Deuteronomy 2:26

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:26

Deuteronomy 2:26 describes a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey as they approached the land promised by God. Moses, acting under divine instruction, initiates diplomatic overtures to Sihon, the Amorite king of Heshbon, before attempting to pass through his territory. This verse highlights Israel's adherence to a principle of peace, even in the context of a divine mandate for conquest.

Context

After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites were finally on the verge of entering the Promised Land. Their path required traversing various kingdoms. God had specifically commanded them not to provoke the Edomites (Deuteronomy 2:4), Moabites (Deuteronomy 2:9), or Ammonites (Deuteronomy 2:19), as these lands were allotted to Lot's descendants. However, the Amorite kingdom of Sihon, with its capital Heshbon, presented a different scenario. It stood directly in the way of Israel's intended route to the Jordan River and ultimately, Canaan. Moses's action here, sending messengers from the wilderness of Kedemoth, reflects ancient Near Eastern diplomatic custom, offering a peaceful passage before resorting to conflict. This account is also paralleled in Numbers 21:21-23.

Key Themes

  • The Pursuit of Peace: Even when a nation is under divine guidance for a specific purpose (like entering the Promised Land), God instructs them to first seek peaceful resolution. This demonstrates a divine preference for peace over conflict, whenever possible. Israel was not to be a nation that immediately resorted to violence.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: Although God had already determined to deliver Sihon into Israel's hands (Deuteronomy 2:30), Moses was still commanded to act righteously by offering terms of peace. This highlights the balance between God's sovereign plan and humanity's moral obligations.
  • Obedience to God's Instructions: Moses's actions directly followed God's specific commands, demonstrating the importance of obedience in the face of challenging circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "words of peace" translates the Hebrew ื“ึผึดื‘ึฐืจึตื™ ืฉืึธืœื•ึนื (dibrey shalom). The word shalom (ืฉืึธืœื•ึนื) is rich in meaning, encompassing more than just the absence of war. It signifies completeness, welfare, prosperity, health, and harmony. Therefore, Moses's offer was not merely for a temporary truce but for a comprehensive, peaceful relationship that would allow for safe passage and mutual well-being.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Seek Peaceful Solutions: Just as Israel was instructed to offer peace, believers are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to live peaceably with all people as much as it depends on them (Romans 12:18). This principle applies to interpersonal relationships, community interactions, and even national affairs.
  • Trust in God's Plan, Act Righteously: Even when God's ultimate purpose is clear, our actions must align with His character of justice and mercy. We are to fulfill our responsibilities righteously, trusting that God will bring about His will.
  • The Nature of God: This passage reveals a God who, even in preparing a people for conquest, prioritizes offering peace and upholding righteous conduct, demonstrating His just and merciful nature.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 10:10 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Joshua 13:18 (3 votes)

    And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

  • Luke 10:5 (3 votes)

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

  • Luke 10:6 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    And when ye come into an house, salute it.

  • Matthew 10:15 (3 votes)

    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.