34:9 go in the midst of us. This is what the Lord said He would not do, because the people were too sinful, too “stiff-necked” (33:3, 5). Now Moses cites their sin as the very reason for the Presence of God. In effect, he is asking that the compassionate and merciful Lord of grace would dwell in His tabernacle among His people, and forgive their sin. Then comes the amazing request: “take us for your inheritance.” Moses does not say “give us our inheritance in the land” (cf. 33:2, 3), but “take us for your special treasure in Your faithful love” (the thought contained in 19:5).