • It shows the seriousness of the golden calf incident, not just for the people but for Aaron personally.
  • The verse highlights Moses’ role as an intercessor, showing that prayer could make a real difference even in moments of extreme danger.

Where else these words appear

“angry” Hebrew H599 · used in 14 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:37 Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.
  • 1 Kings 11:9 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
  • Psalms 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

“prayed” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 2 Kings 4:33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.
  • Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

“destroyed” Hebrew H8045 · used in 86 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 31:4 And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.
  • Esther 7:4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.