Deuteronomy 2:24
"Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley. See, I have delivered into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle.
Arise
The Hebrew word for "arise" is "קוּם" (qum), which conveys a sense of urgency and readiness. In the biblical context, it often signifies a divine call to action. Here, God is commanding the Israelites to prepare themselves for the task ahead. This word encourages believers to respond promptly to God's directives, trusting in His timing and purpose.

set out
The phrase "set out" is derived from the Hebrew "נָסַע" (nasa), meaning to journey or depart. This implies a physical and spiritual movement towards God's promise. It reflects the journey of faith, where believers are called to leave their comfort zones and move towards the fulfillment of God's promises, trusting in His guidance.

cross the Arnon Valley
The Arnon Valley, or "נַחַל אַרְנוֹן" (nachal Arnon), was a significant geographical boundary. Crossing it symbolized entering into a new phase of God's plan. Historically, it marked the transition from wandering to conquest for the Israelites. For Christians, it represents stepping into new territories of faith and obedience, trusting in God's provision and protection.

See
The Hebrew word "רְאֵה" (re'eh) means to perceive or understand. God is inviting the Israelites to recognize His sovereignty and the reality of His promise. This call to "see" is a reminder for believers to open their spiritual eyes, acknowledging God's hand in their lives and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

I have delivered
The phrase "I have delivered" comes from the Hebrew "נָתַן" (natan), meaning to give or hand over. It emphasizes God's active role in granting victory to the Israelites. This assurance of divine intervention encourages believers to trust in God's power to overcome obstacles and fulfill His promises.

Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon
Sihon was a formidable enemy, ruling over a significant territory. His mention highlights the magnitude of the challenge and the greatness of God's deliverance. Historically, the Amorites were known for their strength and resilience. This victory serves as a testament to God's ability to conquer even the most daunting adversaries, encouraging believers to rely on His strength.

into your hands
The phrase "into your hands" signifies the transfer of power and authority. In Hebrew, "בְּיָדֶךָ" (beyadekha) implies possession and control. This assurance of victory is a reminder that God equips His people with the necessary tools and authority to accomplish His purposes, instilling confidence in His provision.

Begin to take possession
The command to "begin to take possession" is derived from the Hebrew "הָחֵל רָשׁ" (hachel rash), meaning to start or initiate the process of claiming ownership. This directive emphasizes proactive faith and obedience. Believers are encouraged to actively pursue God's promises, stepping out in faith to claim the inheritance He has prepared for them.

engage him in battle
The phrase "engage him in battle" comes from the Hebrew "וְהִתְגָּר בּוֹ מִלְחָמָה" (vehitgar bo milchamah), meaning to confront or wage war. This call to action underscores the necessity of spiritual warfare in the Christian life. It reminds believers that while God promises victory, they must actively participate in the battle, relying on His strength and guidance to overcome spiritual adversaries.

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

2. Israelites
The people of God, journeying to the Promised Land.

3. Sihon
The Amorite king of Heshbon, whose land God has given to Israel.

4. Arnon Valley
A geographical boundary that the Israelites are instructed to cross.

5. Heshbon
The city ruled by King Sihon, representing the land to be conquered.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
God is the one who delivers enemies into the hands of His people. This passage reminds us of God's control over nations and leaders.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites are instructed to "arise" and "set out," highlighting the importance of obedience to God's directives in our lives.

Courage in the Face of Challenges
Engaging in battle with Sihon required faith and courage. Believers are called to trust God when facing their own battles.

Possessing God's Promises
The command to "begin to take possession" signifies active participation in receiving God's promises. We must step out in faith to claim what God has promised us.

Historical Context and Faithfulness
Understanding the historical context of God's faithfulness to Israel encourages us to trust in His promises today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command to "arise, set out, and cross" apply to situations in your life where God is calling you to take action?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate obedience to God's instructions, even when the outcome is uncertain?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance in a challenging situation. How does this passage encourage you to trust Him in future battles?

4. How can the account of Sihon's defeat inspire you to confront and overcome obstacles in your spiritual journey?

5. What are some promises of God that you need to actively "take possession" of in your life, and how can you begin to do so?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 21:21-31
Provides a detailed account of the Israelites' encounter with Sihon and the subsequent battle.

Joshua 12:1-6
Lists the defeated kings, including Sihon, as part of the conquests under Moses and Joshua.

Judges 11:19-22
Jephthah recounts the history of Israel's conquest of Sihon's land, emphasizing God's role in delivering the Amorites into Israel's hands.
The Emims, Horims, Zamzummins, EtcJ. Orr Deuteronomy 2:10-13, 20-24
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
Amorite, Arise, Arnon, Battle, Begin, Behold, Brook, Contend, Crossing, Engage, Forward, Gorge, Hands, Heshbon, Journey, Pass, Possess, Possession, Rise, River, Sihon, Stir, Thyself, Valley, War, Yours
Dictionary of Bible Themes
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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