King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:30 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:30 in the King James Version says “But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obs... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 2:30 · KJV


Context

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.

32

Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Sihon's aggressive response—'he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz'—initiated warfare, not Israel's invasion. Sihon's choice to attack rather than allow passage sealed his doom. The specification of location (Jahaz) grounds the narrative in historical reality. God's purposes sometimes advance through enemies' hostile choices—what they intend for evil, God uses for His people's good.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jahaz was a site in Moabite territory where the decisive battle occurred. Later prophets referenced this victory as proof of God's power (Psalm 135:10-11; 136:19-20). Sihon's defeat, combined with Og's, gave Israel complete control of Transjordan from the Arnon River to Mount Hermon, setting the stage for crossing Jordan into Canaan.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you seen God turn hostile opposition into opportunities for His glory?
  2. What battles have you faced that resulted in greater blessing than if opposition hadn't occurred?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְלֹ֣א1 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָבָ֗ה2 of 21

would

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

סִיחֹן֙3 of 21

But Sihon

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

מֶ֣לֶךְ4 of 21

king

H4428

a king

חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן5 of 21

of Heshbon

H2809

cheshbon, a place east of the jordan

הַֽעֲבִרֵ֖נוּ6 of 21

not let us pass

H5674

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

בּ֑וֹ7 of 21
H0
כִּֽי8 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִקְשָׁה֩9 of 21

hardened

H7185

properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)

יְהוָ֨ה10 of 21

by him for the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ11 of 21

thy 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

אֶת12 of 21
H853

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

רוּח֗וֹ13 of 21

his spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

וְאִמֵּץ֙14 of 21

obstinate

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

אֶת15 of 21
H853

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

לְבָב֔וֹ16 of 21

and made his heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

לְמַ֛עַן17 of 21
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תִּתּ֥וֹ18 of 21

that he might deliver

H5414

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

בְיָֽדְךָ֖19 of 21

him into thy 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

כַּיּ֥וֹם20 of 21

as appeareth this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּֽה׃21 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


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 2:30 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 2:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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