Deuteronomy 2:24

KJV

¶ Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess [it], and contend with him in battle.

KJV (with Strong's)

Rise ye up {H6965}, take your journey {H5265}, and pass over {H5674} the river {H5158} Arnon {H769}: behold {H7200}, I have given {H5414} into thine hand {H3027} Sihon {H5511} the Amorite {H567}, king {H4428} of Heshbon {H2809}, and his land {H776}: begin {H2490} to possess {H3423} it, and contend {H1624} with him in battle {H4421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Get up, get moving, and cross the Arnon Valley! Here, I have put in your hands Sichon the Emori, king of Heshbon, and his land; commence the conquest, begin the battle!

Berean Standard Bible

“Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley. See, I have delivered into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle.

American Standard Version

Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the valley of the Arnon: behold, I have given into thy hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land; begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:24 marks a pivotal turning point in Israel's wilderness journey, as Moses recounts God's direct command for the Israelites to transition from peaceful passage to active conquest. After decades of wandering and being instructed to bypass the territories of their kinsmen, God now explicitly directs them to cross the Arnon River and confront Sihon, the formidable Amorite king of Heshbon. This verse powerfully declares God's pre-ordained victory, assuring Israel that Sihon and his land have already been "given into thine hand," while simultaneously calling them to obedient action by beginning to possess the land and engage in battle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 2:24 is situated within Moses's historical review of Israel's journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai) to the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. Chapters 1 and 2 recount the forty years of wilderness wandering, emphasizing God's faithfulness and Israel's past disobedience. Specifically, verses 1-23 detail God's instructions to Israel to bypass the territories of Edom, Moab, and Ammon, nations with whom Israel shared kinship. This directive highlighted God's sovereignty over all lands and His specific plans for each nation, demonstrating His justice even towards pagan peoples. Verse 24 marks a dramatic shift: the period of peaceful passage is over, and the era of conquest is about to begin. It serves as the divine "green light" for Israel to engage in their first major military conflict on the eastern side of the Jordan, setting the stage for the subsequent victories against Sihon and Og [Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11](/deuteronomy/2-26-3-11 "Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11 - Conquest of Sihon and Og") and the broader conquest narrative that follows in the book of Joshua.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amorites were a prominent Semitic people group who had established significant kingdoms in the ancient Near East, particularly in Transjordan during the Late Bronze Age. Sihon, king of Heshbon, had conquered territory from Moab and established a formidable kingdom, controlling a crucial trade route that Israel needed to traverse. Heshbon was a strategically important city, and the Arnon River served as a natural boundary and a significant geographical marker in Transjordan, often delineating Moabite territory from Amorite or other regions. For Israel, confronting Sihon meant engaging a powerful, established kingdom, representing a significant military challenge. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, divine pronouncements of victory before battle were common, often serving to bolster morale and legitimize conquest. God's declaration that He had "given into thine hand" the land of Sihon would have been understood as a divine transfer of ownership and a guarantee of success, a concept deeply rooted in the covenantal promises made to Abraham regarding the land [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy") and the Pentateuch. First, **Divine Initiative and Promise** is paramount; God explicitly commands the action and declares the outcome before Israel lifts a sword. The conquest is not merely a human endeavor but a divinely orchestrated fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Lord's Promise of the Land"). Second, **Faithful Obedience and Action** is crucial; despite the divine assurance of victory, Israel is commanded to "begin to possess [it], and contend with him in battle." God's promise does not negate the need for human effort and obedience, but rather empowers it. This highlights the synergistic relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Third, the **Possession of the Land** is a foundational theme. The conquest of Sihon's territory represents the critical first step in Israel's long-awaited inheritance, serving as a tangible demonstration of God's faithfulness to bring them into the land He had sworn to give them, a promise reiterated throughout the entire book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Given (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** The Hebrew verb "nâthan" (H5414) here is in the perfect tense ("I have given"), which is highly significant. While the battle is yet to occur, the perfect tense indicates a completed action from God's perspective. This is not a future promise but a declared reality; the victory is already assured, the transfer of ownership already effected in the divine counsel. This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His word.