Deuteronomy 3 8

Deuteronomy 3:8 kjv

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 3:8 nkjv

"And at that time we took the land from the hand of the two kings of the Amorites who were on this side of the Jordan, from the River Arnon to Mount Hermon

Deuteronomy 3:8 niv

So at that time we took from these two kings of the Amorites the territory east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge as far as Mount Hermon.

Deuteronomy 3:8 esv

So we took the land at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, from the Valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon

Deuteronomy 3:8 nlt

"So we took the land of the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River ? all the way from the Arnon Gorge to Mount Hermon.

Deuteronomy 3 verses

Deuteronomy 3 8 Meaning

Deuteronomy 3:8 records the successful conquest by the Israelites, led by Moses, of the entire land east of the Jordan River. This vast territory, stretching from the Arnon Valley in the south up to Mount Hermon in the north, was taken from the powerful Amorite kings, Sihon and Og. It signifies the first significant fulfillment of God's promise to give land to His people, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to fight for Israel and secure their inheritance.

Deuteronomy 3 8 Context

Deuteronomy 3:8 is part of Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they are to enter the Promised Land (Deut 1:6 - 4:43). Chapters 2 and 3 specifically recap the journey from Kadesh Barnea and detail the victories against King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan. This recounting serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises and providing victory, even against formidable foes. It strengthens Israel's confidence for the challenges ahead in conquering Canaan proper and underscores the importance of obedience to God, who fought for them and gave them their first portion of the inheritance. The historical context positions these events shortly before the Israelites cross the Jordan River, making the Transjordanian conquest a foundational act validating God's power and intent.

Deuteronomy 3 8 Word analysis

• So we took (לָקַחְנוּ - laqachnu): A direct, past-tense verb meaning "we acquired" or "we grasped." It signifies a complete and effective act of possession, underscoring the success granted by God, not just Israel's strength. This action reflects the fulfillment of a divine promise.
• at that time: Refers to the specific period immediately preceding Moses' discourse, solidifying the historical reality of the event. It sets a chronological marker.
• the land (הָאָרֶץ - ha'aretz): Refers to a definite and significant portion of territory. In the context of Israel's journey, "the land" carries immense weight as it is part of their promised inheritance from God (Gen 12:7, 15:18-21).
• out of the hand of: An idiomatic expression meaning "from the power of" or "from the control of." It emphasizes that the land was forcibly wrested from its current powerful occupants.
• the two kings of the Amorites (שְׁנֵי מַלְכֵי הָאֱמֹרִי - shnei malchei ha'Emori): Refers to Sihon (King of Heshbon) and Og (King of Bashan). The Amorites were a strong, influential, and widespread people in the ancient Near East, often associated with powerful city-states. Their defeat highlights the extraordinary divine intervention, as these kings were mighty adversaries. Their defeat was widely known and caused fear among other nations (Josh 2:10).
• who were beyond the Jordan (עֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן - ever ha-Yarden): This phrase describes the location as the eastern side of the Jordan River, from the perspective of someone standing west of the river, or from the perspective of Israel before crossing into Canaan. This Transjordan region was crucial strategically and agriculturally. It was the initial fulfillment of the land promise.
• from the Arnon Valley (נַחַל אַרְנוֹן - nachal Arnon): The Arnon Valley formed the significant southern boundary of the conquered Transjordanian territory. It served as a natural demarcation and a strong defensive line. Its mention denotes the full southern extent.
• as far as Mount Hermon (הַר חֶרְמוֹן - Har Chermon): Mount Hermon, the highest mountain in the Levant, served as the northernmost limit of the captured territory. Its inclusion highlights the vast extent of the land taken, encompassing diverse geography and reinforcing the magnitude of God's gift.

Deuteronomy 3 8 Bonus section

The specific naming of "the two kings of the Amorites" without explicitly stating Sihon and Og in this verse (though they are named repeatedly in the preceding verses, 3:1-7) underscores the immediate memory and prominence of these powerful adversaries. Their defeat was so monumental it did not require specific identification in this summary statement. This successful campaign on the eastern side of the Jordan provided a vital buffer zone and rich pastures for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh (Deut 3:12-17), allowing the rest of the Israelites to prepare for the conquest of Canaan proper with renewed faith and a secure rear flank. The conquest of this region, later known as Gilead and Bashan, demonstrated that no land, however well-fortified, or any enemy, however mighty, could stand against the Lord and His people when they were obedient.

Deuteronomy 3 8 Commentary

Deuteronomy 3:8 serves as a concise summary and powerful reminder of God's prior acts of deliverance and fulfillment of promises to Israel. This verse, situated within Moses' recap, solidifies the immediate past victories as tangible evidence of God's ongoing commitment. The "taking" of the land signifies divine action, for it was God who enabled Israel to overcome two formidable Amorite kings who controlled strategically important territories "beyond the Jordan." This geographical designation of "from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon" underlines the sheer scale of the conquest, providing a comprehensive description of the first major land acquisition. This event was not just a military triumph, but a theological one: Yahweh, the God of Israel, demonstrated His supremacy over pagan rulers and their gods, providing His people with a secure possession. This initial success serves as an encouragement for the greater task of inheriting the rest of the Promised Land, teaching Israel that their victory ultimately comes from their faithful God.