Deuteronomy 2:25

KJV

This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations [that are] under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

This day {H3117} will I begin {H2490} to put {H5414} the dread {H6343} of thee and the fear {H3374} of thee upon the nations {H6440}{H5971} that are under the whole heaven {H8064}, who shall hear {H8085} report {H8088} of thee, and shall tremble {H7264}, and be in anguish {H2342} because of thee {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Today I will start putting the fear and dread of you into all the peoples under heaven, so that the mere mention of your name will make them quake and tremble before you.'

Berean Standard Bible

This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.”

American Standard Version

This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the peoples that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:25 marks a profound declaration of divine intervention, where God assures Israel that He will supernaturally instill a pervasive dread and fear into the surrounding nations. This divine act is not merely a psychological tactic but a sovereign demonstration of God's power, designed to pave the way for Israel's entry into the Promised Land and to fulfill His ancient covenant promises, thereby bolstering the confidence of His people as they prepare for the imminent conquest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration from God, recounted by Moses, serves as a pivotal turning point in Israel's wilderness journey. Immediately preceding this verse, the narrative details God's specific instructions to Israel regarding their peaceful passage through the territories of their kin – Edom, Moab, and Ammon – emphasizing that these lands were not for Israel to conquer or possess (e.g., [Deuteronomy 2:4-5](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4-5 - Passage through Edom")). [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - God's Promise to Instill Fear") abruptly shifts the divine directive from peaceful bypass to active preparation for conquest. It sets the stage for the confrontation with King Sihon of Heshbon, which begins in [Deuteronomy 2:26](/deuteronomy/2-26 "Deuteronomy 2:26 - Moses Sends Messengers to Sihon"), signaling the commencement of the Transjordanian conquests that precede the full entry into Canaan. This verse underscores God's active orchestration of events, ensuring Israel's success as they transition from wandering to inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, Israel stands on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, poised to enter the land promised to their ancestors after forty years of wilderness wandering. The peoples mentioned, though not explicitly named in this verse, include the Amorites, Moabites, and Ammonites, who occupied strategic territories in the Transjordan region. In the ancient Near East, the reputation of a nation's deity and its military prowess often preceded its armies. However, here, the "dread" and "fear" are not merely a natural reaction to Israel's large numbers or past victories (like the Exodus), but a divinely implanted, supernatural terror. This reflects a common ancient Near Eastern motif of a patron deity fighting for its people, but uniquely, Yahweh's action is portrayed as universally impactful ("under the whole heaven"), demonstrating His unparalleled sovereignty over all nations and their leaders.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - God's Promise to Instill Fear") powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Providence** are paramount, as God explicitly states, "This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations." This highlights His absolute control over human hearts and national destinies, actively orchestrating the circumstances for Israel's success, a theme echoed in [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD Will Fight for You"). Secondly, it underscores **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to fulfill the ancient promises made to Abraham regarding the land (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The divinely induced fear serves as a strategic weapon in this **Holy War**, where Yahweh Himself acts as the **Divine Warrior** for His people, ensuring their path to inheritance. Finally, the verse showcases God's use of **Psychological Warfare**, where the mere "report" of Israel, backed by God's power, is sufficient to demoralize and weaken the resolve of formidable adversaries, paving the way for Israel's advance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dread (Hebrew, _pachad_):** This term often denotes a sudden, overwhelming terror or panic, a profound and visceral fear that grips one unexpectedly. In this context, it describes a divinely induced, paralyzing fright that will seize the nations, rendering them vulnerable.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yirah_):** While _yirah_ can encompass awe or reverence, here, in conjunction with _pachad_, it emphatically refers to an intense, terrifying dread. The pairing of these two terms ("dread of thee and the fear of thee") creates a powerful hendiadys, emphasizing the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the terror God intends to inflict upon Israel's enemies.
* **Anguish (Hebrew, _tsarar_):** This word signifies distress, trouble, or being hemmed in by difficulty. It describes the deep emotional and psychological consternation that will afflict the nations, reflecting a state of being trapped and overwhelmed by the impending threat, leading to a sense of helplessness and despair.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations":** This opening clause emphasizes God's direct and immediate initiative. It is not Israel's might, but God's sovereign action that inaugurates the conquest. The use of both "dread" and "fear" highlights the intense, pervasive, and paralyzing terror that will be supernaturally instilled, signaling the commencement of a new phase in Israel's journey.
* **"[that are] under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee":** This phrase underscores the universal scope of God's reputation and power, which will precede Israel. The "report" implies that the news of God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel (e.g., the Exodus, the wilderness journey) will spread far and wide, serving as the catalyst for the divinely implanted fear, demonstrating that God's renown transcends geographical boundaries.
* **"and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee."**: This final clause describes the tangible and visceral reactions of the nations to this divinely orchestrated fear. "Tremble" indicates a physical shaking or quaking, while "anguish" points to deep emotional and psychological distress. These responses are a direct consequence of God's active intervention, designed to demoralize the adversaries and clear the path for Israel's inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "dread of thee and the fear of thee," which serves to intensify the description of the supernatural terror God will inflict. Similarly, "shall tremble, and be in anguish" further emphasizes the profound and debilitating effect of this fear. The phrase "under the whole heaven" functions as **Hyperbole**, underscoring the widespread and universal impact of God's reputation and the fear He instills, even if the immediate context is regional. The declaration "This day will I begin" is an example of **Divine Fiat**, highlighting God's authoritative command and immediate action. The entire verse also functions as a powerful **Prophecy** and **Assurance**, providing comfort and confidence to Israel by revealing God's pre-emptive divine intervention on their behalf.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:25 profoundly illustrates God's active and sovereign involvement in the affairs of nations and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. This verse reveals a God who does not merely observe but actively intervenes, preparing the way for His people's inheritance not solely through their military might, but through His own supernatural power. The instilling of fear in the hearts of enemies is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, showcasing God as the ultimate warrior who fights for His people, ensuring His purposes prevail. It underscores the truth that true victory belongs to the Lord, and His reputation precedes and empowers His chosen instruments. This divine strategy minimizes the need for Israel's direct combat in certain instances, highlighting God's providential care and His desire to demonstrate His glory to all peoples.

