Deuteronomy 4:46
On this side Jordan, in the valley over against Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they were come forth out of Egypt:
Original Language Analysis
בְּעֵ֨בֶר
On this side
H5676
בְּעֵ֨בֶר
On this side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
בַּגַּ֗יְא
in the valley
H1516
בַּגַּ֗יְא
in the valley
Strong's:
H1516
Word #:
3 of 20
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
מ֚וּל
over against
H4136
מ֚וּל
over against
Strong's:
H4136
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י
of the Amorites
H567
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י
of the Amorites
Strong's:
H567
Word #:
10 of 20
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יוֹשֵׁ֖ב
who dwelt
H3427
יוֹשֵׁ֖ב
who dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִכָּ֤ה
smote
H5221
הִכָּ֤ה
smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
15 of 20
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
וּבְנֵ֣י
and the children
H1121
וּבְנֵ֣י
and the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
17 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
18 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Historical Context
Moses specifies the geographical location of his address: the plains of Moab in the valley opposite Beth-peor, in territory taken from Sihon king of the Amorites. This recent military victory (Deuteronomy 2:26-37) occurred just before Moses' final speeches, demonstrating God's faithfulness in giving Israel the land east of Jordan as prelude to Canaan proper.
Questions for Reflection
- What significance is there in Moses giving covenant instruction at the very location where Israel had previously sinned at Baal-peor?
- How does the historical and geographical specificity of Scripture strengthen your confidence in its reliability?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
On this side Jordan, in the valley over against Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites...
Moses anchors the law's promulgation in specific geography: be'ever haYarden (בְּעֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן, 'beyond the Jordan') in the valley (bagay, בַּגַּיְא) opposite Beth-peor. The name Beit Pe'or (בֵּית פְּעוֹר, 'house of Peor') recalls Israel's shameful apostasy at Baal-peor where they joined in Moabite idolatry (Numbers 25). Moses speaks where Israel sinned, making covenant renewal intensely relevant.
The land identification as erets Sichon melekh ha'Emori (אֶרֶץ סִיחֹן מֶלֶךְ הָאֱמֹרִי, 'land of Sihon king of the Amorites') reminds Israel of recent conquest. Where Sihon once ruled, Israel now gathers. His capital Heshbon (Cheshbon, חֶשְׁבּוֹן) has fallen. The defeated king becomes a testimony to God's power and faithfulness.
This geographical specificity serves theological purpose. Biblical revelation is not timeless mythology but historically rooted truth. The law was given at a real place, to real people, in real circumstances. Christianity inherits this incarnational approach to truth—God works through actual history, not abstract philosophy. The specific details invite verification: 'Go see where these things happened; the evidence remains.'