Deuteronomy 3:9

KJV

([Which] Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)

KJV (with Strong's)

( Which Hermon {H2768} the Sidonians {H6722} call {H7121} Sirion {H8303}; and the Amorites {H567} call {H7121} it Shenir {H8149};)

Complete Jewish Bible

the Hermon which the Tzidonim call Siryon and the Emori call S'nir,

Berean Standard Bible

which the Sidonians call Sirion but the Amorites call Senir—

American Standard Version

(which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion, and the Amorites call it Senir);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 3:9 is a parenthetical note within Moses' historical recounting of Israel's conquest of the Transjordan region, specifically the defeat of Og, king of Bashan. This verse provides crucial geographical clarification, identifying Mount Hermon by its alternative names used by neighboring peoples—Sirion by the Sidonians and Shenir by the Amorites. This detail serves to ground the biblical narrative in verifiable geographical and cultural reality, underscoring the historical accuracy of the account and the precise fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Moses' recapitulation of Israel's journey and conquests before entering the Promised Land, serving as a foundational sermon to the new generation (Deuteronomy 1:1-4:43). Specifically, it appears in the account of the defeat of Og, king of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:1-7), which immediately follows the conquest of Sihon, king of Heshbon (Deuteronomy 2:26-37). Moses is detailing the extent of the land east of the Jordan that God had given to Israel, with Mount Hermon marking the northernmost boundary of Og's former kingdom. The parenthetical nature of the verse, indicated by "([Which] Hermon...", suggests an explanatory note for readers who might be more familiar with the mountain by its regional names, ensuring clarity regarding the precise geographical scope of the victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the late Bronze Age/early Iron Age, around the 15th-13th century BCE, as Israel prepares to enter Canaan. The region east of the Jordan was inhabited by various peoples, including the Amorites, who had established powerful kingdoms like those of Sihon and Og. To the northwest, along the Mediterranean coast, lived the Sidonians, a prominent Phoenician people renowned for their maritime trade and influence throughout the Levant. Mount Hermon itself, a towering and often snow-capped peak, was a significant landmark, serving as a natural boundary and a source of water for the region. The mention of different names for the same geographical feature reflects the linguistic and cultural diversity of the ancient Near East, where various ethnic groups would name prominent landmarks according to their own languages and traditions, indicating the biblical author's intimate knowledge of the region's diverse inhabitants and their customs.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 3:9 contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Geographical Precision and Historical Reliability**. The meticulous detail in identifying landmarks by multiple names grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, affirming the historical veracity of God's actions and promises. This is not a mythical tale but an account of real events in a real world. Secondly, it subtly highlights **Cultural and Linguistic Diversity**, acknowledging the various peoples inhabiting the land and their unique terminologies, yet demonstrating God's sovereignty over all. Finally, and most significantly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and the Fulfillment of God's Promises**. The detailed description of the conquered territory, extending to the prominent Mount Hermon, serves as tangible proof that God was indeed delivering on His covenant promise to give Israel the land (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abram")). The conquest of these powerful kings and the possession of their lands, including the northern reaches defined by Hermon, demonstrate God's power and His unwavering commitment to His people, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy 2](/deuteronomy/2 "Deuteronomy 2 - Israel's Journey to the Promised Land") and [Deuteronomy 3](/deuteronomy/3 "Deuteronomy 3 - Conquest of Og and Division of Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hermon (Hebrew, _Ḥermôn'_):** This majestic mountain range, often snow-capped, marks the northernmost boundary of the land described in the biblical narrative. The name "Hermon" likely derives from a root meaning "consecrated" or "sacred," reflecting its imposing presence and potential religious significance to ancient peoples. Its mention here establishes a clear geographical marker for the extent of Israel's conquest.
* **Sirion (Phoenician/Sidonian, _Siryôn'_):** This is the name given to Mount Hermon by the Sidonians, a prominent Phoenician people who inhabited the coastal cities to the northwest of Hermon. The name "Sirion" is thought to mean "breastplate" or "glittering," possibly referring to the snow-covered peak. Its inclusion demonstrates the biblical author's awareness of the diverse linguistic landscape and the perspectives of neighboring cultures. This name also appears in [Psalm 29:6](/psalms/29-6 "Psalm 29:6 - The Voice of the Lord").
* **Shenir (Amorite, _Šenîr'_):** This is the name used by the Amorites, a powerful Semitic people who had established kingdoms throughout the Levant, including the Transjordanian territories conquered by Israel. "Shenir" is believed to refer to the "peak" or "summit" of Hermon. Its mention further illustrates the multi-ethnic and multi-linguistic context of the region and is also found in other biblical texts, such as [Song of Solomon 4:8](/song_of_solomon/4-8 "Song of Solomon 4:8 - A Call to Come from Lebanon").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"([Which] Hermon":** This phrase introduces a parenthetical clarification, indicating that the following information refers to the mountain just mentioned as the northern boundary of Og's kingdom (Deuteronomy 3:8). It identifies the primary, Israelite name for the mountain, setting the stage for alternative names.
* **"the Sidonians call Sirion;":** This clause provides the first alternative name for Mount Hermon, attributing it to the Sidonians. This detail highlights the presence and linguistic influence of the Phoenician people in the broader region, demonstrating the author's precise knowledge of the local cultures and their naming conventions for significant geographical features.
* **"and the Amorites call it Shenir;)":** This second clause offers another alternative name, used by the Amorites, who were the dominant inhabitants of the Transjordanian territory Israel had just conquered. The inclusion of both Sidonian and Amorite names underscores the diverse linguistic tapestry of the ancient Near East and confirms the extensive geographical and cultural awareness of the biblical writer.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 3:9 employs several subtle but significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Parenthesis**, indicated by the KJV's use of brackets, which allows the author to insert an explanatory note without disrupting the flow of Moses' historical recounting. This technique provides crucial supplemental information to the audience, ensuring clarity regarding the geographical scope of the conquest. The verse also exemplifies **Geographical Realism**, grounding the divine narrative in concrete, verifiable locations. By providing multiple names for the same mountain, the text achieves a high degree of **Historical Authentication**, demonstrating an intimate familiarity with the region's diverse inhabitants and their linguistic customs. This precision lends credibility to the entire historical account, suggesting that the events described are not abstract tales but real occurrences in a real world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a minor geographical detail, Deuteronomy 3:9 is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It underscores the meticulous nature of God's Word and His providential oversight of history. The precise identification of Mount Hermon by its various regional names affirms the historical veracity of the biblical narrative, demonstrating that God's promises and actions unfold within a real, tangible world, not a mythical one. This detail reinforces the reliability of Scripture, assuring readers that the God who orchestrates vast historical movements also attends to the smallest details, ensuring the accuracy of His revealed truth. It speaks to God's comprehensive knowledge of all creation and His sovereign control over nations and their territories, as He meticulously orchestrated Israel's inheritance of the land.

