Deuteronomy 2:32
So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle against us at Jahaz.
So Sihon
The name "Sihon" refers to the Amorite king who ruled over Heshbon. In Hebrew, "Sihon" (סִיחֹן) is often associated with a warrior or a sweeping away, indicating his formidable nature as a king. Historically, the Amorites were known as a powerful people in the ancient Near East, often in conflict with the Israelites. Sihon's opposition to Israel is significant as it represents the resistance of pagan nations against God's chosen people.

and his whole army
The phrase "his whole army" underscores the totality of Sihon's military force. This indicates that Sihon did not underestimate the Israelites; he brought out all his resources to confront them. In the ancient world, armies were often composed of infantry, chariots, and sometimes cavalry, reflecting the seriousness of the confrontation. This total mobilization highlights the threat perceived by Sihon and the ensuing divine intervention that would be necessary for Israel's victory.

came out to meet us
The action "came out to meet us" suggests a proactive and aggressive stance by Sihon. In the Hebrew context, this phrase implies a deliberate act of war, not merely a defensive posture. It reflects the hostility and the challenge that Israel faced as they journeyed towards the Promised Land. This encounter is a pivotal moment where God's promise to give Israel the land is tested against the reality of human opposition.

in battle
The term "in battle" signifies a formal engagement in warfare. In the ancient Near Eastern context, battles were often seen as not just physical confrontations but also spiritual contests, where the gods of the respective nations were believed to be fighting alongside their people. For Israel, this battle was not just against Sihon but a demonstration of Yahweh's power and faithfulness to His covenant promises.

at Jahaz
"Jahaz" is the location where this significant battle took place. Archaeologically, Jahaz is identified with a site in the Transjordan region, though its exact location remains debated. The mention of Jahaz situates the event in a real geographical context, emphasizing the historical reliability of the biblical narrative. This battle at Jahaz is a testament to God's guidance and provision for Israel as they moved closer to the fulfillment of His promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sihon
The king of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon. He is a significant figure in the account as he opposes the Israelites' passage through his land, leading to a battle.

2. The Israelites
The people of God, led by Moses, who are journeying towards the Promised Land. This event is part of their wilderness wanderings and conquests.

3. Jahaz
The location where the battle between the Israelites and Sihon's forces took place. It is a significant site of victory for the Israelites.

4. The Amorites
A group of people living in the land of Canaan, known for their opposition to the Israelites. Sihon was one of their kings.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is guiding them according to God's commands. He plays a crucial role in the account as the mediator between God and the people.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Battles
The encounter with Sihon demonstrates God's control over the events of history. He orchestrates victories for His people according to His divine plan.

Faith and Obedience
The Israelites' willingness to engage in battle at God's command shows their faith and obedience. Believers today are called to trust and obey God's guidance, even in challenging situations.

Divine Justice
The defeat of Sihon serves as a reminder of God's justice. He judges nations according to their actions, and His judgments are righteous.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as the Israelites faced physical battles, Christians face spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.

God's Faithfulness
The victory at Jahaz is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust that God will be faithful to His promises in their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the encounter with Sihon illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and leaders?

2. In what ways can the Israelites' approach to Sihon inform our approach to conflicts in our own lives?

3. How does the victory at Jahaz encourage us to trust in God's promises, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' obedience to God's command to engage in battle, and how can we apply these lessons to our spiritual battles today?

5. How does the account of Sihon's defeat connect with other biblical themes of divine justice and judgment?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 21:21-24
This passage provides a parallel account of the encounter with Sihon, offering additional details about the diplomatic approach the Israelites initially took and the subsequent battle.

Judges 11:19-21
Jephthah recounts the history of Israel's encounter with Sihon, emphasizing God's role in delivering the Amorites into Israel's hands.

Psalm 135:10-12
This psalm praises God for His mighty acts, including the defeat of Sihon, highlighting God's faithfulness in giving Israel the land of the Amorites.
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
Army, Attack, Battle, Fight, Jahaz, Meet, Sihon
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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