Deuteronomy 2:30
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הַֽעֲבִרֵ֖נוּ
not let us pass
H5674
הַֽעֲבִרֵ֖נוּ
not let us pass
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
6 of 21
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִקְשָׁה֩
hardened
H7185
הִקְשָׁה֩
hardened
Strong's:
H7185
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)
יְהוָ֨ה
by him for the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֨ה
by him for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 21
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
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רוּח֗וֹ
his spirit
H7307
רוּח֗וֹ
his spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
13 of 21
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
וְאִמֵּץ֙
obstinate
H553
וְאִמֵּץ֙
obstinate
Strong's:
H553
Word #:
14 of 21
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְמַ֛עַן
H4616
לְמַ֛עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
תִּתּ֥וֹ
that he might deliver
H5414
תִּתּ֥וֹ
that he might deliver
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
18 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְיָֽדְךָ֖
him into thy hand
H3027
בְיָֽדְךָ֖
him into thy hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
19 of 21
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
Cross References
Numbers 21:23And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.Exodus 4:21And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.Exodus 11:10And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.Isaiah 48:4Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;Judges 11:20But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.
Historical Context
Jahaz was a site in Moabite territory where the decisive battle occurred. Later prophets referenced this victory as proof of God's power (Psalm 135:10-11; 136:19-20). Sihon's defeat, combined with Og's, gave Israel complete control of Transjordan from the Arnon River to Mount Hermon, setting the stage for crossing Jordan into Canaan.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you seen God turn hostile opposition into opportunities for His glory?
- What battles have you faced that resulted in greater blessing than if opposition hadn't occurred?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Sihon's aggressive response—'he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz'—initiated warfare, not Israel's invasion. Sihon's choice to attack rather than allow passage sealed his doom. The specification of location (Jahaz) grounds the narrative in historical reality. God's purposes sometimes advance through enemies' hostile choices—what they intend for evil, God uses for His people's good.