Deuteronomy 2:31

KJV

And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, Behold {H7200}, I have begun {H2490} to give {H5414} Sihon {H5511} and his land {H776} before {H6440} thee: begin {H2490} to possess {H3423}, that thou mayest inherit {H3423} his land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to me, 'See, I have begun handing over Sichon and his territory before you; start taking possession of his land.'

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to me, “See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto me, Behold, I have begun to deliver up Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:31 marks a pivotal divine directive to Moses, signaling the end of Israel's wilderness wandering and the commencement of their conquest of the Promised Land. In this verse, the LORD explicitly declares His sovereign initiative, stating, "I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee," immediately followed by a command for Israel's active obedience: "begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land." This declaration underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, providing both divine enablement and a clear mandate for human action, setting the stage for the initial military engagement against the Amorite king Sihon.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses' second major discourse in Deuteronomy, a recounting of Israel's journey from Horeb (Sinai) to the plains of Moab, just before their entry into Canaan. Specifically, it follows a period of circumambulating the territories of Edom and Moab, nations with whom Israel was forbidden to engage in conflict due to their familial ties (descendants of Esau and Lot, respectively). The narrative has emphasized God's provision and protection during the forty years of wandering. Deuteronomy 2:31 serves as a dramatic turning point, shifting the narrative from peaceful passage and avoidance of conflict to divine authorization for conquest. It directly precedes the detailed account of the defeat of Sihon and Og, establishing the precedent for Israel's future military engagements in the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** After forty years of wilderness wandering, a new generation of Israelites stands poised to enter the Promised Land. The previous generation had largely perished due to their unbelief and rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, particularly their refusal to enter the land when commanded, as seen in [Numbers 14:29](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29 - The Consequences of Disbelief"). This new generation, having witnessed God's judgment and faithfulness, is now being tested. Sihon was the powerful Amorite king who ruled from Heshbon, a strategically important city in the Transjordan region. His refusal to grant Israel passage, despite a peaceful request, provided the divine justification for conquest. Culturally, the concept of "holy war" was prevalent in the ancient Near East, but here, Israel's conquest is uniquely framed as a divine gift and a fulfillment of covenant promise, rather than mere territorial expansion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as the LORD explicitly states, "I have begun to give," emphasizing that the land and victory are ultimately His gift, not earned by Israel's might. This underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising their descendants the land of Canaan, as recorded in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). Simultaneously, it stresses **Human Obedience and Action**, as Israel is commanded to "begin to possess." God's prior action does not negate human responsibility but rather empowers it. Faith in God's promises requires corresponding, courageous action. Finally, the theme of **Inheritance and Covenant Fulfillment** is central, with the ultimate goal being to "inherit his land," marking the tangible beginning of the long-awaited fulfillment of God's promises, a sign of His enduring faithfulness across generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The Hebrew name יְהֹוָה (_Yᵉhôvâh_), often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles, refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, the Jewish national name of God. Its presence here emphasizes that the command and the promise originate from the covenant-keeping God of Israel, the one who is faithful to His word throughout generations. This is not a mere human strategy, but a divine decree from the sovereign Creator.
* **Begin (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** The Hebrew verb חָלַל (_châlal_) in this context means "to begin" or "to start." The repetition of "begin" – God has "begun to give" and Israel is to "begin to possess" – creates a powerful parallel and highlights a decisive moment. It signifies a divine "opening wedge" or initial action that necessitates an immediate, active response from Israel. It's not merely a passive reception but an active step into what God has already initiated and made possible.
* **Give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** The Hebrew verb נָתַן (_nâthan_) means "to give, put, place, set." Its use here, "I have begun to give," emphasizes God's sovereign act of bestowing the land as a gift. It signifies that the victory and possession are not achieved by Israel's strength or cunning, but originate from God's prior decision and active provision. This highlights divine grace preceding human effort, establishing the conquest as a fulfillment of divine promise rather than a human accomplishment.
* **Possess/Inherit (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** The Hebrew verb יָרַשׁ (_yârash_) carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit." It often implies taking control of land or property, frequently involving the displacement of previous inhabitants. The dual usage here—"begin to possess" and "mayest inherit"—underscores both the active, conquering aspect (dispossessing Sihon) and the legal, covenantal aspect (receiving the land as a rightful heir according to God's promise).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto me,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and supreme authority of the command. Moses is the direct recipient of God's word, underscoring the prophetic and covenantal nature of the instruction. It emphasizes that this is not a human strategic decision but a direct revelation from the Almighty God, YHWH.
* **"Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee:"**: This is the declaration of God's sovereign act and pre-emptive grace. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) calls for immediate attention to a significant pronouncement. God states that He has *already initiated* the process of delivering Sihon and his territory into Israel's hands. The victory is, in essence, already secured in the divine counsel and purpose, making Israel's subsequent action a participation in God's predetermined plan.
* **"begin to possess,"**: This is the divine command to Israel, communicated through Moses. Despite God having "begun to give," Israel is required to take active steps. This command to "begin" signifies the necessity of faith-filled obedience and courageous action. It implies overcoming any hesitation or fear and stepping out in trust, even before the full victory is manifest. It is the human response to divine initiative.
* **"that thou mayest inherit his land."**: This final clause states the purpose and ultimate outcome of Israel's obedience. The possession is not merely for temporary occupation but for permanent inheritance, fulfilling the covenant promise of land to Abraham's descendants. It connects the immediate military objective to the broader, long-term divine plan for Israel to dwell securely in the land God has promised them as their heritage.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:31 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. **Repetition** is prominent, specifically with the concept of "beginning" (God has "begun to give," Israel is to "begin to possess") and "possessing/inheriting" (both explicit in the verse). This repetition underscores the synchronized action required: God's divine initiative is met by human responsibility, creating a powerful synergy. The phrase "Behold, I have begun to give" functions as a **Divine Oracle** or **Direct Discourse**, lending immense weight and authority to the words. It is a direct declaration from the LORD, emphasizing His sovereignty and active involvement, ensuring Israel's confidence in the impending victory. The entire verse can also be seen as an instance of **Foreshadowing**, as Sihon's defeat sets the precedent and serves as a tangible foretaste of the larger conquest of Canaan that lies ahead, assuring Israel of God's continued presence and power in their future battles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:31 serves as a profound theological statement on the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God's declaration, "I have begun to give," asserts His absolute control and faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring that the land is a gracious gift, not a human achievement. Yet, the command to "begin to possess" simultaneously calls for Israel's active, obedient participation. This dynamic illustrates that God's prior grace enables and necessitates human action. It teaches that while God initiates and guarantees the ultimate outcome, He requires His people to step out in faith, engaging with the opportunities He provides. This principle resonates throughout biblical history, from Abraham's call to the establishment of the church, where divine empowerment always precedes and accompanies human mission.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - God's Command to Joshua to Possess the Land")
* [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Working Out Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:31 offers a timeless blueprint for navigating life's challenges and pursuing God's call. It powerfully reminds us that God often goes before us, preparing the way and initiating blessings even before we are aware. His declaration, "I have begun to give," instills confidence that our efforts are not in vain, but rather a participation in His already established plan. However, this divine initiative does not negate our responsibility; instead, it empowers it. The command to "begin to possess" calls us to courageous, faith-filled action. Whether facing spiritual battles, pursuing a new calling, or striving for personal growth, this verse encourages us to step out in obedience, trusting that God has already equipped us and set the stage for our success. It challenges us to identify where God has "begun to give" in our lives and to respond with active faith, knowing that our inheritance in Christ is secured, but requires our diligent pursuit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life do you sense that God has "begun to give" or opened a door, but you have been hesitant to "begin to possess"?**
* **How does the balance between God's sovereignty and human responsibility in this verse encourage or challenge your approach to faith and action?**
* **What specific "land" or area of spiritual growth is God calling you to "possess" through active obedience today?**
* **How can remembering God's faithfulness to Israel in this moment strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why was Sihon's territory the first target for conquest, and what was its significance?**

