Deuteronomy 2:16
Now when all the fighting men among the people had died,
Now
The word "Now" serves as a transitional marker, indicating a shift in the narrative. In the Hebrew text, this is often a simple conjunction that connects events in a sequence. It signifies a moment of change or a new phase in the journey of the Israelites. This transition is not just temporal but also spiritual, as it marks a new chapter in God's dealings with His people.

when all
The phrase "when all" underscores the completeness of the event being described. In the context of Deuteronomy, it emphasizes the totality of the situation. The Hebrew root here conveys a sense of entirety, leaving nothing out. This completeness is significant in understanding the fulfillment of God's word and the thoroughness of His plans.

the fighting men
This phrase refers to the generation of Israelites who were counted as warriors. In Hebrew, the term used here often denotes those who are able-bodied and of age to serve in battle. Historically, these were the men who had been part of the exodus from Egypt but were destined not to enter the Promised Land due to their disobedience. This highlights the consequences of unbelief and disobedience to God's commands.

had perished
The term "had perished" indicates the fulfillment of God's judgment upon the disobedient generation. The Hebrew root often implies a complete destruction or end. This is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of God's judgments and the reality of His promises, both of blessing and of discipline.

from among the people
This phrase situates the event within the larger community of Israel. The Hebrew context suggests a separation or removal from the collective group. It highlights the communal aspect of Israel's journey and the impact of individual actions on the whole community. This serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's people and the importance of faithfulness within the community.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Men of War
Refers to the generation of Israelites who were counted as warriors but were condemned to die in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith.

2. The Wilderness
The desert region where the Israelites wandered for 40 years as a consequence of their rebellion against God at Kadesh Barnea.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were on their journey to the Promised Land, Canaan.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who was tasked with guiding them through the wilderness and conveying God's laws and commands.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, representing a place of rest and fulfillment of God's covenant.
Teaching Points
Consequences of Disobedience
The death of the men of war serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith in God's promises.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Despite the Israelites' failures, God remained faithful to His promise to bring a new generation into the Promised Land, highlighting His steadfastness.

The Importance of Faith and Obedience
The account encourages believers to trust in God's plan and obey His commands, learning from the past mistakes of the Israelites.

Generational Impact
The account illustrates how the actions of one generation can impact the next, urging us to consider the legacy of faith we are leaving behind.

Spiritual Readiness
Just as the Israelites needed to be prepared to enter the Promised Land, believers are called to be spiritually ready to enter into God's rest through faith in Jesus Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. What lessons can we learn from the fate of the "men of war" regarding the consequences of disobedience to God?

2. How does the concept of the Promised Land in Deuteronomy relate to the "rest" mentioned in Hebrews 3-4?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for the next generation?

4. How does the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites encourage us in our own faith journey?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a "wilderness" experience. How did your faith and obedience to God impact the outcome?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 14
This chapter provides the background for why the men of war perished, detailing the Israelites' rebellion and God's decree that the disobedient generation would not enter the Promised Land.

Hebrews 3-4
These chapters in the New Testament draw a parallel between the Israelites' unbelief and the call for believers to enter God's rest through faith in Christ.

Psalm 95
This psalm reflects on the Israelites' rebellion and serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God.
God's Faithfulness in Dealing with Nations Outside the CovenantR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:1-23
International RelationshipsD. Davies Deuteronomy 2:1-23
Edom, Moab, AmmonJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:4-10, 17-20
The Emims, Horims, Zamzummins, EtcJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:10-13, 20-24
The Wasting of the WarriorsR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 2:14-18
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
Battle, Consumed, Dead, Death, Died, Dying, Finally, Finished, Midst, Overtaken, Pass, Perished, War
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 2:14

     5694   generation

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

Links
Deuteronomy 2:16 NIV
Deuteronomy 2:16 NLT
Deuteronomy 2:16 ESV
Deuteronomy 2:16 NASB
Deuteronomy 2:16 KJV

Deuteronomy 2:16 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Deuteronomy 2:15
Top of Page
Top of Page