Deuteronomy 34:3
And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנֶּ֗גֶב
And the south
H5045
הַנֶּ֗גֶב
And the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
2 of 10
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
וְֽאֶת
H853
וְֽאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכִּכָּ֞ר
and the plain
H3603
הַכִּכָּ֞ר
and the plain
Strong's:
H3603
Word #:
4 of 10
a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l
בִּקְעַ֧ת
of the valley
H1237
בִּקְעַ֧ת
of the valley
Strong's:
H1237
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains
עִ֥יר
the city
H5892
עִ֥יר
the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 10
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Cross References
2 Chronicles 28:15And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.Judges 1:16And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.Judges 3:13And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.Genesis 19:22Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.Genesis 14:2That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.
Historical Context
Jericho, situated near the Dead Sea in the Jordan Rift Valley, was a strategic fortress guarding the ascent into Canaan's central highlands. Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Jericho's impressive fortifications and palm-fed irrigation systems. Zoar's exact location is debated (southern Dead Sea shore), but its mention connects Moses's Nebo vision to Abrahamic history. The Dead Sea region, though agriculturally limited, was Israel's eastern boundary—Moses sees the full breadth and depth of the inheritance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the contrast between Negev wilderness and Jericho's palm-tree abundance illustrate the difference between wilderness wandering and promised rest?
- What significance does Moses seeing Jericho—the first obstacle—hold for understanding that inheriting God's promises requires faith-driven conquest, not passive reception?
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Analysis & Commentary
The south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees—Vehanegev vehaKikkar (the Negev and the circle/plain) describes two regions: the arid southern wilderness and the lush Jordan valley. Jericho is called ir ha-temarim (city of palms), emphasizing its oasis fertility contrasted with surrounding desert. Jericho would be Israel's first conquest (Joshua 6)—Moses sees the very city his successor Joshua will soon destroy. The 'palm trees' evoke Eden-like abundance (Psalm 92:12), a foretaste of rest after wilderness wandering.
Unto Zoar—Zoar was the small city where Lot fled during Sodom's destruction (Genesis 19:22-23), located at the Dead Sea's southern end. By mentioning Zoar, God's vision encompasses Canaan's entire north-south axis. Moses's farewell vision thus brackets salvation history—from Sodom's judgment (Lot's refuge) to the conquest that will execute judgment on Canaanite wickedness, preparing for the King whose kingdom will have no end.