Deuteronomy 2:31
And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רְאֵ֗ה
unto me Behold
H7200
רְאֵ֗ה
unto me Behold
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הָחֵ֣ל
I have begun
H2490
הָחֵ֣ל
I have begun
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
תֵּ֣ת
to give
H5414
תֵּ֣ת
to give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֶת
H853
אֶת
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)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָחֵ֣ל
I have begun
H2490
הָחֵ֣ל
I have begun
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
לָרֶ֖שֶׁת
that thou mayest inherit
H3423
לָרֶ֖שֶׁת
that thou mayest inherit
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
13 of 16
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
לָרֶ֖שֶׁת
that thou mayest inherit
H3423
לָרֶ֖שֶׁת
that thou mayest inherit
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
14 of 16
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
Historical Context
This conquest pattern—God delivers, Israel possesses—would repeat throughout Canaan under Joshua. The formula established here became the template: God's promise before battle, miraculous intervention during conflict, and human follow-through to secure victory. Neither divine nor human action alone achieves the goal—both coordinate in covenant partnership.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you partnering with God's initiative rather than waiting passively or acting presumptuously?
- What synchronization of divine and human action characterizes your walk with God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's promise 'Behold, I have begun to deliver him and his land before thee' emphasizes ongoing divine action—'begun to deliver' points to process, not just event. The present tense invitation 'begin to possess' shows simultaneity of divine giving and human taking. God's action precedes and enables ours, yet both are necessary. This models the synergy between divine sovereignty and human responsibility throughout Scripture.