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The Hebrew noun "yâd" (H3027), translated as "hand" in the phrase "into thine hand," is a common biblical idiom signifying divine delivery, control, or transfer of power, particularly in a military context. When something is "given into one's hand," it means it is delivered into their power, control, or possession. It underscores that the victory over Sihon is not a result of Israel's might but a gift from God, empowering them for the task.
* **Contend (Hebrew, _gârâh'_):** The Hebrew verb "gârâh" (H1624) means "to stir up strife, provoke, contend, wage war." It implies an active, aggressive engagement. While God has already "given" the land, Israel must still actively "contend" for it. This highlights the principle that divine promise often requires human participation and effort; God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility but calls for it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon:"** This opening clause is a direct, imperative command from God, signaling an end to the period of wandering and a decisive move towards the Promised Land. The Arnon River, a significant geographical boundary, marks the threshold into the territory God intends for Israel to conquer. The triple command emphasizes urgency, movement, and crossing a critical barrier, indicating a divinely ordained shift in their journey.
* **"behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land:"** This is the divine declaration of victory and transfer of ownership. The interjection "behold" (Hebrew, _hinnēh_) draws immediate attention to the profound truth being revealed. God, the sovereign Lord, has already decided and enacted the transfer of Sihon, his royal authority, and his entire kingdom into Israel's possession, even before the battle has begun. This is a powerful statement of divine predetermination and assurance, removing any doubt about the outcome.
* **"begin to possess [it], and contend with him in battle."** This final clause outlines Israel's immediate responsibility. The command to "begin to possess" implies taking the initial steps of occupation and claiming what God has already granted. The instruction to "contend with him in battle" clarifies that this possession will not be passive but will require active military engagement. It perfectly balances divine sovereignty with human responsibility: God has given, but Israel must act in faith to receive and secure the promised inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:24 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, expressed through a series of direct imperatives ("Rise ye up, take your journey, pass over, begin to possess, contend"). This direct address underscores God's active involvement and absolute authority over Israel's destiny. Coupled with this is **Divine Assurance**, powerfully conveyed by the perfect tense of "I have given," which functions as a **Prophetic Perfect**. This grammatical construction declares a future event as already accomplished, emphasizing its certainty and God's unwavering purpose. The phrase "given into thine hand" is a powerful **Idiom**, common in biblical warfare narratives, symbolizing the transfer of power and guaranteed victory. Finally, the verse serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the broader conquest narrative, signaling the transition from peaceful passage to active warfare and setting the precedent for the numerous battles that will follow in the book of Joshua.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:24 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the nature of His covenant with Israel. It reveals that God's promises are not contingent on human strength or strategy but are rooted in His divine decree and accomplished through His power. The command to "rise up" and "contend" despite the prior declaration of victory highlights the essential biblical tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God's assurance of victory empowers Israel to act in faith, knowing that their efforts are not in vain but are part of a larger divine plan. This passage serves as a foundational example of God leading His people into their inheritance, providing the means and the victory for what He commands. It teaches that true possession comes through obedient action, empowered by divine promise, demonstrating that God's people are called to participate actively in the fulfillment of His purposes.

