Devarim 2 (Deuteronomy 2)
Devarim 2 recounts the journey from Qadesh-Barnea to the plains of Moav. During this time the First Generation will waste away and the Second Generation will start to take the reigns. Moshe describes how Yehovah had moved for the Children of Esav and Lot to enable them to take possession of their lands. These facts, the Children of Yisrael should keep in their hearts. As Yehovah has done for the Children of Lot, He will do even greater for the Children of Yisrael. They are the Children of the Promise. Already there are several battles behind the Children of Yisrael. This is something they are to build upon as they prepare to take possession of the land of Kenaan.
Yehovah is used 16 times in 37 verses.
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38 Years in the Wilderness
38 Years in the Wilderness
Devarim 2:1
1 Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as Yehovah spoke to me and we compassed Mount Seir many days.
This is referring to the travel after the First Generation of the Children of Yisrael decided to enter the land of promise against Yehovah’s advisement. They had already been warned that entry into the land was no longer a possibility. The First Generation’s initial refusal in Bemidbar 14 had made any possible entry for them null and void. When they made their attempt to enter without Yehovah in the lead, it resulted in them being chased out of the land in Bemidbar 14:44-45.
44 But they presumed to go up to the mountain top. Nevertheless the Ark of the covenant of Yehovah, and Moshe, departed not out of the camp. 45 Then the Amaleqi came down, and the Kenaani which dwelt in that mountain, and smote them, and discomfited them, to Chorma.
After this event occurred, they started to travel by way of the Red Sea. Yehovah had previously told Moshe in Bemidbar 14:25.
25 Now the Amaleqi and the Kenaani dwelt in the valley. Tomorrow you turn and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea.
Essentially they traveled the wilderness for the next 38 years.
Devarim 2:2-3
2 And Yehovah spoke to me, saying, 3 You have compassed this mountain long enough turn you northward.
It is unknown how long the Children of Yisrael went around Mount Seir. For all we know it could have been 38 years. Bemidbar 33 lists a number of campsites whose location is unknown.
Devarim 2:4
4 And you command the people, saying, You to pass through the coast of your brethren the Children of Esav, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you. You take good heed to yourselves therefore.
The Children of Yisrael are approaching the coast of Edom. As such, the text of Devarim jumps from Bemidbar 14 to sometime before Bemidbar 20:14.
14 And Moshe sent messengers from Qadesh to the king of Edom, Thus says your brother Yisrael, You know all the travail that has befallen us.
This passes over a number of events and discussions:
· Grain and Drink Offerings in Bemidbar 15.
· Man gathering sticks on the Shabbas in Bemidbar 15.
· Qorach’s Rebellion in Bemidbar 16.
· Aharon’s Rod in Bemidbar 17.
· Burden of the Priesthood and Levites in Bemidbar 18.
· Red Heifer in Bemidbar 19.
· Death of Miryam in Bemidbar 20.
· Water of Meriva in Bemidbar 20.
· Disallowance of Moshe and Aharon to enter the land in Bemidbar 20.
Some of these events resulted in adverse consequences for the Children of Yisrael. Some may come up later in Devarim.
Although there is 38 years between Bemidbar 14 and when the Children of Yisrael approached the lands of Esav, little is know of this time. Obviously, we do not need to know or Yehovah would have told us, Devarim 29:29.
29 The secret to Yehovah our Redeemer. But those revealed to us and to our children for ever, that may do all the words of this Torah.
Secret is the Hebrew word סָתַר satar (H5641). It is in the Bible 82 times. סָתַר satar (H5641) is translated hide 72 times, secret 4 times, close 2 times, absent 1 time, conceal 1 time, surely 1 time and variant 1 time. It means to hide by covering, literally or figuratively.
This verb and various derivatives are found in modern Hebrew as well as in Biblical Hebrew. סָתַר satar (H5641) is first used Bereishis 4:14 as Qayin discovers that because of his sin, he will be “hidden” from the presence of God, which implies a separation.