* [Exodus 15:16](/exodus/15-16 "Exodus 15:16 - Dread and Fear Fall Upon Them")
* [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of Fear")
* [Psalm 105:38](/psalm/105-38 "Psalm 105:38 - Egyptians Feared Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:25 offers profound encouragement and a vital perspective for believers today. It reminds us that our God is not passive but actively involved in our lives and circumstances, often working behind the scenes in ways we cannot perceive. Just as He went before Israel, instilling dread in their adversaries, so too does He fight our spiritual battles, clear our paths, and overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign power and His unfailing promises, rather than relying on our own strength or strategies. When faced with daunting challenges—whether spiritual attacks, personal struggles, or societal pressures—we can find confidence in the assurance that the Lord is actively engaged on our behalf. Our obedience and faithfulness to Him can, like Israel's "report," serve as a testimony to His power, causing others to take notice of His work in and through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's active role in fighting for Israel encourage you in your current challenges or spiritual battles?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust God to go before you, clearing the path or overcoming obstacles?**
* **How can your life, lived in obedience and faith, serve as a "report" that causes others to acknowledge God's power and presence?**
* **What specific "nations" or adversaries (spiritual, emotional, circumstantial) do you need to trust God to put "dread and fear" upon in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why does God use fear as a weapon against nations?**

Answer: God uses fear as a strategic weapon to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty, fulfill His covenant promises to Israel, and minimize the need for direct, bloody conflict for His people. By supernaturally instilling "dread" and "fear" (Deuteronomy 2:25), God shows that He is the ultimate power, capable of manipulating even the psychological state of nations. This serves to break the will of Israel's enemies, making their conquest less arduous and clearly attributing the victory to divine intervention rather than Israel's military might. It also serves as a testimony to His power, ensuring His reputation spreads "under the whole heaven," preparing the way for His people to inherit the land promised to them (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")).

**Does this mean God will always make our enemies afraid today?**

Answer: While God's character as a divine warrior who fights for His people remains constant, the specific manifestation of instilling physical fear in adversaries, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:25, was uniquely tied to Israel's historical conquest of the Promised Land under the Old Covenant. For believers today, God's active support in our "battles" primarily manifests in spiritual warfare (e.g., [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")), providing wisdom, strength, peace, and ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil through Christ. While God can certainly influence circumstances and hearts, the promise for New Covenant believers is not necessarily that physical adversaries will tremble, but that God will equip us for spiritual triumph and work all things for our good and His glory (e.g., [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:25, with its declaration of God's pre-emptive action to instill dread and fear in the nations, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Israel's physical conquest of Canaan foreshadowed a greater spiritual reality, Christ's mission was to conquer not land, but the spiritual enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. The "report" of Israel's God-backed advance in the Old Testament prefigures the worldwide "report" of the Gospel, which proclaims Christ's decisive victory on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). This ultimate conquest instilled a spiritual "dread and fear" in the realm of darkness, shattering Satan's dominion and liberating those held captive (as described in [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). Just as God cleared the way for Israel to inherit the land, Christ, the true Joshua, clears the way for all who believe in Him to inherit eternal life and the heavenly kingdom, not through physical warfare, but through His redemptive sacrifice (see [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") and [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - Living Hope and Inheritance")). The fear instilled by God in Deuteronomy points to the awe and reverence due to Christ, who has overcome the world and secured a victory far greater than any earthly conquest.

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

Deuteronomy 11:25

There shall no man be able to stand before you: [for] the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.

Exodus 15:14

The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

Exodus 15:16

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be [as] still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

Deuteronomy 28:10

And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

Exodus 23:27

I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

2 Kings 7:6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

2 Kings 7:7

Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it [was], and fled for their life.