Deuteronomy 4:46

On this side Jordan, in the valley over against Bethpeor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they were come forth out of Egypt:

On this side {H5676} Jordan {H3383}, in the valley {H1516} over against {H4136} Bethpeor {H1047}, in the land {H776} of Sihon {H5511} king {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, who dwelt {H3427} at Heshbon {H2809}, whom Moses {H4872} and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} smote {H5221}, after they were come forth {H3318} out of Egypt {H4714}:

beyond the Yarden River, in the valley across from Beit-P'or, in the land of Sichon king of the Emori, who lived at Heshbon, whom Moshe and the people of Isra'el defeated when they came out of Egypt;

while they were in the valley across the Jordan facing Beth-peor in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon and was defeated by Moses and the Israelites after they had come out of Egypt.

beyond the Jordan, in the valley over against Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, when they came forth out of Egypt.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:46 serves as a precise geographical and historical marker within Moses' final addresses to the Israelites. It sets the scene for the significant covenant instructions and reminders that follow in the book of Deuteronomy.

Context

This verse pinpoints the exact location from which Moses delivers his lengthy exhortations and reiterations of God's law. They are situated "on this side Jordan" (the east bank), specifically "in the valley over against Bethpeor," a place later infamous for Israel's sin with the Moabites and Midianites (see Numbers 25:3 for the Baal-peor incident). This area was formerly "the land of Sihon king of the Amorites," whose capital was Heshbon. The reference to Sihon's defeat ("whom Moses and the children of Israel smote") recalls a critical victory for Israel, occurring shortly after their departure from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land. This historical anchor grounds Moses' sermon in the recent, tangible experience of God's power and faithfulness to His people as they stood on the plains of Moab.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Geographical Specificity: The detailed location highlights the literal, tangible nature of God's dealings with Israel. The covenant was renewed not in an abstract space, but in a real valley, near a real city, facing a real river, emphasizing the historical reality of God's relationship with His people.
  • Divine Victory and Providence: The mention of Sihon's defeat (Numbers 21:21-35 provides more detail on this victory) serves as a powerful reminder of God's active intervention on behalf of Israel. It emphasizes that their success was not by their own might, but by the Lord's hand, enabling them to overcome powerful enemies and secure their journey.
  • Historical Remembrance: Deuteronomy consistently calls Israel to remember their pastโ€”their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, their wilderness wanderings, and God's mighty acts. This verse is a concise summary of significant moments, reinforcing the foundation of their relationship with God and the basis for future obedience.
  • Setting for Covenant Renewal: This precise setting is where Moses delivers the "second law" (Deuteronomy), preparing the new generation for life in the Promised Land by reminding them of God's commandments and the consequences of obedience or disobedience before they cross the Jordan.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "smote" (from the Hebrew ื ึธื›ึธื”, nakah) signifies a decisive, powerful blow or strike, indicating a complete and devastating defeat. Itโ€™s a term often used in military contexts to describe a conclusive victory, underscoring the divine power behind Israel's conquest of Sihon's kingdom and the fulfillment of God's promise to give them the land.

Practical Application

For believers today, Deuteronomy 4:46 offers several insights:

  • Remember Past Victories: Just as Israel was called to remember God's past interventions, we too should recall God's faithfulness in our own lives and in the history of His church. Remembering how God has delivered us in the past can strengthen our faith for future challenges and battles.
  • God's Promises are Concrete: The geographical and historical precision reminds us that God's promises and His work are real and tangible, not abstract. He acts in specific times and places, demonstrating His reliability and commitment to His word.
  • Importance of Location: While not tied to a physical place in the same way, the verse reminds us that God's word is often spoken and heard in specific, sometimes challenging, circumstances. We are called to listen and obey wherever we are, knowing God's presence is with us.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 3:29

    So we abode in the valley over against Bethpeor.

  • Deuteronomy 1:4

    After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:

  • Deuteronomy 1:5

    On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying,

  • Numbers 32:19

    For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.

  • Deuteronomy 3:8

    And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that [was] on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

  • Deuteronomy 4:47

    And they possessed his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, which [were] on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

  • 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.
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