Deuteronomy 2:31
Then the LORD said to me, "See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land."
Then the LORD said to me
This phrase indicates direct communication from God to Moses, emphasizing the divine authority behind the instructions. Throughout the Pentateuch, God frequently speaks to Moses, guiding the Israelites on their journey. This direct communication underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God leads and Israel follows.

See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you
The mention of Sihon, king of the Amorites, situates this event in a specific historical and geographical context. Sihon's territory was east of the Jordan River, a strategic area for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The phrase "I have begun to deliver" indicates that God is actively involved in the process, ensuring victory for Israel. This reflects the theme of divine intervention and fulfillment of promises, as God had assured the patriarchs of the land for their descendants (Genesis 15:18-21).

Now begin to conquer and possess his land
This command to "conquer and possess" highlights the transition from divine promise to human action. The Israelites are called to participate in God's plan by taking physical possession of the land. This reflects the broader biblical theme of faith and works, where God's promises require human response and obedience. The conquest of Sihon's land is a precursor to the larger conquest of Canaan, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It also foreshadows the ultimate victory and inheritance believers have in Christ, as seen in the New Testament (Hebrews 4:8-10).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is actively guiding and delivering His people.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is receiving instructions from God.

3. Sihon
The king of the Amorites, whose land God is giving to the Israelites.

4. The Amorites
A group of people living in the land east of the Jordan River, known for their opposition to Israel.

5. The Land of Sihon
The territory that God is instructing the Israelites to conquer and possess.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
God initiates the deliverance of His people, demonstrating His control over nations and history.

Obedience to God's Command
The Israelites are called to act on God's promise by beginning the conquest, highlighting the importance of obedience in faith.

Trust in God's Timing
God’s timing is perfect; He begins the process of deliverance at the right moment, teaching us to trust His timing in our lives.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as Israel was called to conquer physical territories, Christians are called to engage in spiritual battles, relying on God’s strength.

Inheritance and Possession
The land represents God’s promises; believers are encouraged to actively pursue and possess the spiritual inheritance God has given them.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in this passage encourage you in your current challenges?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate obedience to God's commands in your life, similar to the Israelites' call to conquer the land?

3. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God's timing. How did that experience shape your faith?

4. What are some "spiritual territories" in your life that God is calling you to conquer?

5. How can you actively pursue the spiritual inheritance God has promised you, and what steps can you take to possess it fully?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 21:21-31
Provides the background of Israel's encounter with Sihon and the subsequent battle.

Joshua 12:1-6
Lists the kings defeated by Moses, including Sihon, as part of the conquest of the Promised Land.

Psalm 136:17-22
Celebrates God's enduring love and His victories over kings like Sihon as part of Israel's history.

Romans 8:31
Reflects the theme of God being for His people, ensuring victory over their adversaries.
The Destruction of Sihon, King of the AmoritesR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:24-37
Warrantable WarfareD. Davies Deuteronomy 2:24-37
The Conquest of SihonJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:26-37
People
Ammonites, Anakites, Avvites, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Emites, Esau, Geber, Horites, Moabites, Moses, Rephaites, Seir, Sihon, Zamzummites
Places
Ammon, Ar, Arabah, Aroer, Caphtor, Elath, Ezion-geber, Gaza, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Kedemoth, Moab, Mount Seir, Red Sea, Seir, Valley of the Arnon, Zered
Topics
Begin, Begun, Behold, Conquer, Deliver, Forward, Hands, Inherit, Mayest, Occupy, Possess, Possession, Sihon, Yours
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 2:30

     5016   heart, fallen and redeemed
     6245   stubbornness
     6663   freedom, of will

Library
A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. Jewish Idumean.
The Talmudic girdle ends, as you see, in "Kadesh, Barnea, and Ascalon." Hence it cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel; and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded,--to wit, fifty-four miles. And one might, indeed, almost see some footsteps of that exclusion under the first Temple, in that very common expression, "From Dan even to Beer-sheba." This country, that was excluded, was something barren. The Talmudists speak thus
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The New Leaders Commission
'Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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