* [Psalm 29:6](/psalms/29-6 "Psalm 29:6 - The Voice of the Lord Shakes Lebanon")
* [Song of Solomon 4:8](/song_of_solomon/4-8 "Song of Solomon 4:8 - Come with Me from Lebanon")
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 3:9, though brief, offers a powerful invitation to trust in the detailed faithfulness of God. In an age often skeptical of historical claims, this verse, with its meticulous geographical and cultural precision, stands as a testament to the Bible's grounding in reality. It reminds us that God's Word is not a collection of vague stories but a divinely inspired record of His interaction with humanity within specific times and places. This level of detail should bolster our confidence in the entire biblical narrative, knowing that even the seemingly small pieces contribute to a larger, accurate picture of God's plan. If God is so precise in detailing geographical landmarks and the linguistic habits of ancient peoples, how much more precise and reliable is He in His promises concerning our salvation, our future, and His ongoing work in our lives? This verse encourages us to delve deeper into Scripture, trusting that every word is purposeful and revelatory of His character and His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's geographical and historical precision, as seen in this verse, strengthen your faith in its overall reliability?**
* **What does it reveal about God's character that He pays attention to such minute details in His historical record?**
* **How does the knowledge that God's Word is grounded in verifiable reality impact your trust in His promises for your own life?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Bible include such specific geographical and linguistic details?**

Answer: The inclusion of specific geographical and linguistic details, as seen in [Deuteronomy 3:9](/deuteronomy/3-9 "Deuteronomy 3:9 - Mount Hermon's Names"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it authenticates the historical claims of the biblical narrative, demonstrating that the events described occurred in a real world with identifiable landmarks and diverse populations. This grounds the divine story in tangible reality, distinguishing it from myth. Secondly, it showcases the biblical authors' intimate knowledge of the land and its inhabitants, lending credibility to their accounts. Thirdly, it underscores the meticulousness of God's providential hand in history, revealing that His plan unfolds with precision, even down to the names of mountains given by different cultures. Finally, it provides context for ancient readers and helps modern readers understand the scope and reality of God's covenant promises, particularly concerning the land He gave to Israel.

**What is the significance of different names for the same mountain?**

Answer: The mention of different names for Mount Hermon (Hermon, Sirion, Shenir) signifies the multicultural and multilingual environment of the ancient Near East. It illustrates how various ethnic groups—Israelites, Sidonians (Phoenicians), and Amorites—perceived and named significant landmarks based on their own languages, traditions, and perhaps even their relationship to the mountain. For the biblical text, this detail enhances its historical accuracy and realism, showing that the author was aware of the broader regional context. It also subtly highlights God's sovereignty over all peoples and lands, as His plan unfolds amidst diverse human cultures.

**Does this verse have any direct prophetic significance for the future?**

Answer: While [Deuteronomy 3:9](/deuteronomy/3-9 "Deuteronomy 3:9 - Mount Hermon's Names") is primarily a historical and geographical clarification, it does not carry direct prophetic significance in the sense of foretelling future events. Its importance lies in its contribution to the historical reliability of the Old Testament narrative, which in turn undergirds the entire biblical revelation. The precise fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land in the past provides a foundation of trust for His future promises, including those related to the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 3:9 is a specific geographical detail, its inclusion within the broader narrative of Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land points to the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. The land, with its meticulously defined boundaries and diverse inhabitants, was a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants. This earthly inheritance, meticulously detailed, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest that believers receive in Christ. Just as God meticulously prepared a physical place for His people, He has meticulously prepared an eternal dwelling for those who are in Christ (e.g., [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - My Father's House")). The conquest of kings like Og and the possession of their territories, extending to the northern reach of Hermon, prefigure Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and all spiritual powers (e.g., [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true King who establishes an eternal kingdom, not bound by earthly borders but encompassing all who believe (e.g., [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")). The precise details of the Old Testament, including geographical notes, serve to authenticate the historical reality of God's redemptive plan, a plan that culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true inheritance and rest for His people (e.g., [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - A Sabbath Rest for the People of God")).

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

Psalms 29:6

He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

1 Chronicles 5:23

And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.

Psalms 133:3

As the dew of Hermon, [and as the dew] that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, [even] life for evermore.

Ezekiel 27:5

They have made all thy [ship] boards of fir trees of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee.

Song Of Solomon 4:8

¶ Come with me from Lebanon, [my] spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

Deuteronomy 4:48

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

Deuteronomy 4:49

And all the plain on this side Jordan eastward, even unto the sea of the plain, under the springs of Pisgah.