14 Behold, you have driven me out this day from the face of the earth (adamah); and from your face shall I be hid (satar); and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the land; and it shall come to pass, all (kol) that find me shall slay me.
At Mitzpah, the discussion between Yaaqov and Lavan, which is really a warning, סָתַר satar (H5641) has the sense of “separation”, Bereishis 31:49.
49 And Mitzpah; for he said, Yehovah watch between me and you, when we are absent (satar) man (iysh) from another.
To “hide oneself” is to take refuge, 1 Shemuel 23:19.
19 Then came up the Zifim to Shaul to Givah, saying, Does not Daviyd hide (satar) himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Chakhilah, which on the south of Yeshimon?
In Yirmeyahu 36:26, individuals are hid from their enemy.
26 But the king commanded Yerachmeel the son of Hammelech, and Serayahu the son of Azriel, and Shelemyahu the son of Avdeel, to take Barukh the scribe and Yirmeyahu the prophet, but Yehovah hid (satar) them.
Tehilla 51:9 is a prayer asking God to hide His face or overlook one’s sins.
9 Hide (satar) Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
But when the prophet says in Yeshayahu 8:17.
17 And I will wait upon Yehovah, that hides (satar) His face from the house of Yaaqov, and I will look for Him.
He means that God’s favor has been withdrawn. Similarly, Yehudah’s sins have “hidden” God’s face from her, Yeshayahu 59:2.
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your Redeemer, and your sins have hid (satar) face from you, that He will not hear.
It is not so much that סָתַר satar (H5641) is a secret as it is unknown. It is a secret because it is hidden by being covered over or taken from view by an individual. There are things that are hidden from us, but could be revealed in the future as Yehovah decides. What is revealed to us draws us into further revelation and observance of Torah in Word and Spirit.
Children of Esav
Children of Esav
Devarim 2:4-5
4 And you command the people, saying, You to pass through the coast of your brethren the Children of Esav, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you. You take good heed to yourselves therefore. 5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir to Esav a possession.
Initially, the Children of Yisrael were to pass through the land of Esav prior to crossing the Yarden. At least this was the plan. Yehovah said that the Children of Esav would fear the Children of Yisrael. Although, Yisrael and Esav were related through the two sons of Yitzchaq, there seems to be no common bond of love between the nations.
When the Children of Yisrael went through the lands of Esav, they were not to cause any problems. It was to be as transparent as possible. Mount Sier was given to Esav as a possession. The Children of Yisrael were not to lay claim to it in any way.
Foot breadth comes from the Hebrew phrase מִדְרַךְ כַּף־רָגֶל. It comes from 3 Hebrew words מִדְרָךְ midrak (H4096), כַּף kaf (H3709) and רֶגֶל regel (H7272).
מִדְרָךְ midrak (H4096) is in the Bible 1 time and is translated breadth. It come from דָּרַךְ darak (H1869).
דָּרַךְ darak (H1869) is in the Bible 62 times. The basic concept behind דָּרַךְ darak (H1869) has to do with setting foot on territory or objects, sometimes with the sense of trampling them.
כַּף kaf (H3709) is in the Bible 192 times. It is translated hand 128 times, spoon 24 times, sole 19 times, palm 5 times, hollow 3 times, handful 2 times, apiece 1 time, branches 1 time, breadth + מִדְרָךְ midrak (H4096) 1 time, clouds 1 time and 7 miscellaneous words. It refers to the hollow hand or palm, bowl of a dish.
Devarim 2:6
6 You shall buy meat of them for silver (kesef), that you may eat; and you shall also buy water of them for silver (kesef), that you may drink.
Silver (formerly money) comes from the Hebrew word כֶּסֶף kesef (H3701). It is in the Bible 403 times. כֶּסֶף kesef (H3701) is translated silver 287 times, money 112 times, price 3 times and silverlings 1 time. It refers to the precious metal silver. Often it is used as a means of exchange. Because of this, it has often been rendered money. However, this is a modern concept that was not in place during the writing of the Bible. As such, it should always be rendered silver.
