"Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He destroy them." Ps. 106:23 NKJ

David knew well the history of Israel's sinful behavior from Moses through Jeremiah. They had despised the pleasant land, did not believe God's word, complained in their tents, and did not heed His voice. At the time God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt. Horeb, He looked down on the idolatry of the people and was ready to destroy them. The people's breach of faith and rebellion against God, like a broken dike, would let in the waters of God's judgment, destroying them all. Moses heroically stands in the breach and makes an impassioned plea to God to remember His covenant with Abraham, stay His hand of judgment, and show mercy. Those in rebellion against God are subject to His impending judgment and need our intercessory prayers.