Deuteronomy 2:33

And the LORD our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people.

And the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} delivered {H5414} him before {H6440} us; and we smote {H5221} him, and his sons {H1121}, and all his people {H5971}.

and ADONAI our God handed him over to us, so that we defeated him, his sons and all his people.

And the LORD our God delivered him over to us, and we defeated him and his sons and his whole army.

And Jehovah our God delivered him up before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:33 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to the Promised Land, highlighting God's active role in their military victories. This verse describes the decisive defeat of King Sihon of Heshbon and his people, a crucial step in the conquest of territories east of the Jordan River.

Context

The book of Deuteronomy serves as Moses' final address to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab before they enter Canaan. In Deuteronomy chapter 2, Moses recounts the Israelites' 40-year wilderness wanderings, emphasizing God's guidance and provision. Specifically, leading up to verse 33, Moses details their encounter with King Sihon. Despite Israel's request for peaceful passage through his land, Sihon refused and came out with his army to fight them (as seen in Deuteronomy 2:30). This refusal, God reveals, was divinely orchestrated so that Sihon would be delivered into Israel's hand.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance and Sovereignty: The opening phrase, "And the LORD our God delivered him before us," is paramount. It powerfully emphasizes that the victory was not by Israel's might but by God's direct intervention. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and His faithfulness to His covenant promises to give Israel the land.
  • Obedience and Conquest: The Israelites' act of "smoting" Sihon and his people was a direct fulfillment of God's command and part of His plan for them to take possession of the land. This victory marked the beginning of Israel's territorial acquisitions.
  • God Fighting for His People: This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God actively fights on behalf of His chosen people, an echo of promises like Exodus 14:14, "The LORD shall fight for you".

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated as "delivered him" is natan (ื ึธืชึทืŸ), which means "to give," "to place," or "to put." In this context, it signifies God actively *giving over* or *handing over* King Sihon and his kingdom into the Israelites' power. This is a strong theological statement, underscoring God's initiative and control. The word "smote" comes from the Hebrew nakah (ื ึธื›ึธื”), which implies a decisive and complete military defeat, often involving a heavy slaughter, signifying a thorough victory.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 2:33 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It assures us that God is faithful to His promises and will empower His people to overcome obstacles. When faced with challenges that seem insurmountable, this verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign power to "deliver" and fight on our behalf. Just as the Israelites had to act in obedience after God delivered Sihon, we too are called to walk in faith and obedience, knowing that God goes before us in our spiritual battles and daily lives. It reinforces the truth that true victory comes from God's hand, not solely from human effort.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 7:2 (4 votes)

    And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

  • Joshua 21:44 (3 votes)

    And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

  • Judges 7:2 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that [are] with thee [are] too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.

  • Joshua 10:30 (2 votes)

    And the LORD delivered it also, and the king thereof, into the hand of Israel; and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain in it; but did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of Jericho.

  • Joshua 10:42 (2 votes)

    And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.

  • Deuteronomy 29:7 (2 votes)

    And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:

  • Deuteronomy 29:8 (2 votes)

    And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.