Definition: And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it [is] a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 34:9. It's a really important passage about God’s plan for Israel and their relationship with Him. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “Lord, I’m grateful for your grace to look at us. Please let us be part of your people, and forgive our mistakes and wrongdoings.” It's a plea from Moses to God, acknowledging that the Israelites were a difficult and often sinful people. Let’s break it down word by word: “And he said…” : This sets up a conversation – God is speaking to Moses. “…If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord…” : This means "I'm truly grateful for your favor or look." “Grace” here doesn’t mean forgiveness, but rather a kind of blessing or permission. “O Lord” shows reverence and respect. "...let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people…” : This is the core of the plea. "It" refers to the Israelites. “Stiffnecked” means stubborn, unyielding, or unwilling to listen. So, God is saying, "I want to be with them, to understand their struggles." "...and pardon our iniquity and our sin..." : This means “forgive our wrongdoings, our sins.” It’s a request for forgiveness – a cleansing of guilt and shame. "...and take us for thine inheritance.” : This is the most significant part. "Take us for thine inheritance" suggests that God wants to be involved in their lives, to protect and nurture them, and to make them a part of His family. It’s a promise of belonging and protection. Overall Meaning: Moses is pleading with God to include the Israelites in his plan – to forgive them and allow them to become part of something larger than themselves. It's about establishing a relationship where God can help them overcome their flaws and find purpose within His kingdom. Why it’s important: This verse is considered one of the most significant passages in the Old Testament because it establishes the covenant between God and Israel – a binding agreement that defines their relationship with Him and sets the stage for their history and destiny. It shows that God's love and concern extends to even those who are struggling. Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to another story or passage in the Bible? Give a different perspective on what this verse means?