Charles Ellicott Commentary Exodus 34:9

"And he said, If now I have found favor in thy sight, O Lord, let the Lord, I pray thee, go in the midst of us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance." — Exodus 34:9 (ASV)

THE COVENANT RENEWED, AND THE DECALOGUE A SECOND TIME GIVEN.

If now, I have found grace in your sight. —Rather, Since now, etc.

The evidences of God’s favour towards him—which Moses had now experienced—emboldened him to present fresh requests on behalf of the people.

God has promised to go up in their midst; will He not also promise to forgive their iniquity and sin if they offend Him along the way, and permanently to attach them to Himself by making them “His inheritance?”

God does not directly answer these prayers, but indirectly accepts them by renewing His covenant with Israel (Exodus 34:10; Exodus 34:27).