The Children of Yisrael were to pay for any thing they consumed in the land of Esav. They were not to take advantage of the Children of Esav in any way. They were to respect and learn from this.
Mount Sier was part of the covenant between Yehovah and Esav. This was not something anyone could change. Only Yehovah had the power and authority as stated in the covenant. Yisrael was to learn from this. Yehovah will always perform as He said He would. As with all covenants, both parties must fulfill their obligations. If not, it could become null and void or possibly, there are consequences and penalties if a party of the covenant fails to meet their obligations. As for Yehovah, His part of the covenant would always be fulfilled as specified in the covenant. It was not something to take lightly.
Devarim 2:7
7 For Yehovah your God has blessed you in all the works of your hand. He knows your walking through this great wilderness these forty years Yehovah your Redeemer with you; you have lacked nothing.
Yehovah reminds the Children of Yisrael that during their time in the wilderness, they did not lack anything. This is a reminder to us too. If we walk in His ways and purposes, we too will not lack, Matityahu 6:24-25.
24 No man can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say to you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
If we serve Yehovah, we will not lack. We do this by fulfilling Matityahu 6:33.
33 But seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
If you lack in life, then you may have gotten your priorities out of alignment. Simply seek His Kingdom and righteousness over that of the world and you will never lack. Always place God’s purposes and plans before that of your own. Fulfill His righteousness in every step you take.
Later Moshe describes just how the Children were provided for in the wilderness in Devarim 29:5.
5 And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and your shoe is not waxen old upon your foot.
During the whole time the Children of Yisrael were in the wilderness, neither their clothes nor their shoes wore out. This is quite a miracle. Now He did not say that the clothes grew as they grew. But they were not replacing their clothes because of wear and tear or worn out by age.
Additionally, we are reminded not to take advantage of anyone just because we can. We are to always render a fair price for any thing we obtain in life. We should always return greater to others and fulfill Mishlei 23:23.
23 Buy the truth, and sell not; wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Freely we receive and freely we give.
Devarim 2:8
8 And when we passed by from our brethren the Children of Esav, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain (aravah) from Elat, and from Etzyon-gaver, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moav.
The way this is written it seems as if the Children of Yisrael passed through the land of Esav uneventful. However, that is not what happened. Twice in Bemidbar 20, Moshe requested permission to pass through Edom. Twice Edom refused. To ensure Yisrael did not pass through the land, Edom came out in full force in Bemidbar 20:20-21.
20 And he said, You shall not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong (chazaq) hand. 21 Thus Edom refused to give Yisrael passage through his border. Wherefore Yisrael turned away from him.
Yisrael went around them. It is unfortunate that this occurred. It seems for the remainder of the time Yisrael was a nation, Edom and Yisrael were at odds with each other. In the end, when Yisrael fell, Edom took delight in it. Eventually, Edom itself would cease to exist. It seems Edom’s demise was a matter of the heart.
As such, the Children of Yisrael went around Edom and through the wilderness of Moav.
Children of Lot
Children of Lot
Devarim 2:9
9 And Yehovah said to me, Distress not the Moav, neither contend with them in battle. For I will not give you of their land a possession; because I have given Ar to the children of Lot a possession.
Just like Edom, the Children of Yisrael were not to distress Moav. These were the Children of Lot. They were conceived in Bereishis 19:36-38.
36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. 37 And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moav. The same the father of the Moav to this day. 38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Ben-ammi. The same the father of the Children of Ammon to this day.
Yisrael was not to distress either of these, Moav or Ammon. Their lands were off limits to Yisrael. As with Edom, Moav and Ammon would cease to exist long after Yisrael was still in existence. Although these were given lands as a possession, they were not descendants of Yaaqov or Yisrael. Only Yisrael was given the promise of Bereishis 28:13-15.
13 And, behold, Yehovah stood above it, and said, I Yehovah Redeemer of Avraham your father, and the Redeemer of Yitzchaq. The land whereon you lie, to you will I give it, and to your seed; 14 and your seed shall be as the dust of the land, and you shall spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. And in you and in your seed shall all the families of the earth (adamah) be blessed. 15 And, behold, I with you, and will keep you in all whither you go, and will bring you again into this land; for I will not leave you, until I have done which I have spoken to you of.
