Deuteronomy 2:32
Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּצֵא֩
came out
H3318
וַיֵּצֵא֩
came out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 8
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לִקְרָאתֵ֜נוּ
against
H7125
לִקְרָאתֵ֜נוּ
against
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
3 of 8
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
ה֧וּא
H1931
ה֧וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַמּ֛וֹ
us he and all his people
H5971
עַמּ֛וֹ
us he and all his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
Jahaz's location in southern Transjordan placed it strategically between Moab and Sihon's kingdom. The battle's decisiveness meant total Israelite victory despite Sihon fielding his entire military force. Numbers 21:24 adds that Israel 'smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land,' fulfilling God's promise exactly.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between godly defense and ungodly aggression in your conflicts?
- What assurance do you have that your battles align with God's purposes rather than personal ambition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Sihon's mobilization of 'all his people to battle' demonstrates total commitment to resist Israel. The specific location 'at Jahaz' allows historical verification. The phrase 'came out against us' emphasizes that Sihon initiated hostilities—Israel's warfare was defensive and divinely authorized. This distinction matters theologically and ethically—God's people don't seek conquest for conquest's sake but defend themselves and claim what God has given.