King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 29:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 29:7 in the King James Version says “And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle,...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:”

Deuteronomy 29:7 · KJV

Context

5

And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.

6

Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God.

7

And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:

8

And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.

9

Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

Read Deuteronomy 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them. Victory over Sihon and Og demonstrated God's power in military conquest, preparing Israel psychologically for Canaan conquest. These Transjordan victories proved God could defeat formidable enemies on Israel's behalf.

The phrase came out against us unto battle indicates these kings initiated hostilities. Israel sought peaceful passage; the kings chose war. Their aggression brought their destruction, demonstrating that those who oppose God's people oppose God Himself.

The statement we smote them includes Israel as active participants, yet Moses elsewhere clarifies God gave the victory. This partnership illustrates covenant relationship - God works through His people's obedient action while providing power for success.

These victories over giant peoples (Og was last of the Rephaim) encouraged Israel that God could defeat the giant Anakim in Canaan. Past victories build faith for future battles.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sihon and Og ruled Amorite kingdoms east of Jordan. Their defeat gave Israel territory for Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh.

Og's massive bed (Deuteronomy 3:11) testified to his great size, making his defeat even more impressive as demonstration of divine power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What purpose did Transjordan victories serve in preparing Israel for Canaan conquest?
  2. How does enemy-initiated aggression justify their destruction?
  3. What does the partnership (God provides victory, Israel fights) teach about covenant relationship?
  4. How do past victories build faith for future challenges?
  5. Why does God allow giants and formidable obstacles to test His people's faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַתָּבֹ֖אוּ1 of 14

“And when ye came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֣וֹם3 of 14

“unto this place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּ֑ה4 of 14
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַיֵּצֵ֣א5 of 14

“came out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

סִיחֹ֣ן6 of 14

“Sihon”

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

מֶֽלֶךְ7 of 14

“the king”

H4428

a king

חֶ֠שְׁבּוֹן8 of 14

“of Heshbon”

H2809

cheshbon, a place east of the jordan

וְע֨וֹג9 of 14

“and Og”

H5747

og, a king of bashan

מֶֽלֶךְ10 of 14

“the king”

H4428

a king

הַבָּשָׁ֧ן11 of 14

“of Bashan”

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

לִקְרָאתֵ֛נוּ12 of 14

“against”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה13 of 14

“us unto battle”

H4421

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

וַנַּכֵּֽם׃14 of 14

“and we smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

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 29:7 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 29:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 32:33-42Psalms 136:17-22Psalms 135:10-12Numbers 21:21-35Deuteronomy 2:24-3:17

Places in This Verse

BashanRegion · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E53 verses across 15 books
HeshbonSettlement · Modern: Tell Hesban · 31.80°N, 35.81°E37 verses across 9 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 29 →

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