Deuteronomy 2:25
This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you."
This very day
The phrase "This very day" signifies a specific and immediate action by God. In the Hebrew context, it emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of God's intervention. It marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey, underscoring God's active role in fulfilling His promises. Historically, this reflects the transition from wandering to conquest, a divine assurance that the time for Israel to claim their inheritance has arrived.

I will begin
"I will begin" indicates the initiation of a divine process. The Hebrew root here suggests a commencement that is both deliberate and powerful. It is God who orchestrates the events, highlighting His sovereignty. This initiation is not just a momentary action but the start of a series of events leading to Israel's victory, reinforcing the theme of divine providence and timing.

to put the dread and fear of you
The "dread and fear" are divine tools used to prepare the way for Israel. The Hebrew words for dread (פַּחַד, pachad) and fear (יִרְאָה, yirah) convey a profound terror that paralyzes opposition. This is not merely human intimidation but a supernatural awe instilled by God. It reflects the biblical principle that God fights for His people, often using psychological means to ensure victory.

upon all the peoples under heaven
"Upon all the peoples under heaven" indicates the universal scope of God's action. The phrase suggests that the impact of Israel's journey and God's power will be known far and wide. Historically, this reflects the widespread reputation of Israel's God, as seen in the accounts of Rahab in Jericho (Joshua 2:9-11). It underscores the idea that God's actions with Israel have global implications, pointing to His ultimate sovereignty over all nations.

who, when they hear the report of you
The "report of you" refers to the news of Israel's journey and victories. The Hebrew word for report (שֵׁמַע, shema) implies a message that carries weight and authority. This report is not just about Israel's military prowess but about the power of their God. It serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness and might, echoing the biblical theme that God's deeds are proclaimed among the nations.

will tremble and be in anguish because of you
"Will tremble and be in anguish" describes the emotional and psychological impact on Israel's enemies. The Hebrew words for tremble (רָגַז, ragaz) and anguish (חִיל, chil) depict a visceral reaction of fear and distress. This reaction is a direct result of God's intervention, demonstrating that the fear of the Lord is a powerful force. It serves as a reminder that those who oppose God's people ultimately contend with God Himself, reinforcing the assurance of divine protection and victory for the faithful.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is recounting God's instructions and actions to the people.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are on their journey to the Promised Land.

3. Nations under Heaven
Refers to the surrounding nations that will hear of Israel's approach and be filled with fear.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

5. God's Promise
The divine assurance that God will instill fear in the hearts of Israel's enemies.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Power
God is in control of the nations and can influence their hearts and minds.

Trust in God's ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem daunting.

Divine Protection and Favor
Just as God protected Israel, He offers protection to His people today.

Believers can find comfort in knowing that God goes before them, preparing the way.

Faith in God's Promises
The Israelites had to trust in God's promise of fear upon their enemies.

Christians are called to have faith in God's promises, even when they are not immediately visible.

Witness to God's Power
The fear of the nations was a testimony to God's power and presence with Israel.

Our lives should reflect God's power, serving as a witness to those around us.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
Just as Israel was prepared for conquest, believers must be spiritually prepared for the battles they face.

Equip yourself with prayer, scripture, and faith to face challenges.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's promise to instill fear in Israel's enemies impact your view of His sovereignty in your life?

2. In what ways can you relate the fear of the nations to the spiritual battles you face today?

3. How can you apply the concept of divine protection in your daily walk with God?

4. What are some promises of God that you need to trust in more fully, and how can you strengthen your faith in them?

5. How can your life serve as a witness to God's power and presence, similar to how Israel's journey impacted the surrounding nations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 23:27
This verse also speaks of God sending His terror ahead of the Israelites to dismay their enemies, showing a consistent theme of divine intervention.

Joshua 2:9-11
Rahab's acknowledgment of the fear that fell upon the inhabitants of Jericho because of the Israelites, fulfilling God's promise.

Psalm 105:38
Describes how the Egyptians were glad when the Israelites departed, as fear of them had fallen upon them.

Isaiah 41:10
Encourages believers not to fear, as God is with them, paralleling the assurance given to Israel.

Romans 8:31
Emphasizes that if God is for us, who can be against us, echoing the protection and favor God showed Israel.
The Effects of Israel's ConquestsJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:24, 25
The Destruction of Sihon, King of the AmoritesR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:24-37
Warrantable WarfareD. Davies Deuteronomy 2:24-37
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
Anguish, Begin, Dread, Everywhere, Face, Fame, Fear, Grief, Hearing, Heart, Heaven, Heavens, Nations, Pained, Peoples, Quake, Report, Reports, Shaking, Sky, Terror, Tremble, Trembled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 2:25

     5782   agony
     5916   pessimism

Deuteronomy 2:24-25

     5857   fame

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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