Answer: Sihon's territory, ruled from Heshbon, was strategically important because it controlled a major trade route, the King's Highway, and served as a gateway to the Transjordan region. More significantly, it became the first target because Sihon, unlike Edom and Moab, refused Israel peaceful passage, forcing a confrontation. This provided the divine justification for conquest, demonstrating God's justice against those who opposed His people and His plan. It also served as a crucial test and a foundational victory for the new generation of Israelites, building their faith and proving God's active presence with them as they began to fulfill the long-awaited promise of inheriting the land.

**What is the deeper meaning of God saying, "I have begun to give," while also commanding Israel to "begin to possess"?**

Answer: This seemingly paradoxical phrasing highlights a fundamental theological truth: God's sovereignty and human responsibility are not mutually exclusive but intertwined. "I have begun to give" emphasizes God's divine initiative, His pre-emptive grace, and the certainty of His promise. The victory is secured in His plan before any human action. However, "begin to possess" underscores the necessity of human faith, obedience, and active participation. God's gift requires a human response to be realized. It teaches that while God provides the power and the promise, His people must step out in faith and courage to "claim" what He has already provided. It’s a call to co-labor with God in His purposes, not passively wait for them to materialize.

**How does this verse relate to the previous generation's failure at Kadesh-Barnea?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 2:31 stands in stark contrast to the tragic failure at Kadesh-Barnea, recounted in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea"). At Kadesh-Barnea, the previous generation, despite God's promise, refused to "possess" the land due to fear and unbelief, leading to forty years of wandering and their eventual demise in the wilderness. Deuteronomy 2:31 marks a new beginning for the new generation. God is giving them another opportunity to obey and enter the land. His declaration, "I have begun to give," serves as a powerful reassurance, directly addressing the fears and doubts that plagued their parents. It emphasizes that this time, God is actively leading the charge, providing the confidence needed for Israel to "begin to possess" and avoid the mistakes of their predecessors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:31, with its themes of divine initiative, promised inheritance, and the call to possess, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as the LORD declared, "I have begun to give Sihon and his land," God the Father has "begun to give" us an eternal inheritance through His Son. This spiritual "land" is not a physical territory but the Kingdom of God, eternal life, and all spiritual blessings in Christ, as described in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). Jesus, the greater Joshua, is the one who ultimately disarms the spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—and leads His people into true freedom and rest, triumphing over them at the cross, as affirmed in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). We are commanded to "begin to possess" this inheritance not through physical conquest, but through faith, repentance, and obedience to Christ, living out our new life in righteousness, as exhorted in [Romans 6:12](/romans/6-12 "Romans 6:12-14 - Living in Righteousness"). Our spiritual battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, and Christ has already secured the victory, enabling us to "take possession" of our spiritual blessings and live in His triumph, as we are reminded in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - The Spiritual Battle"). The ultimate "inheritance" is eternal life with Christ, a gift freely given, yet requiring our active reception and faithful stewardship until His glorious return, as promised in [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable").

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 1:8

Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them.

Deuteronomy 2:24

¶ 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.