Deuteronomy 2:26

KJV

And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And I sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} out of the wilderness {H4057} of Kedemoth {H6932} unto Sihon {H5511} king {H4428} of Heshbon {H2809} with words {H1697} of peace {H7965}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

"I sent envoys from the K'demot Desert to Sichon king of Heshbon with a peaceable message,

Berean Standard Bible

So from the Wilderness of Kedemoth I sent messengers with an offer of peace to Sihon king of Heshbon, saying,

American Standard Version

And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:26 marks a crucial juncture in Israel's wilderness journey, as Moses, under divine guidance, dispatches diplomatic envoys from the wilderness of Kedemoth to Sihon, the Amorite king of Heshbon. This act precedes any military engagement, demonstrating Israel's adherence to established ancient Near Eastern diplomatic protocols by first extending an offer of peaceful passage through his territory. It underscores a divine preference for peace and righteous conduct, even within the broader context of an impending conquest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses's retrospective address to the new generation of Israelites, recounting their journey from Mount Seir to the plains of Moab. Chapters 1-3 of Deuteronomy serve as a historical prologue, reminding Israel of God's faithfulness and their past obedience and disobedience. Specifically, Deuteronomy 2 details the conclusion of their forty years of wandering and their approach to the Promised Land. Prior to this verse, God had explicitly commanded Israel not to provoke or engage in conflict with the Edomites, Moabites, or Ammonites, as their lands were divinely allotted to Lot's descendants ([Deuteronomy 2:4](/deuteronomy/2-4 "Deuteronomy 2:4 - God's Command Regarding Edom"), [Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - God's Command Regarding Moab"), [Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "Deuteronomy 2:19 - God's Command Regarding Ammon")). The encounter with Sihon, however, presents a different divine directive, setting the stage for the first significant military engagement in their conquest, which unfolds in the subsequent verses ([Deuteronomy 2:30-37](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30-37 - Defeat of Sihon")). This account is also paralleled in [Numbers 21:21-23](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-23 - Israel's Request to Sihon").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "wilderness of Kedemoth" refers to a region east of the Dead Sea, likely near the Arnon River, serving as a strategic staging ground for Israel's advance. Heshbon was the capital of the Amorite kingdom, ruled by King Sihon, a powerful figure who had previously conquered territory from Moab. The route Israel intended to take, often referred to as the King's Highway, was a vital trade and military artery, making Sihon's control over it significant. Sending "messengers with words of peace" was a common diplomatic custom in the ancient Near East before initiating hostilities. It allowed for a peaceful resolution, established a legal basis for subsequent actions if peace was rejected, and demonstrated adherence to accepted international norms. This act by Moses, though divinely orchestrated, shows a respect for established protocols, even when the ultimate outcome was already known to God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**, illustrating that even when God's ultimate plan is predetermined (to deliver Sihon into Israel's hands, as revealed in [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30 - God Hardens Sihon's Spirit")), humanity is still called to act righteously and fulfill moral obligations, such as offering peace. Secondly, it underscores the **Pursuit of Peace**, demonstrating that God's people are to seek peaceful resolution whenever possible, reflecting God's character as a God of order and peace, not wanton aggression. This contrasts sharply with the immediate resort to violence. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Obedience to God's Instructions**, as Moses's actions are a direct fulfillment of divine commands, showcasing the importance of Israel's faithfulness in their journey towards the Promised Land. This careful adherence to God's specific directives for different nations (Edom, Moab, Ammon vs. Sihon) reveals the nuanced nature of God's justice and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Messengers (Hebrew, _mal'akhim'_):** This term, often translated as "angels" or "messengers," refers here to official diplomatic envoys. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, these were not mere casual runners but representatives carrying significant authority and formal proposals. Their dispatch signifies a formal, structured approach to international relations, emphasizing the seriousness and official nature of Moses's offer to Sihon.
* **Kedemoth (Hebrew, _qedemot'_):** Meaning "eastern places" or "ancient things," Kedemoth was a wilderness area east of the Dead Sea, possibly associated with a Levitical city later mentioned in [Joshua 21:37](/joshua/21-37 "Joshua 21:37 - Kedemoth as a Levitical City"). Its mention here provides a precise geographical marker, indicating Israel's strategic position and proximity to Sihon's territory, signaling their readiness for either peaceful passage or conflict.
* **Words of peace (Hebrew, _dibrey shalom'_):** This phrase is crucial. The Hebrew word _shalom_ (שָׁלוֹם) is far richer than merely the absence of war. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, welfare, prosperity, health, and harmony. Therefore, Moses's offer was not just for a temporary cessation of hostilities but for a comprehensive, mutually beneficial relationship that would allow for safe passage, trade, and general well-being, reflecting a desire for true reconciliation and coexistence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I sent messengers":** This highlights Moses's active role as leader, acting on behalf of the nation. While divinely instructed, the initiative to send the messengers is attributed to Moses, demonstrating his leadership and Israel's compliance with God's will.
* **"out of the wilderness of Kedemoth":** This specifies the point of origin for the diplomatic mission, grounding the narrative in a particular geographical location and emphasizing Israel's position on the threshold of Sihon's territory.
* **"unto Sihon king of Heshbon":** This identifies the specific recipient of the message – the powerful Amorite ruler of Heshbon, whose kingdom controlled a vital route. This precision underscores the importance of the diplomatic overture.
* **"with words of peace, saying,":** This reveals the content and intent of the message. The phrase "words of peace" encapsulates the offer of non-aggression and a request for peaceful passage, setting the stage for the terms that would follow (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 2:27-29](/deuteronomy/2-27 "Deuteronomy 2:27-29 - Moses's Request to Sihon")).

