Deuteronomy 1:44 - The Amorites, who lived in that hill country, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and beat you down in Seir, even to Hormah.

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 1:44

What does "Deuteronomy 1:44" mean?


This verse, Deuteronomy 1:44, describes a defeat suffered by the Israelites when they attempted to enter Canaan against God's specific instructions. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"The Amorites, who lived in that hill country, came out against you...": The Amorites were one of the dominant people groups inhabiting the land of Canaan. They were known for their strength and were considered formidable opponents. They were living in the mountainous region where the Israelites were trying to enter. This passage highlights the Amorites' resistance to the Israelites' advance.

"...and chased you, as bees do...": This is a vivid simile. Bees, when provoked, will swarm and attack relentlessly. The comparison highlights:
Aggressiveness: The Amorites attacked with great force and determination.
Persistence: They pursued the Israelites fiercely, not giving them a chance to regroup.
Pain: Like bee stings, the Amorite attack was harmful and caused suffering.

"...and beat you down in Seir, even to Hormah.": This specifies the location and extent of the defeat.
Seir: This refers to the mountainous region southeast of the Dead Sea. The Israelites had previously passed through this area.
Hormah: This was a town in the southern Negev desert.
"Beat you down": This emphasizes the severity of the defeat. The Israelites were not only chased but also thoroughly defeated and pushed back. The extent of their retreat from Seir all the way to Hormah illustrates the magnitude of the loss.

In summary, this verse recounts how the Israelites, acting against God's command, were aggressively and decisively defeated by the Amorites in the hill country. The Amorites pursued them relentlessly, like a swarm of bees, driving them back into the wilderness. This event served as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the strength of the enemies they would face in Canaan.

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