Deuteronomy 4:46

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:46 serves as a precise geographical and historical anchor, meticulously detailing the location from which Moses delivers his monumental final addresses to the Israelites. Situated "on this side Jordan" in the valley opposite Beth-peor, within the former territory of Sihon, king of the Amorites, this verse grounds Moses' powerful exhortations in the recent, tangible experience of God's mighty acts of deliverance and conquest. It sets the stage for the profound covenant instructions and reminders that constitute the core of Deuteronomy, emphasizing the historical reality and divine authority behind the Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Moses' passionate call for Israel to obey God's statutes and judgments, reminding them of the unique relationship they share with the Lord (Deuteronomy 4:1-45). Deuteronomy 4:46-49 then provides a crucial geographical and historical marker, specifying the exact setting for the following reiteration of the Law (Deuteronomy 5-26). It serves as a narrative bridge, transitioning from Moses' initial exhortations to the detailed exposition of the covenant. The subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 4:47-49) further elaborate on the conquest of Sihon and Og, reinforcing the divine provision of land and setting the stage for the new generation to inherit the Promised Land. This meticulous dating and location underscore the historical veracity and divine seriousness of the covenant renewal taking place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, poised to enter the Promised Land. This generation, having grown up in the wilderness, is about to face the challenges of settled life and interaction with Canaanite cultures. The mention of "Beth-peor" is significant, as it was near the site of Israel's grievous sin with the Moabites and Midianites, involving idolatry and sexual immorality (the Baal-peor incident, detailed in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-peor")). Placing Moses' address in this valley, "over against Beth-peor," subtly reminds the new generation of the consequences of disobedience, even as they stand on the threshold of their inheritance. The defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and his capital Heshbon, was a pivotal victory, demonstrating God's power in clearing the way for Israel (as recounted in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Defeat of Sihon and Og")). This historical triumph serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the basis for Israel's confidence as they prepare for further conquest.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 4:46 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Deuteronomy. Firstly, **Historical Remembrance** is paramount; Moses consistently calls Israel to remember God's past acts of deliverance and judgment, from the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") to the recent victories over Sihon and Og. This historical grounding provides the foundation for their present and future obedience. Secondly, **Divine Sovereignty and Providence** are highlighted through the recounting of Sihon's defeat, emphasizing that Israel's success was not by their own might but by God's hand, enabling them to overcome powerful enemies and secure their journey. Thirdly, **Covenant Renewal** is the central purpose of Deuteronomy, and this verse marks the precise setting for Moses' re-exposition of the Law to a new generation, preparing them for life in the Promised Land under God's covenant. Lastly, **Geographical Specificity** underscores the tangible reality of God's dealings with His people, emphasizing that the covenant was renewed in a real, historical space, making God's promises and commands concrete and binding.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nāḵāh'_):** This verb signifies a decisive, powerful blow or strike, often implying a complete and devastating defeat. In military contexts, it describes a conclusive victory, underscoring the divine power behind Israel's conquest of Sihon's kingdom. It is a term frequently used in the Old Testament to describe God's judgment or Israel's victories enabled by God, emphasizing the totality of the defeat and the divine hand in the outcome. Here, it highlights the undeniable evidence of God's active intervention on behalf of His people.
* **Beth-peor (Hebrew, _Bêṯ Peʿôr'_):** Meaning "house of Peor," this place name is significant not just geographically but also thematically. Peor was a local deity associated with Baal, and Beth-peor was the site of Israel's infamous sin involving idolatry and sexual immorality with the Moabites and Midianites (Numbers 25). Placing Moses' address "over against Beth-peor" subtly but powerfully evokes the memory of this grave transgression, serving as a solemn warning against future disobedience and a reminder of the consequences of forsaking the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On this side Jordan, in the valley over against Bethpeor":** This phrase precisely locates Moses' address to the east bank of the Jordan River, in a valley directly opposite Beth-peor. This geographical detail is crucial for grounding the narrative in a specific, historical reality. "This side Jordan" refers to the Transjordan region, which Israel had already begun to conquer and settle. The proximity to Beth-peor carries a significant historical and theological weight, subtly reminding the audience of past failures and the constant temptation to idolatry.
* **"in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon":** This further specifies the territory as that formerly belonging to Sihon, a powerful Amorite king whose capital was Heshbon. This detail emphasizes the recent and dramatic military victories God had granted Israel. The Amorites were a formidable people, and their defeat was a clear demonstration of God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give Israel the land.
* **"whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they were come forth out of Egypt":** This clause provides the historical context for Sihon's defeat, linking it directly to Israel's journey from Egypt. It highlights that this victory was not an isolated event but part of God's ongoing redemptive plan for His people, a continuation of the mighty acts initiated with the Exodus. The collective action of "Moses and the children of Israel" underscores their participation, yet the underlying truth is that God empowered them for this conquest.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:46 employs several literary devices to achieve its purpose. **Geographical Specificity** is paramount, meticulously detailing the location ("On this side Jordan, in the valley over against Bethpeor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon"). This precision grounds the narrative in historical reality, emphasizing the tangible nature of God's dealings with Israel. **Historical Allusion** is evident in the reference to Sihon's defeat and Israel's departure from Egypt, serving as a concise summary of significant past events. This technique reinforces the theme of remembrance, calling the audience to recall God's mighty acts. The mention of "Bethpeor" functions as a subtle form of **Irony** or **Foreboding**, as this place was later associated with Israel's egregious sin, providing a poignant backdrop for Moses' call to obedience. Furthermore, the verse uses **Conciseness** to pack a wealth of historical and geographical information into a single sentence, efficiently setting the scene for the extensive discourse that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:46 is far more than a mere geographical marker; it is a theological statement, anchoring God's covenant with Israel in concrete historical events and specific locations. It underscores the reality of God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises through tangible acts of deliverance and conquest. The verse implicitly reminds Israel that their inheritance is not by chance or human might, but by divine decree and power. This historical grounding serves as the irrefutable basis for Moses' subsequent call to absolute obedience, emphasizing that the God who has acted so powerfully in their past is the same God who demands their full devotion in the present and future. The location, particularly near Beth-peor, also subtly foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle against idolatry and apostasy that Israel would face, even as they stood on the threshold of the Promised Land.