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:26 employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Diplomatic Protocol**, where Moses's actions meticulously follow the established ancient Near Eastern custom of sending envoys with an offer of peace before military engagement. This adherence to protocol lends legitimacy to Israel's subsequent actions and highlights their righteous conduct. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this seemingly straightforward diplomatic overture subtly hints at the inevitable conflict. Given God's prior declaration in [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30 - God Hardens Sihon's Spirit") that He would harden Sihon's spirit, the offer of peace, while genuine on Israel's part, serves as a divine setup for Sihon's refusal and subsequent defeat. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over events while still allowing for human agency and moral responsibility. Finally, there is an implicit **Contrast** with the earlier divine commands regarding Edom, Moab, and Ammon, where Israel was forbidden to engage in conflict. The specific instruction to offer peace to Sihon, unlike the others, sets the stage for a different kind of encounter, emphasizing God's distinct plans for each nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:26 profoundly illustrates God's character and His expectations for His people. Even when a divine mandate for conquest is in view, God prioritizes and instructs the pursuit of peace and righteous conduct. This reveals a God who is not arbitrary or bloodthirsty, but just and orderly, always providing an opportunity for peaceful resolution, even when He knows it will be rejected. It underscores the principle that human responsibility to act ethically remains, regardless of God's sovereign plan. Israel's obedience in offering "words of peace" demonstrates their commitment to reflecting God's character, even in the face of potential conflict, setting a precedent for how God's people should engage with the world.
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Blessed are the Peacemakers")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Live Peaceably with All")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "When Ways Please the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:26 offers a powerful lesson on the pursuit of peace and the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. In a world often marked by conflict and division, this passage reminds us that God's people are called to be proactive peacemakers. It is not enough to merely avoid conflict; we are to actively extend "words of peace" – offers of reconciliation, understanding, and mutual respect – even to those who might be seen as adversaries or obstacles. This applies to our personal relationships, community interactions, and even broader societal engagements. We are to act with integrity and righteousness, trusting that God will work out His purposes, whether through peaceful resolution or through the unfolding of His sovereign plan. Our role is to align our actions with His character, demonstrating His justice and mercy in all circumstances. This verse challenges us to consider how we can initiate peace, even when the outcome is uncertain or when we perceive a "right" to a particular outcome.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command to offer "words of peace" to Sihon challenge our assumptions about divine judgment and human responsibility?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to be a peacemaker, actively extending "words of peace" even when it seems difficult or unlikely to succeed?**
* **How can we balance trusting God's sovereign plan with our ethical obligation to act righteously and pursue peace in our interactions?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses offer peace to Sihon if God already knew Sihon would refuse and be defeated?**

Answer: This question touches on the profound theological tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "God Hardens Sihon's Spirit") explicitly states that God hardened Sihon's spirit to deliver him into Israel's hands, Moses's offer of peace was not a futile gesture. Firstly, it demonstrated God's righteous character; He is a God who offers opportunity and seeks peace, even with those He intends to judge. This act provided Sihon with a clear choice and opportunity to respond peacefully. Secondly, it established Israel's moral and legal justification for subsequent military action. By offering peace and being rejected, Israel could proceed with a clear conscience, knowing they had exhausted all peaceful avenues. This aligns with principles found elsewhere in Scripture, such as [Deuteronomy 20:10-12](/deuteronomy/20-10 "Laws for Warfare"), which instructs Israel to offer terms of peace to cities before besieging them. It underscores that God's people are to act with integrity and justice, even when God's ultimate purpose is predetermined.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:26, with its "words of peace" offered before a divinely ordained confrontation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses, as a mediator, extended an offer of peace to Sihon, so too does Christ, the ultimate Mediator, extend an offer of peace to humanity. While humanity stood in rebellion against God, deserving of judgment, God, in His sovereign plan, sent His Son not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "God Sent His Son to Save")). Jesus embodies the ultimate "words of peace," being our peace who has broken down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He reconciled all things to Himself, making peace through the blood of His cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Reconciling All Things Through Christ")). He is the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Prince of Peace")) who offers true _shalom_—wholeness, reconciliation, and eternal well-being—to all who would receive it, despite humanity's hardened hearts. His offer of peace is genuine and universal, yet it also sets the stage for a spiritual confrontation with those who ultimately reject His reign, leading to a final judgment. In Christ, the pattern of offering peace before ultimate judgment is perfectly fulfilled, demonstrating God's unwavering character of justice, mercy, and grace. He leaves His peace with us, a peace the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "Christ's Gift of Peace")).

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

Luke 10:10

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

Luke 10:12

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

Joshua 13:18

And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

Luke 10:5

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

Luke 10:6

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

Matthew 10:12

And when ye come into an house, salute it.

Matthew 10:15

Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.