Deuteronomy 4 46

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:

Deuteronomy 4:46 nkjv

on this side of the Jordan, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel defeated after they came out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 4:46 niv

and were in the valley near Beth Peor east of the Jordan, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon and was defeated by Moses and the Israelites as they came out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 4:46 esv

beyond the Jordan in the valley opposite Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon, whom Moses and the people of Israel defeated when they came out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 4:46 nlt

and as they camped in the valley near Beth-peor east of the Jordan River. (This land was formerly occupied by the Amorites under King Sihon, who ruled from Heshbon. But Moses and the Israelites destroyed him and his people when they came up from Egypt.

Deuteronomy 4 verses

Deuteronomy 4 46 Meaning

This verse meticulously pinpoints the geographical location where Moses delivered the expansive review of the Law and the covenant statutes, which commenced in Deuteronomy 1:6 and concluded in 4:40. It describes the land recently conquered from Sihon, king of the Amorites, specifically in a valley across the Jordan, opposite Beth-peor, emphasizing a historical victory as the backdrop for the renewed covenant instruction before Israel's entry into the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 4 46 Context

Deuteronomy 4:46 provides the crucial geographical setting for the preceding block of Moses' sermon, encompassing Deuteronomy 1:6 through 4:40. These chapters represent Moses' first major discourse, serving as a comprehensive review of Israel's journey from Mount Horeb, their victories over Sihon and Og, and a passionate exhortation to obedience based on the uniqueness and faithfulness of God and the covenant established at Horeb.

Historically, this verse places the renewed instruction immediately prior to the crossing of the Jordan River into Canaan. The Israelites are camped on the eastern bank of the Jordan, specifically in the "valley opposite Beth-peor," a location historically significant for both Israel's recent conquests and past failures (like the incident at Baal-peor, Numbers 25). Moses is recounting their past to a new generation, born largely in the wilderness, impressing upon them the lessons of obedience and the impending responsibility of inhabiting the Promised Land. The recent victories over Sihon and Og, highlighted in the verse, serve as a tangible proof of God's power and faithfulness, building confidence for the challenging task of conquering Canaan. This geographical precision roots the divine instructions in a very real, historical, and providential context for the audience.

Deuteronomy 4 46 Word analysis

• across the Jordan (עֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן, ʻEver hay-Yarden): This phrase indicates the geographical location east of the Jordan River, looking towards the Promised Land. It signifies Israel's position outside the land God promised Abraham but on its very border, a place of preparation and transition. It reiterates their identity as sojourners about to inherit.

• in the valley (בַּגַּיְא, Ba-gay’): Refers to a wadi or a plain between hills. This specific mention suggests a precise, known location for the Israelites at the time. It implies a place suitable for the vast encampment and assembly of the people.

• opposite Beth-peor (מוּל בֵּית פְּעוֹר, mul Beit Pə'or): "Beth-peor" means "House of Peor" and was likely a local Moabite/Midianite religious site or town. Its mention is highly significant due to the infamous incident in Numbers 25 where Israel succumbed to idolatry and sexual immorality associated with Baal of Peor. Positioning the delivery of the Law "opposite" this very place serves as a stark reminder of past failures and the constant need for vigilance and covenant fidelity. It underlines the very reason for re-teaching the Law.

• in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites (בְּאֶרֶץ סִיחֹן מֶלֶךְ הָאֱמֹרִי, bə-ʾEretz Sihon Melech ha-ʾEmori): This identifies the region by its recently defeated ruler. Sihon was a powerful Amorite king who refused Israel passage, leading to his defeat (Num 21; Deut 2-3). This land, east of the Jordan, became the first part of the Promised Land that Israel truly possessed and inherited (for Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh tribes), serving as a tangible down payment of God's promise.

• who lived at Heshbon (אֲשֶׁר יוֹשֵׁב בְּחֶשְׁבּוֹן, asher yoshev bə-Ḥeshbon): Heshbon was the capital city of Sihon, a major and formidable fortress city. Its capture marked a significant military victory, demonstrating God's power. Its inclusion provides another specific geographic marker familiar to the audience.

