King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:29 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:29 in the King James Version says “(As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me;) until I shall pass over ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

(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.

Deuteronomy 2:29 · KJV


Context

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.

31

And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's declaration 'Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee' announces imminent victory before battle commenced. The command 'begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land' shows that divine gift requires human appropriation—God gives, we must take. The word 'begin' indicates this is first in a series of conquests. Each victory builds momentum and faith for the next challenge.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This conquest of Sihon's Amorite kingdom marked Israel's first major military victory since leaving Egypt (the Amalekite battle was defensive). Success here dramatically boosted confidence for subsequent conquests. The territory gained became the inheritance of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, fulfilling God's promises regarding the land's extent.

Reflection Questions

  1. What has God begun to give you that requires your active faith to fully possess?
  2. How do you build on initial victories to gain momentum for larger challenges?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר1 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָֽשׂוּ2 of 22

did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִ֜י3 of 22
H0
בְּנֵ֣י4 of 22

As the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֵשָׂ֗ו5 of 22

of Esau

H6215

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

הַיֹּֽשְׁבִ֖ים6 of 22

which dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּשֵׂעִ֔יר7 of 22

in Seir

H8165

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

וְהַמּ֣וֹאָבִ֔ים8 of 22

and the Moabites

H4125

a moabite or moabitess, i.e., a descendant from moab

הַיֹּֽשְׁבִ֖ים9 of 22

which dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּעָ֑ר10 of 22

in Ar

H6144

ar, a place in moab

עַ֤ד11 of 22
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲשֶֽׁר12 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אֶעֱבֹר֙13 of 22

unto me until I shall pass over

H5674

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

אֶת14 of 22
H853

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

הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן15 of 22

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

אֶל16 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֕רֶץ17 of 22

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר18 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְהוָ֥ה19 of 22

which the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ20 of 22

our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

נֹתֵ֥ן21 of 22

giveth

H5414

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

לָֽנוּ׃22 of 22
H0

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 2:29 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 2:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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