Deuteronomy 2 27

Deuteronomy 2:27 kjv

Let me pass through thy land: I will go along by the high way, I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left.

Deuteronomy 2:27 nkjv

'Let me pass through your land; I will keep strictly to the road, and I will turn neither to the right nor to the left.

Deuteronomy 2:27 niv

"Let us pass through your country. We will stay on the main road; we will not turn aside to the right or to the left.

Deuteronomy 2:27 esv

'Let me pass through your land. I will go only by the road; I will turn aside neither to the right nor to the left.

Deuteronomy 2:27 nlt

'Let us travel through your land. We will stay on the main road and won't turn off into the fields on either side.

Deuteronomy 2 verses

Deuteronomy 2 27 Meaning

Deuteronomy 2:27 records Moses' sincere request to Sihon, the king of the Amorites in Heshbon, for safe passage through his territory. Israel pledges to meticulously follow the main public road, signifying their peaceful intentions. They vow not to deviate from this path to the right or the left, indicating a disciplined and non-aggressive transit, avoiding any agricultural land or private property, and confirming their intent to simply pass through without disruption or hostile acts. This promise conveyed respect for Sihon's sovereignty and a clear statement of Israel's desire for an unprovoked journey.

Deuteronomy 2 27 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 2 describes Israel's journey from Kadesh, thirty-eight years after the Exodus, recounting how God led them around Edom, Moab, and Ammon. God had specifically commanded Israel not to provoke these nations, as their territories were not destined for Israel (Deut 2:5, 9, 19). Therefore, Moses, consistent with this divine directive and seeking to avoid conflict, sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites, with this humble request for transit. This verse represents Moses' good faith attempt at a peaceful resolution, mimicking their earlier (though unsuccessful) plea to Edom (Num 20). Historically, Sihon's domain, the fertile land east of the Jordan, was crucial for Israel to pass through to enter Canaan from the east. Despite Moses' respectful and clear promise of non-aggression, Sihon refused passage, fulfilling God's sovereign plan to harden Sihon's heart and deliver his land into Israel's hands.

Deuteronomy 2 27 Word analysis

• Let me pass through: From the Hebrew verb עָבַר ('avar), meaning "to pass over" or "go through." This denotes a request for temporary transit, not an intention to settle or occupy, highlighting the limited nature of their desire.
• your land: (אֶרֶץ, 'erets) This respectful acknowledgment of Sihon's territorial sovereignty underscores Israel's intent to uphold established international customs and demonstrates a non-confrontational approach.
• I will keep strictly to the highway: The Hebrew phrase used is בַּדֶּרֶךְ בַּדֶּרֶךְ (baderech baderech), meaning literally "on the way, on the way." This emphatic repetition powerfully conveys an unwavering commitment and a disciplined intention to stay exclusively on the public thoroughfare, reinforcing the sincerity of the promise. The "highway" (מְסִלָּה, mesillah) implies a raised, well-traveled public road, specifically avoiding private fields, vineyards, or towns.
• and turn neither to the right nor to the left: (לֹא אֶטֶּה יָמִין וּשְׂמֹאול, lo etteh yamin u-s'mol) This is a well-known biblical idiom for strict adherence and obedience without deviation. In this context, it signifies a precise, disciplined movement without any unauthorized wandering, foraging, or aggressive acts that might violate Sihon's territory or his people.

• "I will keep strictly to the highway and turn neither to the right nor to the left": This entire phrase serves as a powerful declaration of peaceable intent and discipline. It assures the inhabitants that Israel would not graze their flocks, gather provisions, or inflict any harm, thereby respecting their property and the sovereign borders of their nation. Spiritually, it signifies adhering closely to God's revealed path without personal deviation, which is a consistent theme throughout the Bible.

Deuteronomy 2 27 Bonus section

The concept of "not turning to the right or the left" resonates throughout Scripture, moving beyond literal path-taking to symbolize faithful obedience to God's commands and moral rectitude (Deut 5:32; Josh 1:7; Prov 4:27). This phrase thus imbues Moses' literal promise to Sihon with a deeper theological meaning about Israel's characteristic ideal of faithfulness to the divine way. Furthermore, the fact that Sihon's heart was hardened by God (Deut 2:30) emphasizes that despite sincere human efforts for peace, divine purpose often orchestrates events to bring about specific outcomes aligned with God's overarching covenantal plans for His people and the nations.

Deuteronomy 2 27 Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:27 highlights Moses' earnest attempt to establish peaceful relations with Sihon. Despite possessing a powerful army and the backing of God, Moses followed God's command to respect other nations by seeking peaceful transit first. The precise language of "keeping strictly to the highway" and "neither to the right nor to the left" illustrates the utmost sincerity and commitment to non-aggression. This request demonstrated Israel's adherence to international protocols of the time. However, Sihon's refusal and subsequent aggression were part of God's greater sovereign plan to deliver the Amorite land to Israel, making Sihon an instrument of God's will even in his defiance. This situation served as a righteous legal justification for Israel to engage Sihon in battle, as Sihon, not Israel, was the aggressor, clearing the path for Israel's conquest of Transjordan territory. This instance underscores that while humanity proposes, God ultimately disposes according to His perfect will and promises.