• whom Moses and the people of Israel defeated (אֲשֶׁר הִכָּה מֹשֶׁה וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, asher hikka Moshe u-vnei Yisrael): This phrase asserts divine action through human instrumentality. "Defeated" (hikka) means "struck down" or "smashed." It credits Moses and the people with the physical act but implicitly acknowledges God as the true source of victory, reaffirming His covenant promise and power just before a new challenge. It builds confidence and recalls past deliverance.

• Across the Jordan in the valley opposite Beth-peor: This combination precisely locates the encampment. It sets the scene on the eastern side, facing West toward the future, but with a gaze over their shoulder towards a place of recent triumph and prior sin. The proximity to Beth-peor, the site of tragic apostasy, is not coincidental. It underscores the gravity of the covenant review.

• In the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon: This phrase anchors the location to recent historical events and visible proof of God's promises fulfilled. It's a land they recently conquered, a demonstration of God's faithfulness and their inheritance already begun, not just a distant promise.

• Whom Moses and the people of Israel defeated: This serves as a potent reminder of collective effort under divine guidance. It highlights the past success and validates Moses' leadership and the people's readiness (despite prior failures) for future conquests, affirming God's continued support. This success instills confidence for the challenges ahead, namely, conquering the Canaanites.

Deuteronomy 4 46 Bonus section

The detailed geographical markers in Deuteronomy 4:46 contribute to the documentary and historical credibility of the Deuteronomic narrative. They root the divine law in a specific, verifiable context, demonstrating that the events transpired in a real world with identifiable places. This stands in contrast to mythical accounts and lends authenticity to Moses' address. Furthermore, the selection of this location is intentional: it's not simply "someplace," but a strategic place recently secured by God's power (Sihon's land) yet still fraught with memories of a devastating moral lapse (Beth-peor). This dual memory encapsulates the two primary lessons of Deuteronomy: the certain triumph of obedience and the severe consequences of disobedience. This makes the delivery of the Law at this very spot all the more poignant and necessary, emphasizing God's steadfastness despite Israel's history, preparing them to enter the promised land with a clearer understanding of the stakes involved. The specific naming of the defeated King Sihon also links this verse to the historical "Transjordanian Campaigns," critical pre-entry victories that secured the east bank of the Jordan, foreshadowing the greater conquests to come on the west bank.

Deuteronomy 4 46 Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:46 is far more than a simple geographical reference; it is a highly significant stage direction for Moses' profound address. By detailing the exact location of the covenant re-establishment—"across the Jordan, in the valley opposite Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon, whom Moses and the people of Israel defeated"—the text grounds the entire message of Deuteronomy in concrete history and palpable reality.

Firstly, being "across the Jordan" sets the stage for the imminent crossing into the Promised Land. This generation is on the cusp of fulfilling the ancient promise to Abraham. Their physical location underscores the transition from wandering to inheritance. Secondly, the reference to the "land of Sihon" and Heshbon reminds the audience of a recent, undeniable triumph. God, true to His word, enabled Israel to defeat a formidable enemy and possess their land. This victory serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and power, providing a basis for trust and courage as they prepare to face the challenges within Canaan. It validates Moses' leadership and reinforces the covenant, showing God's tangible support for those who follow His commands.

Lastly, the subtle but profound mention of "opposite Beth-peor" holds deep symbolic weight. This very site was where Israel plunged into idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, incurring a divine plague (Num 25). Placing the covenant renewal and restatement of the Law directly across from such a notorious location of spiritual failure acts as a potent warning. It serves as a reminder that even amidst recent victories and the anticipation of blessing, the danger of disobedience and apostasy remains ever-present. The detailed setting of Dt 4:46 thus reinforces the urgency of Moses' call to wholehearted obedience, using both recent success and past failure as object lessons for the future. It demonstrates God's persistent grace in bringing them to the cusp of His promise despite their wavering.