This promise was made to Yaaqov on his way to Paddan-Aram. It was not just to return to the land. It was for his seed to fill all the lands in the future.
Giants or Not
Giants or Not
Devarim 2:10-11
10 The Emim dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anaqim; 11 which also were accounted giants, as the Anaqim; but the Moavi call them Emims.
Emim is from the Hebrew word אֵימִים Eymiym (H0368). It is in the Bible 3 times. It is used twice in Devarim 2 and once in Bereishis 14:5.
5 And in the fourteenth year came Kedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Refaim in Ashterot Qarnayim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Qiryatayim,
Tall is the Hebrew word רוּם rum (H7311). It is in the Bible 194 times. רוּם rum (H7311) is translated (lift, hold, etc…) up 63 times, exalt 47 times, high 25 times, offer 13 times, give 5 times, heave 3 times, extol 3 times, lofty 3 times, take 3 times, tall 3 times, higher 2 times and 24 miscellaneous words. Although this word is used to indicate literal height, it is also used to indicate height as symbolic of positive attributes, such as glory and exaltation or negative attributes such as arrogance and pride. Sometimes the use of רוּם rum (H7311) is rather subjective.
To state the Emim were as tall as the Anaqim may indicate something figurative rather than literal. If it was to indicate physical height, even a few inches are taller.
Anaqim is from the Hebrew word עֲנָקִי Anaqiy (H6062). It is in the Bible 9 times and is always translated Anakims. They are believed to be a tribe of giants, descendants of Anaq, which dwelled in southern Kenaan.
Giants is the Hebrew word רָפָא rafa or רָפָה rafah (H7497). The Hebrew text in Devarim 2:11 is רְפָאִים. רָפָא rafa (H7497) is in the Bible 25 times. It is translated giant 17 times and Refaim 8 times. It is first used in Bereishis 14:5.
5 And in the fourteenth year came Kedorlaomer, and the kings that with him, and smote the Refaim in Ashterot Qarnayim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Qiryatayim,
It is used in the following Books:
|
Book |
Chapter |
Translation |
Count |
|
Bereishis |
14, 15 |
Refaim |
2 |
|
Devarim |
2, 3 |
giants |
5 |
|
Yehoshua |
12, 13, 15, 17, 18 |
giants |
5 |
|
2 Shemuel |
5 |
Refaim |
2 |
|
2 Shemuel |
21 |
giants |
4 |
|
2 Shemuel |
23 |
Refaim |
1 |
|
Yeshayahu |
17 |
Refaim |
1 |
|
1 Divre Hayyamim |
11, 14 |
Refaim |
2 |
|
1 Divre Hayyamim |
20 |
giants |
3 |
The assumption of many is that there were giants roaming the earth at one time. However, beyond myths; there is really no reason to take such a position. Today there are people who are considered giants in comparison to others. It is more than likely the reference to giants was used in a figurative manner. There is always the possibility of those that are larger than others physically as there are those that are giants in other ways.
Whether there were races of giants does not affect the overall validity of Scriptures in any way. Nor does it affect the doctrine of the Bible. One can argue either way without proof positive. Having either position does not make one more spiritual over another. Nor does this affect God’s Plan of Redemption for mankind in any way.
Devarim 2:12
12 The Chorims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esav succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Yisrael did to the land of his possession, which Yehovah gave to them.
Chorims dwelt in the land prior to the Children of Esav. It is believed that the Chorims were cave dwellers.
Esav destroyed the Chorim as Yisrael did to those in the land of their possession. This Scripture has been rendered in the past tense. Either this was written after the Children of Yisrael had taken the land. Or possibly this is referring to the conquests in Bemidbar of Sichon and Og. Or at this point, the Second Generation had already proved themselves to the point that nothing would prevent this from being true.
