Deuteronomy 2:36

KJV

From Aroer, which [is] by the brink of the river of Arnon, and [from] the city that [is] by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:

KJV (with Strong's)

From Aroer {H6177}, which is by the brink {H8193} of the river {H5158} of Arnon {H769}, and from the city {H5892} that is by the river {H5158}, even unto Gilead {H1568}, there was not one city {H7151} too strong {H7682} for us: the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} delivered {H5414} all unto us {H6440}:

Complete Jewish Bible

From 'Aro'er, on the edge of the Arnon Valley, and from the city in the valley, all the way to Gil'ad, there was not one city too well fortified for us to capture -ADONAI our God gave all of them to us.

Berean Standard Bible

From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the valley, even as far as Gilead, not one city had walls too high for us. The LORD our God gave us all of them.

American Standard Version

From Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and from the city that is in the valley, even unto Gilead, there was not a city too high for us; Jehovah our God delivered up all before us:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:36 stands as a powerful testament to the Lord's absolute faithfulness and overwhelming power in delivering His people. Moses recounts Israel's triumphant conquest of the Amorite kingdom of Sihon, emphasizing that from the southern reaches of Aroer by the Arnon River to the northern expanse of Gilead, no city, however fortified, proved too formidable for them. This verse underscores that Israel's comprehensive victory and territorial acquisition were not due to their own strength or military prowess, but were a direct and complete gift from "the LORD our God," who actively fought for and delivered all the land into their hands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Moses' detailed recounting of Israel's journey from Kadesh-barnea, specifically highlighting the pivotal victory over Sihon, king of Heshbon. Prior to this, Israel had been commanded by God to avoid conflict with Edom, Moab, and Ammon, nations related to them (Deuteronomy 2:4-19). However, when Sihon refused passage and came out to battle, God explicitly hardened Sihon's heart to ensure his defeat, thereby providing Israel with the first significant territorial conquest east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 2:30-33). The preceding verses detail the complete destruction of Sihon's cities and people, leaving no survivors (Deuteronomy 2:34-35). Thus, Deuteronomy 2:36 serves as a triumphant summary statement, affirming the totality of God's provision and the extent of the land secured, setting the stage for further conquests and the eventual entry into the Promised Land west of the Jordan. It reinforces the theme of God's active involvement in Israel's history, fulfilling His promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The geographical markers "Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead" precisely delineate the extent of Sihon's kingdom that Israel conquered. The Arnon River served as a significant natural boundary, often marking the border between Moab and the Amorites. Aroer, located on the southern bank of the Arnon, was a strategically important city. Gilead, to the north, was a fertile and desirable region. In the ancient Near East, cities were typically fortified with strong walls, making their capture a formidable military challenge. The phrase "not one city too strong for us" directly addresses the common military reality of the time, where well-defended cities could withstand long sieges. For Israel, a nomadic people newly organized into a fighting force, overcoming such strongholds without significant losses was a miraculous feat, underscoring the supernatural aid they received from Yahweh. This victory was crucial for establishing a secure base of operations before the more challenging conquests west of the Jordan.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 2:36 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Empowerment and Deliverance**, unequivocally stating, "the LORD our God delivered all unto us." This highlights that Israel's success was not a result of their military might but God's direct intervention, a theme echoed throughout the book, particularly in [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The Lord Fights for You"). Secondly, the phrase "there was not one city too strong for us" underscores the **Completeness of Victory** and God's omnipotence. It emphasizes that no human obstacle, however formidable, could stand against God's purposes, demonstrating His ability to overcome all resistance. Finally, this conquest represents a tangible **Fulfillment of Covenant Promise**. The acquisition of this land east of the Jordan is a concrete step towards the realization of God's ancient promise to Abraham and his descendants to give them a land (as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Covenant with Abraham")). It serves as powerful evidence of God's faithfulness to His word, providing assurance for the greater conquests yet to come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** The Hebrew verb נָתַן (*nātan*) means "to give, place, set, deliver, grant, permit." In this context, its use emphasizes God's active role as the one who bestows, hands over, or grants possession. It is not merely that God *helped* Israel to take the land, but that He *gave* it to them as a divine gift. This highlights the initiative and sovereignty of God in the conquest, underscoring that the land was not seized by human might alone, but was a direct, sovereign act of divine provision. This concept reinforces the idea that Israel's inheritance is ultimately from God.
* **Too strong (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq'_):** The Hebrew verb חָזַק (*ḥāzaq*) means "to be strong, be firm, be hard, be severe." When applied to cities, it refers to their fortifications and the strength of their defenses, implying they were formidable, well-protected, and difficult to conquer. The negation "not one city too strong for us" (literally, "not a city was strong from us") powerfully conveys the absolute nature of Israel's victory. It means that from a human military perspective, these cities *should* have been insurmountable, yet they fell effortlessly, demonstrating that God's power transcended all human defenses and limitations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"From Aroer, which [is] by the brink of the river of Arnon, and [from] the city that [is] by the river, even unto Gilead":** This phrase meticulously delineates the geographical scope of the conquered territory. Aroer, situated on the southern edge of the Arnon River, served as the southern boundary of Sihon's kingdom. "The city that is by the river" likely refers to the main city of Aroer itself or another significant settlement immediately adjacent to the Arnon. "Even unto Gilead" specifies the northern extent, encompassing the fertile region of Gilead. Together, these markers define the entirety of Sihon's kingdom that came under Israelite control, emphasizing the vastness and completeness of the acquisition.
* **"there was not one city too strong for us":** This declarative statement highlights the ease and totality of the conquest from Israel's perspective. It implies that every fortified city, no matter how formidable or well-defended it appeared, fell without significant resistance or prolonged struggle for the Israelites. This phrase functions as a hyperbole, emphasizing the divine assistance that rendered all human defenses ineffective against God's chosen people. It underscores that the victory was not a struggle of human might against human might, but a demonstration of divine power overcoming all obstacles.
* **"the LORD our God delivered all unto us":** This is the theological lynchpin of the verse, unequivocally attributing the entire success to Yahweh. The use of "our God" emphasizes the covenant relationship and personal involvement of God with Israel. The verb "delivered" (Hebrew: *nātan*) signifies that the land was not merely taken by force, but was a gift, an endowment from God. This clause serves as the ultimate explanation for the preceding statement, clarifying that the reason no city was too strong was precisely because God Himself was the active agent, granting them complete victory and possession of the entire territory.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:36 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Geographical Delineation** is prominent, with the precise naming of "Aroer," "Arnon," and "Gilead" serving to define the exact boundaries and vastness of the conquered territory. This provides a concrete, verifiable scope to the victory, making the divine accomplishment more tangible. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "there was not one city too strong for us." While some cities might have been more challenging than others, the statement emphasizes the *totality* and *effortlessness* of the conquest from Israel's perspective, highlighting that no human defense could ultimately withstand the divine will. This exaggerated claim serves to magnify God's power. Finally, the verse utilizes **Direct Attribution** to God, explicitly stating "the LORD our God delivered all unto us." This direct and unambiguous assignment of agency to Yahweh reinforces the theological message that all victories, especially those that seem humanly impossible, are ultimately His doing, not Israel's.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:36 is a profound theological statement, not merely a historical record. It encapsulates the core Deuteronomic theology of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His active, sovereign involvement in the history of His people. The verse teaches that God's power is absolute, capable of overcoming any human obstacle, and that His deliverance is complete. This victory over Sihon, the first significant land acquisition, serves as an *earnest* or down payment of the greater inheritance yet to be secured in Canaan, reinforcing Israel's trust in God for future battles. It also underscores the principle that divine blessing and success are contingent on obedience and trust, as Israel had followed God's command to engage Sihon. The land, therefore, is not merely a prize of war but a divine inheritance, a tangible sign of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

