Deuteronomy 2:15
For indeed the hand of the LORD was against them, to destroy them from among the host, until they were consumed.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַ֤ם
H1571
וְגַ֤ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
יַד
For indeed the hand
H3027
יַד
For indeed the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
2 of 10
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָ֣יְתָה
H1961
הָ֣יְתָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְהֻמָּ֖ם
was against them to destroy
H2000
לְהֻמָּ֖ם
was against them to destroy
Strong's:
H2000
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to put in commotion; by implication, to disturb, drive, destroy
מִקֶּ֣רֶב
them from among
H7130
מִקֶּ֣רֶב
them from among
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
the host
H4264
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
the host
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
8 of 10
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
Historical Context
While some deaths occurred through natural wilderness hardships, specific judgments included Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16), plagues after various rebellions, and fiery serpents (Numbers 21). God's 'hand against them' encompassed both direct supernatural intervention and the natural consequences of living under His displeasure in a harsh environment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's active involvement in judgment shape your understanding of sin's gravity?
- In what ways might current difficulties be divine discipline meant for redemptive purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The statement 'the hand of the LORD was against them, to destroy them from among the host' attributes the deaths explicitly to divine judgment, not merely natural causes. God's 'hand' signifies His active involvement—these weren't random deaths but purposeful removal of the rebellious generation. This severe language emphasizes sin's seriousness and God's holiness. Yet even judgment served redemptive purposes—clearing way for a faithful generation.