* [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - Every Place Your Foot Treads")
* [Ephesians 6:10-12](/ephesians/6-10-12 "Ephesians 6:10-12 - The Armor of God")
* [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:24 offers timeless principles for believers navigating the challenges of life today. Just as Israel stood at the precipice of a daunting military campaign, we often find ourselves facing "Arnon Rivers" – formidable obstacles, new ventures, or spiritual battles that seem overwhelming. This verse reminds us that God often declares His victory and provision *before* we fully engage in the struggle. Our call is to "rise up," to take the journey, and to "contend" in faith, trusting in His declared promises. God's assurance that He has already "given into thine hand" the victory does not negate our need for active obedience and strategic engagement. Instead, it empowers us to move forward boldly, confident that where God leads, He also provides the strength, wisdom, and means for what He commands. This passage encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that our efforts are not isolated but are part of God's greater plan to bring us into the inheritance He has prepared for us, whether that be spiritual growth, overcoming temptation, or fulfilling our unique calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Arnon Rivers" or daunting challenges are you facing today, where God might be calling you to "rise up" and take action?**
* **How does the certainty of God's prior declaration ("I have given into thine hand") impact your willingness to "contend" and "possess" in difficult situations?**
* **In what areas of your life are you waiting for perfect clarity or complete assurance before acting, when God might be calling you to step out in faith on His promise?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Israel to fight after bypassing other nations?**

Answer: God's command to fight Sihon after bypassing Edom, Moab, and Ammon demonstrates His sovereign control over nations and His specific purposes for Israel. The nations Israel bypassed were considered "kinsmen" (descendants of Lot or Esau), and God had already allotted their territories to them, instructing Israel not to harass them [Deuteronomy 2:4-19](/deuteronomy/2-4-19 "Deuteronomy 2:4-19 - Bypass of Edom, Moab, and Ammon"). Sihon, however, was an Amorite king who had conquered territory from Moab and was not part of this protected group. His kingdom lay directly in Israel's path to the Promised Land. God's command to engage Sihon was a strategic and theological necessity: it was the first step in Israel's active possession of the land promised to Abraham, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant and preparing Israel for the larger conquest of Canaan. It also served as a test of Israel's obedience and faith in God's power to grant victory.

**What is the significance of Heshbon and the Arnon River in this context?**

Answer: The Arnon River served as a significant natural boundary, often marking the border between Moab and the Amorite kingdom of Sihon. Crossing it symbolized entering contested territory and the beginning of military engagement, marking a decisive shift from peaceful passage to active conquest. Heshbon was the capital city of Sihon's Amorite kingdom, strategically located on a major trade route. Its conquest was crucial for Israel's control of Transjordan and for opening a path to the Jordan River and the land of Canaan. The capture of Heshbon and the surrounding territory of Sihon and Og [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-1-11 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Conquest of Og") provided Israel with their first major land holdings east of the Jordan, setting a precedent for God's power to deliver the land into their hands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:24, with its declaration of divine victory preceding human engagement, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God "gave into thine hand" Sihon and his land to Israel, so too has God the Father "given" all authority and victory into the hand of His Son, Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that Christ's triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness was a divine certainty, accomplished on the cross and sealed in the resurrection. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers") declares that Christ "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." This is the ultimate "I have given into thine hand" moment, where the spiritual enemies that held humanity captive were decisively defeated. For believers, this means we are called to "rise up" and "contend" in spiritual warfare, not for a victory yet to be won, but from a victory already secured by Christ. We are commanded to "take your journey" into the spiritual inheritance of redemption, righteousness, and eternal life that is already ours in Christ [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). Our "possession" of this spiritual land involves living out the implications of Christ's finished work, engaging in the good fight of faith [2 Corinthians 10:3-5](/2_corinthians/10-3-5 "2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - Spiritual Warfare"), and entering into the rest that remains for the people of God [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest"). The earthly conquest of Sihon foreshadows the spiritual conquest accomplished by Christ, enabling His followers to live in the reality of His triumph and to walk in the freedom of His finished work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 11:18

Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon [was] the border of Moab.

Judges 11:21

And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.

Deuteronomy 2:36

From Aroer, which [is] by the brink of the river of Arnon, and [from] the city that [is] by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:

Daniel 4:17

This matter [is] by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Numbers 21:13

From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which [is] in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon [is] the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.

Numbers 21:15

And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab.

2 Chronicles 36:23

Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. Who [is there] among you of all his people? The LORD his God [be] with him, and let him go up.