First Generation Consumed
First Generation Consumed
Devarim 2:13
13 Now rise up and get you over the River (nachal) Zered. And we went over the brook Zered.
After the Children of Yisrael went around Edom, they crossed the River Zered.
River (formerly brook) is the Hebrew word נַחַל nachal (H5158). It is in the Bible 141 times. It is used 7 times in Devarim 2. נַחַל nachal (H5158) is translated river 56 times, brook 46 times, valley 23 times, stream 11 times and flood 5 times. נַחַל nachal (H5158) refers to a dry valley in which water runs during the rainy season. It is thought to refer to the wadi when it is full of rushing water. This would appear to describe the rushing water itself. Sometimes נַחַל nachal (H5158) is thought to refer to a permanent stream or river. It is used figuratively of many things that emerge and disappear suddenly or have extreme onrushing power such as the pride of nations, the strength of the invader and the power of the foe. As such, to preserve the author’s words, נַחַל nachal (H5158) will be typically rendered river (nachal) to allow the reader to decide for themselves the contextual or figurative meaning.
When the Children of Yisrael crossed the River Zered, it was more than likely a dry river bed or possibly a shallow river bed. It was probably easily crossed with minor inconvenience. This was originally documented in Bemidbar 21:12.
12 From thence they removed, and pitched in the River (nachal) of Zered.
From the time the Children of Yisrael compassed Edom to when they crossed the River Zered, there were a number of events that occurred. These events are not discussed in Devarim 2:
· Moshe, Aharon and Elazar ascended Mount Hor.
· Aharon dies as a result of the events at the rock (sela).
· Elazar is installed as High Priest.
· King Arad attacks the Children of Yisrael and takes several prisoners.
· The Children of Yisrael vow to destroy Arad and his cities.
· Yehovah delivers King Arad and his lands into their hands.
· The people complain and Yehovah sends fiery serpents (nachash saraf) among the people.
· The people repent of their complaint.
· Moshe builds a fiery serpent and sets it on a pole.
· When the people look at it, they are healed.
Devarim 2:14
14 And the space in which we came from Qadesh-Barnea, until we were come over the River (nachal) Zered, was thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as Yehovah swore to them.
When they crossed the River Zered, it had been 38 years since Qadesh-Barnea. It was at Qadesh-Barnea the Children of Yisrael had searched out the land. Initially the Children of Yisrael rebelled and refused to enter the land. However, by the time they were willing, it was too late. 38 years from this time, all the men of war had died. Yehovah had prophesied this in Bemidbar 14:28-30.
28 Say to them, I live, says Yehovah, as you have spoken in My ears, so will I do to you. 29 Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years son and upward, which have murmured against Me, 30 doubtless you shall not come into the land, which I swore to make you dwell therein, save Kalev the son of Yefunne, and Yehoshua the son of Nun.
38 years later, this was fulfilled. Those of the First Generation had wasted away. The Second Generation was at the helm of the future of Yisrael.
Devarim 2:15
15 For indeed the hand of Yehovah was against them, to destroy them from among the host, until they were consumed.
All that is left is the Second Generation out of Mitzrayim. This was anyone who was less than 20 in Bemidbar 14. The only exceptions were Moshe, Yehoshua, Kalev and the Levities. When the Children of Yisreal searched out the land, the Levities had already been separated out and were no longer under the same judgments as the other 11 tribes.
Devarim 2:16-18
16 So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people, 17 that Yehovah spoke to me, saying, 18 You are to pass over through Ar, the coast of Moav, this day.
Once the First Generation had wasted away, the Second Generation moved towards the end of their journey. They crossed Ar to the coast of Moav.
Up to this point in Devarim, many of the events that could be attributed to the complaining and or rebellion of the First Generation have not been recorded in Devarim. It appears as if these events are a shadow of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding eternal weight of glory; 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen temporal; but the things which are not seen eternal.
It is as if the words are to give the Second Generation a completely different perspective than the First Generation. Soon they will be led by Yehoshua or Ye’shua as they enter the land. Yes, we should learn from our past and do better. But eventually, it should become as 2 Corinthians 5:16-17.
