Deuteronomy 3:8 - We took the land at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon.
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What does "Deuteronomy 3:8" mean?
Deuteronomy 3:8 states: "We took the land at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon."
This verse is a historical recounting, summarizing a significant military victory for the Israelites under Moses' leadership. Let's break it down:
"We took the land at that time...": This refers to the Israelites conquering land. "At that time" places the event chronologically within the period of the Exodus and wandering in the wilderness, specifically towards the end, before entering the Promised Land proper.
"...out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites...": The Amorites were a prominent people group in Canaan and the surrounding areas. The verse specifically mentions two Amorite kings: Sihon and Og. These kings ruled territory east of the Jordan River. Conquering them was a major achievement.
"...who were beyond the Jordan...": "Beyond the Jordan" (i.e., east of the Jordan River) is an important detail. The land being described is not yet the main territory of Canaan (the Promised Land) west of the Jordan. This verse describes territory that was captured before crossing the Jordan River.
"...from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon.": This defines the geographical boundaries of the conquered territory.
The valley of the Arnon is a deep canyon that marked the southern border of the Amorite kingdom, specifically the kingdom of Sihon.
Mount Hermon is a prominent mountain range in the far north, marking the northern limit of the conquered area. It is a landmark even today, located at the border of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.
In summary, the verse signifies:
Military Success: It commemorates a crucial military victory where the Israelites defeated two powerful Amorite kings.
Territorial Acquisition: It marks the acquisition of a significant piece of land east of the Jordan River, a territory that would later be allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh.
Fulfillment of Promise (Indirectly): This victory served as a sign that God was fulfilling his promise of giving the Israelites land. While not the Promised Land itself, it demonstrated God's power and commitment.
Precursor to the Invasion of Canaan: This conquest was a crucial step that prepared the Israelites for their eventual invasion and conquest of Canaan, the land promised to them by God. It eliminated a potential threat from the east and provided a staging ground for further operations.
Divine Assistance: Implicitly, the verse underscores the idea that God was assisting the Israelites in their journey.
The passage is significant in demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites and the importance of their obedience in achieving victory. It's a key event in their journey toward the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 3:8 - We took the land at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon.
What does "Deuteronomy 3:8" mean?
Deuteronomy 3:8 states: "We took the land at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon."
This verse is a historical recounting, summarizing a significant military victory for the Israelites under Moses' leadership. Let's break it down:
"We took the land at that time...": This refers to the Israelites conquering land. "At that time" places the event chronologically within the period of the Exodus and wandering in the wilderness, specifically towards the end, before entering the Promised Land proper.
"...out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites...": The Amorites were a prominent people group in Canaan and the surrounding areas. The verse specifically mentions two Amorite kings: Sihon and Og. These kings ruled territory east of the Jordan River. Conquering them was a major achievement.
"...who were beyond the Jordan...": "Beyond the Jordan" (i.e., east of the Jordan River) is an important detail. The land being described is not yet the main territory of Canaan (the Promised Land) west of the Jordan. This verse describes territory that was captured before crossing the Jordan River.
"...from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon.": This defines the geographical boundaries of the conquered territory.
The valley of the Arnon is a deep canyon that marked the southern border of the Amorite kingdom, specifically the kingdom of Sihon.
Mount Hermon is a prominent mountain range in the far north, marking the northern limit of the conquered area. It is a landmark even today, located at the border of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.
In summary, the verse signifies:
Military Success: It commemorates a crucial military victory where the Israelites defeated two powerful Amorite kings.
Territorial Acquisition: It marks the acquisition of a significant piece of land east of the Jordan River, a territory that would later be allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh.
Fulfillment of Promise (Indirectly): This victory served as a sign that God was fulfilling his promise of giving the Israelites land. While not the Promised Land itself, it demonstrated God's power and commitment.
Precursor to the Invasion of Canaan: This conquest was a crucial step that prepared the Israelites for their eventual invasion and conquest of Canaan, the land promised to them by God. It eliminated a potential threat from the east and provided a staging ground for further operations.
Divine Assistance: Implicitly, the verse underscores the idea that God was assisting the Israelites in their journey.
The passage is significant in demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites and the importance of their obedience in achieving victory. It's a key event in their journey toward the Promised Land.