Deuteronomy 2:26 - I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth to Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying,

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 2:26

What does "Deuteronomy 2:26" mean?


Deuteronomy 2:26, "I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth to Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying," is a crucial part of Moses' retelling of Israel's journey in the wilderness. Let's break down what it means:

"I sent messengers...": The "I" refers to Moses, acting on behalf of the Israelites. This verse demonstrates Moses' attempt at diplomacy.

"...out of the wilderness of Kedemoth...": Kedemoth was a wilderness area located east of the Jordan River. This serves as the starting point for the message being sent. It establishes their location as they approached Sihon's territory.

"...to Sihon king of Heshbon...": Sihon was an Amorite king who ruled from the city of Heshbon. He was known for his power and aggression, having conquered much of the land east of the Jordan.

"...with words of peace, saying...": This is the heart of the verse. It emphasizes that Moses' initial approach to Sihon was peaceful. The messengers were sent to propose a peaceful passage through Sihon's territory, not to initiate a battle. The specific content of what they said follows in the next verses.

In essence, this verse highlights the following important points:

Israel's attempt at peaceful negotiation: Before resorting to warfare, the Israelites made a genuine effort to request safe passage through Sihon's kingdom.
Acknowledgement of Sihon's power: By sending messengers to him, the Israelites acknowledged Sihon's authority and control over the region.
Justification for subsequent actions: Because Sihon rejected the offer of peace and attacked Israel, the Israelites were then justified in defending themselves and conquering his territory.

This verse sets the stage for the conflict between Israel and Sihon. It shows that Israel was not simply an aggressor seeking conquest, but rather attempted to resolve the situation peacefully first. This becomes important later in the book of Deuteronomy as Moses justifies their actions to the Israelites.

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