* [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - Every Place Your Foot Treads")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:36 offers profound encouragement and a powerful framework for understanding God's work in our lives today. Just as Israel faced cities deemed "too strong" from a human perspective, we too encounter challenges that appear insurmountable—spiritual strongholds, overwhelming personal struggles, relational conflicts, or seemingly impossible circumstances. This verse reminds us that when "the LORD our God" is on our side, no obstacle is truly "too strong." Our victories, whether big or small, are ultimately from Him, not from our own strength, wisdom, or resources. It calls us to shift our focus from the magnitude of our problems to the omnipotence of our God, fostering a deep trust that He can and will deliver us according to His perfect will and timing. This passage encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that God goes before us, making a way where there seems to be no way, and that His promises are always fulfilled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cities" or challenges in your life currently feel "too strong" for you to overcome?**
* **How does the declaration "the LORD our God delivered all unto us" shift your perspective on these challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than trusting in God's complete deliverance?**
* **How can remembering God's past faithfulness, as Israel did here, strengthen your faith for future obstacles?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Why is it so important that "not one city was too strong" for Israel, and what does this imply about God?

Answer: The statement "not one city too strong for us" is crucial because it highlights the absolute and comprehensive nature of God's victory on behalf of Israel. In ancient warfare, fortified cities were the ultimate defensive strongholds, often requiring prolonged sieges and incurring heavy casualties for the attacking force. For Israel, a people who had wandered in the wilderness for forty years, to conquer an entire kingdom's worth of such cities without encountering insurmountable resistance was nothing short of miraculous. This implies several profound truths about God:
* **His Omnipotence:** It demonstrates that God's power is limitless and transcends all human limitations and defenses. No human construction or military might can stand against His will.
* **His Faithfulness to Covenant:** This complete deliverance is a tangible fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Covenant with Abraham")). It shows He is true to His word.
* **His Active Involvement:** The victory was not due to Israel's superior strategy or strength, but because "the LORD our God delivered all unto us." God was the primary actor, fighting for His people (compare [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The Lord Fights for You")).
* **His Sovereignty:** God orchestrates events, even hardening the heart of Sihon (Deuteronomy 2:30), to ensure His purposes are accomplished and His people receive their inheritance. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that with God, all things are possible, and His plans cannot be thwarted.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 2:36, with its declaration of complete victory and divine deliverance of an earthly inheritance, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as no fortified city was "too strong" for Israel when the Lord fought for them, so too no spiritual stronghold, no power of darkness, and no sin is "too strong" for those who are in Christ. Jesus, the true Joshua, leads His people into a spiritual inheritance far greater than any earthly land. His death and resurrection represent the ultimate conquest, where He "delivered all unto us" by disarming the powers and authorities (Colossians 2:15) and triumphing over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Through His finished work, believers are given an unshakeable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28) and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them (1 Peter 1:4). The complete victory over Sihon foreshadows Christ's comprehensive triumph over every enemy, securing for His people not a temporary plot of land, but an eternal dwelling and spiritual freedom, making Him the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).

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

Joshua 13:9

From Aroer, that [is] upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that [is] in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;

Deuteronomy 3:12

¶ And this land, [which] we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.

Deuteronomy 4:48

From Aroer, which [is] by the bank of the river Arnon, even unto mount Sion, which [is] Hermon,

Psalms 44:3

For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

Jeremiah 48:19

O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, [and] say, What is done?

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Joshua 12:2

Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, [and] ruled from Aroer, which [is] upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, [which is] the border of the children of Ammon;