Deuteronomy 2:36 Study Bible: From Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the valley, even to Gilead, there was not a city too high for us; the LORD our God delivered up all before us:

Bible > Deuteronomy > Chapter 2 > Verse 36

◄ Deuteronomy 2:36 ►

From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the valley, even as far as Gilead, not one city had walls too high for us. The LORD our God gave us all of them.

Study Bible

From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley
Aroer was a city located on the northern edge of the Arnon Valley, which served as a natural boundary between Moab and the Amorite territory. This location is significant as it marks the starting point of Israel's conquest in this region. The Arnon Valley itself is a deep gorge, and its mention highlights the geographical challenges faced by the Israelites. The strategic position of Aroer underscores the importance of controlling key locations for military and trade purposes.

along with the city in the valley
The city in the valley likely refers to a settlement within the Arnon Valley, possibly Ar or another Moabite city. This phrase emphasizes the thoroughness of the conquest, indicating that not only the elevated cities but also those in more challenging terrains were captured. The mention of cities in valleys suggests the comprehensive nature of God's promise to deliver the land to Israel.

even as far as Gilead
Gilead was a fertile region known for its balm and rich pastures, located north of the Arnon Valley. It was a significant area for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The reference to Gilead indicates the extent of the territory conquered by the Israelites, fulfilling God's promise to give them a land flowing with milk and honey. This conquest also foreshadows the future settlement of these tribes in the Transjordan area.

not one city had walls too high for us
This phrase highlights the miraculous nature of Israel's victories, as fortified cities with high walls were typically difficult to conquer. The statement reflects the divine assistance provided to the Israelites, reminiscent of the fall of Jericho's walls. It underscores the theme of God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as well as the importance of trusting in His provision.

The LORD our God gave us all of them
This declaration attributes the success of the conquests entirely to God's intervention. It emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God acts as the divine warrior on behalf of His people. This phrase also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land. It points to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan and foreshadows the ultimate victory through Jesus Christ, who conquers sin and death for His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aroer
A city located on the edge of the Arnon Valley, marking the southern boundary of the territory conquered by the Israelites.

2. Arnon Valley
A significant geographical feature that served as a boundary between Moab and the Amorite territory.

3. Gilead
A region known for its balm, located north of the Arnon Valley, representing the extent of the Israelite conquest.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is credited with giving the Israelites victory over their enemies.

5. Israelites
The people of God, led by Moses, who are in the process of conquering the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Victory
The passage highlights that the victories of the Israelites were not due to their own strength but because "The LORD our God gave us all of them." This teaches us to rely on God's power rather than our own abilities.

Faith in God's Promises
The Israelites' conquest of seemingly insurmountable cities demonstrates the importance of trusting in God's promises. When God is with us, no obstacle is too great.

Obedience and Action
While God gave the victories, the Israelites still had to take action. This balance of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is crucial in our walk with God.

God's Faithfulness
The fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites serves as a reminder of His faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us as well.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as the Israelites faced physical battles, Christians face spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages believers to put on the full armor of God, relying on His strength for victory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the conquest of the cities from Aroer to Gilead demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of relying on God's strength rather than our own in our daily lives?

3. How does the balance of divine sovereignty and human responsibility play out in your personal walk with God?

4. What are some "high cities" or challenges in your life that you need to trust God to overcome?

5. How can the account of the Israelites' conquest encourage us in our spiritual battles today? Consider connections to Ephesians 6:10-18.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 12:1-6
This passage lists the kings defeated by Moses and the Israelites, confirming the victories mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:36.

Psalm 44:3
This verse emphasizes that victories come not by human strength but by God's favor, paralleling the divine assistance described in Deuteronomy 2:36.

Romans 8:31
This New Testament verse echoes the theme of God being for His people, ensuring their victory over adversaries.

Sermons

The Destruction of Sihon, King of the Amorites	R.M. Edgar	Deuteronomy 2:24-37
Warrantable Warfare	D. Davies	Deuteronomy 2:24-37
The Conquest of Sihon	J. 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

Arnon, Aroer, Aro'er, Bank, Brink, Brook, Delivered, Edge, Gilead, Gorge, Hands, Ravine, Rim, River, Strong, Town, Valley

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Deuteronomy 2:34

5295 destruction

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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