16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh. Yes, though we have known Messiah after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we no more. 17 Therefore if any man in Messiah, a new creature. Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
The old things of the former generation is passing away quickly and it is a whole new Yisrael that will take the Kingdom. This is the Generation of Tehilla 78:6-8.
6 That the generation to come might know the children should be born; should arise and declare to their children. 7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments. 8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.
The Second Generation was the one that set their hearts in God exclusively. We need to be that generation today. The Generation that sees the power of God, because their hope is exclusively in Him.
Children of Ammon
Children of Ammon
Devarim 2:19
19 And you come nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them. For I will not give you of the land of the children of Ammon possession; because I have given it to the children of Lot a possession.
As with Moav, the Children of Yisrael were not to contend with Ammon, Bereishis 19:36-38.
36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. 37 And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moav. The same the father of the Moav to this day. 38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Ben-ammi. The same the father of the Children of Ammon to this day.
Ammon, similar to Moav, was given a possession. It was stated of Lot in 2 Peter 2:6-9.
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned with an overthrow, making an example to those that after should live ungodly; 7 and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked. 8 For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed righteous soul from day to day with unlawful deeds; 9 the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the Day of Judgment (krisis) to be punished.
Although Lot lived among those of Sodom and Gomorrha, he was considered righteous by God. As such, Lot was delivered from them. His righteousness resulted in the future possessions of Moav and Ammon.
Today, we live among an unrighteous people. There is no reason why we cannot maintain our righteousness as Lot did.
Devarim 1:20
20 That also was accounted a land of giants (rafa). Giants (rafa) dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonim call them Zamzummim;
Giant is the Hebrew word רָפָא rafa or רָפָה rafah (H7497). The Hebrew text in Devarim 2:11 is רְפָאִים. As stated earlier, it is highly unlikely that these people were giants in the physical sense. In each case in Devarim 1:20, giants should have been Refaim, referring to a tribe of people rather than a stature. It is likely these people descended from Cham, son of Noach.
Devarim 1:21
21 A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anaqims; but Yehovah destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead.
Tall is the Hebrew word רוּם rum (H7311). Although this word is used to indicate literal height, it is also used to indicate height as symbolic of positive attributes, such as, glory and exaltation or negative attributes, such as, arrogance and pride. Sometimes the use of it is rather subjective.
Again there is the comparison to the Anaqims. This may indicate something figurative rather than literal. Either way, they were easily defeated when Ammon possessed the land.
Devarim 1:22-23
22 As he did to the children of Esav, which dwelt in Seir, when He destroyed the Chorim from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even to this day. 23 And the Avvim which dwelt in Chatzerim, to Azzah, the Kaftorim, which came forth out of Kaftor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.
Through Yehovah, the Children of Ammon were able to destroy several former tribes.
When Moshe spoke about Moav and Ammon, it was not to just give the Children of Yisrael a history lesson. It was to describe what Yehovah had done for these people. The Children of Yisrael should understand from this that Yehovah was able to fulfill His covenant. What Yehovah did for Moav and Ammon, He would do even more for the Children Of Yisrael. However, for any of this to occur; we must do our part and as time goes forward, we must maintain the covenant.
Sichon
Sichon
Devarim 2:24
24 Rise you up, take your journey, and pass over the River (nachal) Arnon. Behold, I have given into your hand Sichon the Emori, king of Cheshbon, and his land. Begin to possess, and contend with him in battle.
Again, the Children of Yisrael cross another wadi. The River Arnon may have been a small stream when the Children of Yisrael crossed it.
What Moshe is stating is a bit different than what was recorded in Bemidbar 21. Previously, there was no mention that Sichon was given into the hand of Yisrael prior to sending letters out to cross Sichon’s lands.
Devarim 2:25
25 This day will I begin to put the dread of you and the fear of you upon the nations under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of you, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of you.
