Deuteronomy 4:49
And all the plain on this side Jordan eastward, even unto the sea of the plain, under the springs of Pisgah.
Original Language Analysis
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעֲרָבָ֑ה
And all the plain
H6160
הָֽעֲרָבָ֑ה
And all the plain
Strong's:
H6160
Word #:
2 of 11
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
עֵ֤בֶר
on this side
H5676
עֵ֤בֶר
on this side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
וְעַ֖ד
H5704
וְעַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
יָ֣ם
even unto the sea
H3220
יָ֣ם
even unto the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
7 of 11
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
הָֽעֲרָבָ֑ה
And all the plain
H6160
הָֽעֲרָבָ֑ה
And all the plain
Strong's:
H6160
Word #:
8 of 11
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
תַּ֖חַת
H8478
תַּ֖חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
9 of 11
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
Historical Context
Moses completes the geographical description of trans-Jordan territory, including 'all the plain' on the east side of Jordan down to the Dead Sea ('sea of the plain') under Mount Pisgah. This area, conquered from Sihon and Og, was distributed to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, fulfilling God's promise before entering Canaan proper.
Questions for Reflection
- How does standing on already-conquered territory prepare Israel to trust God for what remains to be conquered?
- What 'evidence under your feet' of God's past faithfulness strengthens your faith for future challenges?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And all the plain on this side Jordan eastward, even unto the sea of the plain, under the springs of Pisgah.
Moses completes the territorial description: vekhol ha'Aravah (וְכֹל הָעֲרָבָה, 'and all the Arabah/plain') encompasses the Jordan Rift Valley extending southward. The yam ha'Aravah (יָם הָעֲרָבָה, 'sea of the plain') is the Dead Sea, also called the Salt Sea, the lowest point on earth. Tachat ashdot haPisgah (תַּחַת אַשְׁדֹּת הַפִּסְגָּה, 'under the slopes of Pisgah') references the mountain from which Moses would view Canaan before dying (Deuteronomy 34:1).
The comprehensive description—from Hermon in the north to the Dead Sea in the south, encompassing highlands, valleys, and plains—demonstrates the extent of what God had already accomplished. This was not marginal territory but substantial, productive land. Bashan was famous for its cattle and oaks; Gilead for its balm and pastures; the Arabah for its strategic position.
Chapter 4 thus concludes with geography as theology. The land described is real, conquered, and possessed. What Israel stands upon testifies to God's faithfulness. The same God who gave trans-Jordan will give Canaan. Past performance validates future promise. As Israel prepared to hear the law's detailed stipulations, they stood on evidence of God's trustworthiness—land under their feet that once belonged to formidable enemies.