Deuteronomy 1:44

Authorized King James Version

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And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah.

Original Language Analysis

וַיֵּצֵ֨א came out H3318
וַיֵּצֵ֨א came out
Strong's: H3318
Word #: 1 of 16
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֜י And the Amorites H567
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֜י And the Amorites
Strong's: H567
Word #: 2 of 16
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
הַיֹּשֵׁ֨ב which dwelt H3427
הַיֹּשֵׁ֨ב which dwelt
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 3 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בָּהָ֤ר in that mountain H2022
בָּהָ֤ר in that mountain
Strong's: H2022
Word #: 4 of 16
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
הַהוּא֙ H1931
הַהוּא֙
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 5 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
לִקְרַאתְכֶ֔ם against H7125
לִקְרַאתְכֶ֔ם against
Strong's: H7125
Word #: 6 of 16
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
וַיִּרְדְּפ֣וּ you and chased H7291
וַיִּרְדְּפ֣וּ you and chased
Strong's: H7291
Word #: 7 of 16
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אֶתְכֶ֔ם H853
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 9 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ינָה do H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ינָה do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 10 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַדְּבֹרִ֑ים you as bees H1682
הַדְּבֹרִ֑ים you as bees
Strong's: H1682
Word #: 11 of 16
the bee (from its systematic instincts)
וַֽיַּכְּת֥וּ and destroyed H3807
וַֽיַּכְּת֥וּ and destroyed
Strong's: H3807
Word #: 12 of 16
to bruise or violently strike
אֶתְכֶ֛ם H853
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּשֵׂעִ֖יר you in Seir H8165
בְּשֵׂעִ֖יר you in Seir
Strong's: H8165
Word #: 14 of 16
seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine
עַד H5704
עַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 15 of 16
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
חָרְמָֽה׃ even unto Hormah H2767
חָרְמָֽה׃ even unto Hormah
Strong's: H2767
Word #: 16 of 16
chormah, a place in palestine

Analysis & Commentary

The Amorites' pursuit 'as bees do' creates a powerful image of coordinated, relentless judgment. Bees, once provoked, attack with overwhelming numbers and persistence (cf. Psalm 118:12). God's sovereign control extends even over Israel's enemies—He uses the Amorites as instruments of covenant discipline. The defeat from Seir unto Hormah demonstrates comprehensive judgment. This verse illustrates the Reformed doctrine that God governs all events, using even pagan nations to accomplish His purposes (Habakkuk 1:6). Defeat in battle signifies God's withdrawn favor, a theme echoing throughout redemptive history.

Historical Context

Refers to Israel's disastrous defeat circa 1445 BC at Hormah ('destruction/devotion'). The Amorites and Amalekites, dwelling in the hill country, descended upon Israel's unauthorized invasion force and routed them thoroughly. Seir references the Edomite mountain range; Hormah lay in the Negev. This crushing defeat validated Moses' prophecy and reinforced that military victory requires divine presence, not merely human courage or numbers.

Questions for Reflection

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