Deuteronomy 2:30

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day.

But Sihon {H5511} king {H4428} of Heshbon {H2809} would {H14} not let us pass {H5674} by him: for the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hardened {H7185} his spirit {H7307}, and made his heart {H3824} obstinate {H553}, that he might deliver {H5414} him into thy hand {H3027}, as appeareth this day {H3117}.

"But Sichon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through his territory, because ADONAI your God had hardened his spirit and made him stubborn, so that he could hand him over to you, as is the case today.

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand, as is the case this day.

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him; for Jehovah thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as at this day.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:30 describes a pivotal moment in Israel’s journey towards the Promised Land, specifically their encounter with King Sihon of Heshbon. After traversing the wilderness for nearly forty years, the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, sought peaceful passage through Sihon’s territory, the Amorite kingdom located east of the Jordan River.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' recounting of Israel's history to the new generation before they enter Canaan. It details their approach to the land, emphasizing God's guidance and provision. Moses had specifically instructed the Israelites to offer peace to the nations they encountered, requesting passage without conflict, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:26-29. However, Sihon’s refusal to grant passage was not merely a political decision but, as the verse reveals, part of God's larger divine plan. This encounter ultimately led to a decisive battle, recounted more fully in Numbers 21:21-35, which resulted in Israel's victory and their taking possession of Sihon's territory.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Providence: The most prominent theme is God's active role in human affairs. The verse explicitly states that "the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate." This demonstrates God's ultimate control over kings and nations, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes.
  • Judgment and Deliverance: Sihon's resistance, divinely influenced, served as the catalyst for his defeat. God hardened Sihon's heart "that he might deliver him into thy hand," signifying both judgment upon Sihon and deliverance for Israel. This act cleared the way for Israel's advancement towards the promised inheritance.
  • God's Faithfulness to Israel: By delivering Sihon into their hands, God reaffirmed His covenant promises to Israel, showing His commitment to bring them into the land He had sworn to their forefathers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate" uses powerful Hebrew terms. The word for "hardened" (qasha) implies a stiffening or making difficult, similar to how God hardened Pharaoh's heart in Exodus. The term for "obstinate" (`amats) means to be strong, firm, or resolute, often in a negative sense of stubbornness. These phrases emphasize that Sihon's refusal was not merely a human choice, but one supernaturally influenced by God to bring about a predetermined outcome. This concept highlights the complex interplay between divine action and human will, a theme explored further in passages like Romans 9:18, which discusses God's mercy and hardening.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 2:30 offers several insights for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Overarching Plan: Even when faced with opposition or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse reminds us that God is actively working behind the scenes. He can influence circumstances and even the hearts of leaders to accomplish His divine will.
  • Understanding Divine Action: While challenging, the concept of God hardening a heart teaches us about His sovereignty and justice. It reveals that God can use the resistance of individuals or nations as a means to bring about His righteous judgments and fulfill His promises to His people.
  • God's Path for His People: The verse assures us that God clears the path for His purposes to be fulfilled. Just as He prepared the way for Israel to possess the land, He continues to guide and enable His people in their spiritual journey, removing obstacles or turning them into opportunities for His glory.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 21:23 (8 votes)

    And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

  • Exodus 4:21 (7 votes)

    And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

  • Joshua 11:19 (4 votes)

    There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all [other] they took in battle.

  • Joshua 11:20 (4 votes)

    For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 11:10 (4 votes)

    And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.

  • Isaiah 48:4 (3 votes)

    Because I knew that thou [art] obstinate, and thy neck [is] an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;

  • Judges 11:20 (3 votes)

    But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.