Deuteronomy 2:34
And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain:
Original Language Analysis
וַנִּלְכֹּ֤ד
And we took
H3920
וַנִּלְכֹּ֤ד
And we took
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
1 of 16
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עִ֣יר
all his cities
H5892
עִ֣יר
all his cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
4 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
בָּעֵ֣ת
at that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֣ת
at that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
5 of 16
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֔וא
H1931
הַהִ֔וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 16
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
וַֽנַּחֲרֵם֙
and utterly destroyed
H2763
וַֽנַּחֲרֵם֙
and utterly destroyed
Strong's:
H2763
Word #:
7 of 16
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
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)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עִ֣יר
all his cities
H5892
עִ֣יר
all his cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
10 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מְתִ֔ם
the men
H4962
מְתִ֔ם
the men
Strong's:
H4962
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)
וְהַטָּ֑ף
and the little ones
H2945
וְהַטָּ֑ף
and the little ones
Strong's:
H2945
Word #:
13 of 16
a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Deuteronomy 7:2And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:1 Samuel 15:3Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.Deuteronomy 3:6And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city.
Historical Context
Herem (devoted destruction) was commanded primarily for Canaanite nations whose wickedness had reached full measure (Genesis 15:16). The Amorites practiced child sacrifice, temple prostitution, and other abominations. God's patient forbearance had allowed centuries for repentance; when judgment came, it was both just and final. This severity protected Israel from adopting such practices.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the severity of God's judgment on sin affect your understanding of holiness?
- What compromises with sin seem small but threaten spiritual contamination?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The systematic conquest 'we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city' describes herem warfare's complete nature. The exception 'we left none to remain' emphasizes thoroughness. This severe judgment served multiple purposes: punishing incorrigible wickedness, preventing cultural contamination, and ensuring Israel's security. While difficult for modern sensibilities, it demonstrates sin's gravity and holiness' demands.