Deuteronomy Chapter 11 · Verse 30
Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?
Original Language Analysis
הֲלֹא
H3808
הֲלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְּעֵ֣בֶר
Are they not on the other side
H5676
בְּעֵ֣בֶר
Are they not on the other side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
by
H310
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
by
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
דֶּ֚רֶךְ
the way
H1870
דֶּ֚רֶךְ
the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 17
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
מְב֣וֹא
goeth down
H3996
מְב֣וֹא
goeth down
Strong's:
H3996
Word #:
7 of 17
an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards
הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
where the sun
H8121
הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ
where the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
8 of 17
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י
of the Canaanites
H3669
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י
of the Canaanites
Strong's:
H3669
Word #:
10 of 17
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
הַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב
which dwell
H3427
הַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב
which dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בָּֽעֲרָבָ֑ה
in the champaign
H6160
בָּֽעֲרָבָ֑ה
in the champaign
Strong's:
H6160
Word #:
12 of 17
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
מ֚וּל
over against
H4136
מ֚וּל
over against
Strong's:
H4136
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
Cross References
Genesis 12:6And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.Judges 7:1Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
Historical Context
The geographic markers confirm Shechem's location. 'Gilgal' here likely refers to a site near Shechem, distinct from the Gilgal near Jericho (Joshua 4:19). The 'oaks of Moreh' (Genesis 12:6) mark the site where Abraham built an altar after God promised the land. This layering of covenant history—Abraham's promise, Israel's commitment ceremony—demonstrates continuity of God's redemptive plan. Geography becomes theology; specific places carry covenant significance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use physical places to anchor spiritual memories and commitments?
- What significance does connecting Moses's covenant to Abraham's promise have for understanding biblical unity?
- How can modern believers create meaningful 'markers' or 'memorials' to remember God's faithfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
Moses provides geographic details: the mountains are 'beyond Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh.' This description locates Gerizim and Ebal west of Jordan ('beyond' from trans-Jordanian perspective), in Canaanite territory, in lowlands near Gilgal, near the oaks/terebinths of Moreh. The Hebrew aravah (עֲרָבָה, 'champaign/plain') and elon Moreh (אֵלוֹן מוֹרֶה, 'oaks of Moreh') specify location. Abraham received God's promise at 'the oak of Moreh' (Genesis 12:6), creating thematic link: where Abraham received covenant promise, Israel will commit to covenant obedience.