Deuteronomy 2:30

Authorized King James Version

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
אָבָ֗ה
H14
would
to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent
#3
סִיחֹן֙
H5511
But Sihon
sichon, an amoritish king
#4
מֶ֣לֶךְ
H4428
king
a king
#5
חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן
H2809
of Heshbon
cheshbon, a place east of the jordan
#6
הַֽעֲבִרֵ֖נוּ
H5674
not let us pass
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#7
בּ֑וֹ
H0
#8
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
הִקְשָׁה֩
H7185
hardened
properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)
#10
יְהוָ֨ה
H3068
by him for the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ
H430
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#12
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
רוּח֗וֹ
H7307
his spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#14
וְאִמֵּץ֙
H553
obstinate
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
#15
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
לְבָב֔וֹ
H3824
and made his heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#17
לְמַ֛עַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#18
תִּתּ֥וֹ
H5414
that he might deliver
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#19
בְיָֽדְךָ֖
H3027
him into thy hand
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
#20
כַּיּ֥וֹם
H3117
as appeareth this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#21
הַזֶּֽה׃
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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