Neither was what was stated in Devarim 2:25 stated or recorded prior to sending letters in Bemidbar. Possibly, this was stated to only Moshe and he did not record this information in Bemidbar 21. Either way, it appears that Yehovah stated these prior to sending the letters. It may have always been in the purposes of Yehovah for the Children of Yisrael to take these lands for an inheritance.
Devarim 2:26-28
26 And I sent messengers (malak) out of the wilderness of Qedemot to Sichon king of Cheshbon with words of peace, saying, 27 Let me pass through your land. I will go along by the high way, I will neither turn to the right hand nor to the left. 28 You shall sell me meat for silver (kesef), that I may eat; and give me water for silver (kesef), that I may drink. Only I will pass through on my feet;
This is basically what Moshe sent by way of messengers, Bemidbar 21:21-22.
21 And Yisrael sent messengers to Sichon king of the Emori, saying, 22 Let me pass through your land. We will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink the waters of the well. We will go along by the king’s way, until we be past your borders.
In Devarim 2, it speaks of paying silver for meat and water.
Devari 2:29
29 as the children of Esav which dwell in Seir, and the Moavim which dwell in Ar, did to me; until I shall pass over Yarden into the land which Yehovah our God gives us.
We need to remember what happened. Esav let the Children of Yisrael pass by on the outskirts. Ar may be referring to what happened to king Arad. Basically Moshe is telling Sichon he has one of two choices, either let them pass or be destroyed. It seems that Sichon played into the hands of Yehovah.
Devarim 2:30
30 But Sichon king of Cheshbon would not let us pass by him. For Yehovah your God hardened (qashah) his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into your hand, as this day.
Hardened comes from the Hebrew word קָשָׁה qashah (H7185). It is in the Bible 28 times. קָשָׁה qashah (H7185) is translated harden 12 times, hard 4 times, stiff-necked + עֹרֶף oref (H6203) 2 times, grievous times 2 and 8 miscellaneous words. It emphasizes, first, the subjective effect exerted by an overly heavy yoke, which is hard to bear, and secondarily, the rebellious resistance of oxen to the yoke. A frequent use of the word relates to the stubborn (stiff-necked) subjects of the Lord.
Possibly Sichon saw Yisrael as a potential rival. As such, he could not imagine being under the yoke of any other power. As he was a cruel task master, possibly he feared the same in return.
Obstinate comes from the Hebrew word אָמַץ amatz (H0553). It is in the Bible 41 times. It refers to physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage). Sichon may have had the courage to taken on Yisrael, but he lacked the ability and strength to take on the Yisrael of Yehovah. Sichon over estimated his own abilities and power. It became a fatal flaw.
This is something we often do. Until we realize that only through God in total, can we prosper. Without God in total, we all will eventually fail. In every case, it is only a matter of time before the world or life will overcome us.
Devarim 2:31
31 And Yehovah said to me, Behold, I have begun to give Sichon and his land before you. Begin to possess, that you may inherit his land.
As a result of Sichon’s foolishness, Yehovah gave Sichon into the hands of Yisrael. Sichon made a fatal mistake by getting in the way of the purposes of Yehovah. We need to realize that we are either following Him or we are against Him.
Devarim 2:32-35
32 Then Sichon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Yahatz. 33 And Yehovah our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people. 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. 35 Only the cattle we took for a prey to ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.
Yisrael slew all the people of the lands of Sichon. This included all men, women and children. Yisrael kept the cattle for themselves.
Devarim 2:36-37
36 From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and the city that by the river (nachal), even to Gilad, there was not one city too strong for us. Yehovah our God delivered all to us. 37 Only to the land of the children of Ammon you came not, to any place of the river (nachal) Yabboq, nor to the cities in the mountains, nor to whatsoever Yehovah our God forbad us.
Yisrael was able to defeat all opponents. They possessed lands on the east side of the Yarden River. These were no small skirmishes. These were a prelude to what was coming. By the time Yisrael crossed the Yarden River, they will have received all the training they needed to take the land on the westside of the Yarden River. Unlike their parents, they were obedient to Yehovah and this resulted in victory for them.
Devarim was to be their encouragement and remembrance. Their future was bright.
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