Deuteronomy 3:9

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

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

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

which the Sidonians call Sirion but the Amorites call Senirโ€”

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

Commentary

Deuteronomy 3:9 is a parenthetical note within Moses' recounting of Israel's victory over Og, king of Bashan, and the subsequent allocation of land east of the Jordan River. This verse provides specific, regional names for Mount Hermon, a prominent geographical landmark that defined the northern boundary of the conquered territories.

Context

This verse appears as Moses explains the extent of the land taken from Og. Following the defeat of Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, Israel gained control of the entire Transjordan region (east of the Jordan River). Mount Hermon marked the northernmost reach of Og's kingdom. The detailed geographical descriptions in Deuteronomy, including this verse, serve to ground the historical narrative in verifiable reality, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land. For more on the defeat of Og, see Deuteronomy 3:1-7.

Key Themes

  • Geographical Precision: The Bible's meticulous attention to geographical detail underscores its historical accuracy and reliability. This isn't a vague story but one set in a real, identifiable landscape.
  • Cultural Diversity: The mention of different names for the same mountain (Hermon by Israelites, Sirion by Sidonians, Shenir by Amorites) highlights the diverse cultures and linguistic groups inhabiting the ancient Near East. This illustrates how different peoples perceived and named significant landmarks based on their own languages and traditions.
  • Divine Sovereignty over Land: The detailed description of the conquered land, including its boundaries and features, reinforces the theme of God's sovereign control over nations and territories, enabling Israel to possess the land He promised.

Linguistic Insights

Hermon (Hebrew: ื—ึถืจึฐืžื•ึนืŸ, Chermon) likely means "consecrated" or "sacred," reflecting its imposing presence and likely spiritual significance to various ancient peoples. The alternative names mentioned are:

  • Sirion: The name given by the Sidonians, a prominent Phoenician people known for their maritime trade, who inhabited the coastal regions to the northwest of Hermon. This name is also found in Psalm 29:6.
  • Shenir: The name used by the Amorites, a powerful Semitic people who had established kingdoms throughout the Levant, including parts of the land Israel conquered. This name appears in other ancient texts and even in the Song of Solomon (Song of Solomon 4:8).

These linguistic details provide valuable context, confirming that the biblical authors were intimately familiar with the region and its inhabitants.

Significance and Application

While seemingly a minor detail, Deuteronomy 3:9 serves several important functions. It authenticates the historical claims of the biblical narrative, showing that the events described occurred in a real world with real geographical features and diverse populations. For us today, it reminds us that God's Word is grounded in reality and truth, even in its minute details. It reinforces the confidence we can place in the entire biblical record, knowing that even the seemingly small pieces contribute to the larger, accurate picture of God's plan and His interaction with humanity. This precision reflects the meticulous nature of God, who oversees every aspect of creation and history (2 Timothy 3:16).

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 29:6 (5 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 5:23 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 4:49 (2 votes)

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