Deuteronomy 2 32

Deuteronomy 2:32 kjv

Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz.

Deuteronomy 2:32 nkjv

Then Sihon and all his people came out against us to fight at Jahaz.

Deuteronomy 2:32 niv

When Sihon and all his army came out to meet us in battle at Jahaz,

Deuteronomy 2:32 esv

Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Jahaz.

Deuteronomy 2:32 nlt

"Then King Sihon declared war on us and mobilized his forces at Jahaz.

Deuteronomy 2 verses

Deuteronomy 2 32 Meaning

Deuteronomy 2:32 describes the critical moment when Sihon, king of the Amorites, aggressively initiated war against Israel at Jahaz, rejecting their plea for peaceful passage. This confrontation, divinely orchestrated, served as the catalyst for Israel's conquest of the Transjordanian territory. It was not a random clash but a purposeful act of hostility from Sihon that led to his kingdom's downfall, thereby clearing the way for Israel to claim their inheritance.

Deuteronomy 2 32 Context

This verse is situated within Moses' recounting of Israel's journey from Mount Seir, through the wilderness, to the plains of Moab, just before they entered Canaan. Chapter 2 details God's specific instructions for Israel to avoid conflict with their kinsmen—Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites. However, the narrative shifts when they encounter the Amorites under King Sihon. Israel had sought peaceful passage, offering fair terms (Deut 2:26-29). Deuteronomy 2:32 highlights Sihon's aggressive and pre-emptive attack, which, as revealed in Deut 2:30, was divinely orchestrated. God had hardened Sihon's spirit, removing his fear of Israel, to ensure a direct confrontation that would lead to his kingdom's downfall, thereby fulfilling God's promise to give Israel the land occupied by these Amorite nations. This event marks the definitive beginning of Israel's direct military engagement and conquest in the promised land, asserting God's sovereign hand in dispossessing the inhabitants.

Deuteronomy 2 32 Word analysis

• Then Sihon: (סִיחוֹן - Sikhon) The specific named adversary, King of Heshbon, the ruler of the Amorites in that region. His identification grounds the narrative historically. His resistance highlights a critical turning point directed by God's providence.
• came out: (יָצָא - yatsa) This verb implies an intentional and proactive movement. Sihon did not accidentally encounter Israel; he "came out" with a clear aggressive purpose to meet them, initiating hostility.
• against us: Clearly denotes opposition and hostility. It establishes Sihon as the aggressor, responding to Israel's peaceful overture with military action.
• he and all his people: This phrase indicates the totality of Sihon's military strength. It implies his entire available force, demonstrating the formidable challenge Israel faced and underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's victory over them.
• to fight: (לַמִּלְחָמָה - lammilchamah) This prepositional phrase explicitly states the hostile intent: for warfare, for battle. It confirms that the confrontation was a deliberate military engagement, not a misunderstanding.
• at Jahaz: (בְּיָהְצָה - b'Yahaṣah) The precise geographical location of the battle, lending historical specificity and verifiable detail to the account. Jahaz was a strategically important site, later mentioned as a Levitical city and a battleground in other contexts (e.g., Isa 15:4; Jer 48:34).

Words-group analysis

• "Then Sihon came out against us": This pivotal phrase marks the moment of active aggression from the Amorite king, signaling the beginning of warfare in Israel's journey. It reveals that Sihon's hostility was the direct catalyst for the ensuing battle, providing a divine justification for Israel's military action—they were reacting to an attack, not initiating one unprovoked.
• "he and all his people, to fight": This emphasizes the comprehensive and deliberate nature of the opposition Israel faced. It highlights that Sihon mobilized his entire military capacity with the express intent of warfare, setting the stage for a significant engagement and, consequently, a grand demonstration of God's power in giving total victory over a complete army.
• "came out against us... to fight at Jahaz": This combination delineates the shift from peaceful diplomatic attempts to outright military confrontation. It illustrates that the encounter was not coincidental but a decisive battle, predestined by God's plan, occurring at a specific, historical location where divine sovereignty would be visibly demonstrated in the dispossessing of a formidable king.

Deuteronomy 2 32 Bonus section

The defeat of Sihon's kingdom at Jahaz was the first major military victory for Israel on the east side of the Jordan River. This success had profound psychological and theological implications: it instilled confidence in Israel concerning God's active presence and power (Ex 15:3; Deut 20:4) and also struck fear into the hearts of other nations (Josh 2:10-11). It secured critical territory (the plains of Moab and beyond) which later became the inheritance for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, demonstrating the practical fulfillment of God's land promises. Furthermore, this victory established a historical precedent referenced later, particularly by Jephthah (Judges 11), to validate Israel's claim to the land, affirming the longevity and authority of these early events in Israel's history.

Deuteronomy 2 32 Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:32 is a crucial turning point, signaling Israel's transition from bypassing nations to engaging in divinely mandated conquest. It highlights God's sovereign control over even hostile rulers; Sihon's refusal and subsequent aggression were part of God's larger plan to bring judgment upon the Amorites and open the way for Israel's inheritance. Despite Israel's initial peaceful approach, Sihon's hardened heart, a result of God's divine influence (Deut 2:30), propelled him to battle. This was not a moment of human decision against divine will but God actively shaping circumstances to fulfill His promises. It affirms that God goes before His people, actively removing obstacles and demonstrating His power to grant victory even against powerful foes, setting the stage for all future conquests of the promised land.