King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:28 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:28 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass throu...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet;”

Deuteronomy 2:28 · KJV

Context

26

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

27

Let me pass through thy land: I will go along by the high way , I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left.

28

Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet;

29

(As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me;) until I shall pass over Jordan into the land which the LORD our God giveth us.

30

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sihon's refusal had divine causation: 'the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate.' This sovereign hardening (like Pharaoh's) served God's purpose 'that he might deliver him into thy hand.' God's hardening doesn't violate human will but confirms existing disposition, turning rebellion into occasion for judgment. This raises profound questions about divine sovereignty and human responsibility that Scripture holds in tension.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sihon's hardening parallels Pharaoh (Exodus 7-14), showing a pattern where God judicially hardens those persistently resistant to His purposes. This isn't arbitrary cruelty but righteous judgment that uses human rebellion to accomplish divine plans. The conquest of Sihon's territory became essential for Israel's Transjordan settlement and approach to Canaan.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you grapple with texts describing God's hardening of human hearts?
  2. In what ways does persistent resistance to God's will result in further hardening?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֹ֣כֶל1 of 12

“me meat”

H400

food

בַּכֶּ֥סֶף2 of 12

“for money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

תַּשְׁבִּרֵ֙נִי֙3 of 12

“Thou shalt sell”

H7666

to deal in grain

וְאָכַ֔לְתִּי4 of 12

“that I may eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּמַ֛יִם5 of 12

“me water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

בַּכֶּ֥סֶף6 of 12

“for money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

תִּתֶּן7 of 12

“and give”

H5414

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

לִ֖י8 of 12
H0
וְשָׁתִ֑יתִי9 of 12

“that I may drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

רַ֖ק10 of 12
H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

אֶעְבְּרָ֥ה11 of 12

“only I will pass through”

H5674

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

בְרַגְלָֽי׃12 of 12

“on my feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

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 2:28 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 2:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 20:19

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