* [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Israel Defeats Sihon and Og")
* [Joshua 1:2-3](/joshua/1-2 "Joshua 1:2-3 - God's Command to Cross the Jordan")
* [Psalm 105:42-45](/psalms/105-42 "Psalm 105:42-45 - God Remembers His Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:46 invites contemporary believers to reflect on the tangible reality of God's work in history and in our personal lives. Just as the Israelites were called to remember the specific places and events where God demonstrated His power and faithfulness, we too are encouraged to recall the concrete ways God has acted on our behalf. This verse reminds us that our faith is not based on abstract concepts but on the historical, verifiable actions of a living God. It challenges us to consider where we stand today—are we on the "threshold" of a new season, remembering God's past victories and warnings? The mention of Beth-peor, a place of past failure, serves as a powerful reminder that even as we anticipate God's blessings, we must remain vigilant against the temptations and idols of our own "land." Our obedience is not a response to a distant, theoretical deity, but to the God who has proven Himself faithful, powerful, and just in every generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "victories" or acts of deliverance in your personal history demonstrate God's faithfulness to you?**
* **How does remembering God's past actions strengthen your faith for present challenges and future uncertainties?**
* **Are there "Beth-peor" moments in your life—places or experiences of past failure—that serve as a warning or a reminder of the need for vigilance and repentance?**
* **How does the historical and geographical precision of this verse impact your understanding of God's engagement with humanity?**

### FAQ

**Why is the geographical and historical detail in Deuteronomy 4:46 so important?**

Answer: The meticulous geographical and historical detail in Deuteronomy 4:46 is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it grounds the divine revelation and covenant in concrete, verifiable reality. God's dealings with Israel were not mythical or abstract but occurred in specific times and places, emphasizing the historical veracity of His promises and commands. Secondly, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and power. The mention of Sihon's defeat (recounted in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Defeat of Sihon and Og")) highlights God's ability to overcome formidable enemies and prepare the way for His people. Thirdly, placing Moses' address "over against Beth-peor" carries a significant theological weight, subtly recalling Israel's past sin at Baal-peor ([Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-peor")) and serving as an implicit warning against future disobedience. This precision underscores the tangible nature of God's relationship with Israel and the serious implications of their covenant obligations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:46, with its emphasis on a specific historical location for the giving of the Law, foreshadows the ultimate historical and geographical grounding of God's definitive revelation in Jesus Christ. Just as the Law was given in a real valley, in a real land, so too the Word became flesh and "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), entering human history at a specific time and place (Bethlehem, Judea, as prophesied in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem")). The victories over Amorite kings like Sihon, achieved by Moses and Israel, point to the greater victory of Christ over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, not through physical warfare but through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). The Promised Land, secured through these battles, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest offered to believers in Christ ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains")). Moses, delivering the Law on the threshold of the land, prefigures Jesus, the greater Prophet ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")), who not only perfectly fulfilled the Law but also inaugurated the new covenant, leading His people into a spiritual reality far surpassing the physical land—the Kingdom of God itself ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")).

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.