King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:24 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:24 in the King James Version says “Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, ki... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle. begin: Heb. begin, possess

Deuteronomy 2:24 · KJV


Context

22

As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day:

23

And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.)

24

Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle. begin: Heb. begin, possess

25

This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

26

And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's command to Israel to 'Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon' marks the transition from peaceful passage through Edom and Moab to military conquest of the Amorite kingdom of Sihon. The phrase 'behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon' uses the prophetic perfect—God speaks of future events as already accomplished, demonstrating His sovereignty. The command to 'contend with him in battle' combines divine promise with human responsibility—Israel must fight, but victory is assured because God has already given it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib) formed the border between Moab to the south and the Amorite kingdom to the north. Sihon had previously conquered Moabite territory north of the Arnon (Numbers 21:26). Israel's defeat of Sihon gave them their first territorial possession and demonstrated God's power to the surrounding nations. This victory is repeatedly cited in Scripture as evidence of God's faithfulness (Psalms 135:10-12; 136:17-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's declaration of victory before the battle encourage you to face challenges in faith?
  2. What 'Arnon River' is God calling you to cross, moving from preparation to action?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
ק֣וּמוּ1 of 21

Rise ye up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

סְּע֗וּ2 of 21

take your journey

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

וְעִבְרוּ֮3 of 21

and pass over

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת4 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נַ֣חַל5 of 21

the river

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

אַרְנֹן֒6 of 21

Arnon

H769

the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory

רְאֵ֣ה7 of 21

behold

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

נָתַ֣תִּי8 of 21

I have given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְ֠יָֽדְךָ9 of 21

into thine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֶת10 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

סִיחֹ֨ן11 of 21

Sihon

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

מֶֽלֶךְ12 of 21

king

H4428

a king

חֶשְׁבּ֧וֹן13 of 21

of Heshbon

H2809

cheshbon, a place east of the jordan

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֛י14 of 21

the Amorite

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

וְאֶת15 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַרְצ֖וֹ16 of 21

and his land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הָחֵ֣ל17 of 21

begin

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

רָ֑שׁ18 of 21

to possess

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

וְהִתְגָּ֥ר19 of 21

it and contend

H1624

properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger

בּ֖וֹ20 of 21
H0
מִלְחָמָֽה׃21 of 21

with him in battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 2:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 2:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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