Deuteronomy 2:34
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While the verse details the complete destruction of Sihon's cities, its true weight lies in the specific phrase "devoted to destruction," revealing this wasn't just conquest but a religious act. This term, which implies setting something apart for complete annihilation as an offering, signifies that the eradication of the inhabitants was understood as a sacred duty commanded by God for the people's extreme wickedness, not merely a brutal military strategy.
And we captured all his cities at that time and devoted to destruction every city, men, women, and children. We left no survivors.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage occurs as Moses recounts Israel's journey, detailing their encounter with Sihon, king of Heshbon. After Sihon refused them passage and attacked, God delivered him into Israel's hands. The preceding verses describe their victory, smiting Sihon and his people, setting the stage for this declaration of complete conquest and annihilation of every city within Sihon's territory.
This verse describes an action that's hard for us to read: the complete annihilation of cities, including women and children. Why such a severe and total judgment?
The text makes it clear that this wasn't a spontaneous act of violence, but a direct command from God. The Amorites, specifically King Sihon's people, were part of a group whose wickedness had reached its peak.
The narrative mentions that 'the Lord your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate.' What does this say about God's role in human actions?
This statement about God hardening Sihon's heart is a profound theological point that requires careful consideration.
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Understand the original words
charam · Hebrew Verb
The theological concept of 'herem' or total destruction, where a city or people are set apart exclusively for God's judgment and therefore must be completely destroyed to prevent moral and religious corruption.
This event wasn't just a military conquest; it was understood by the Israelites as a religiously mandated act of devotion, setting apart the conquered land and its people for God. This concept of 'devotion to destruction' or 'cherem' was a solemn, divinely ordered practice aimed at eradicating perceived wickedness and preventing idolatrous influence.
c. 13th century BC
Amorite Kingdom of Sihon
The Amorites, under King Sihon, established a kingdom in the region east of the Jordan River, including the territory previously held by the Moabites. This kingdom was situated in a strategically important area for travel and trade.
c. 13th century BC
Israelites Seek Peaceful Passage
As the Israelites journeyed toward the Promised Land, they sent envoys to King Sihon requesting permission to pass through his territory peacefully, promising to stay on the main roads and pay for any provisions.
c. 13th century BC
Sihon Refuses Passage
King Sihon not only refused the Israelites passage but also gathered his army and marched out to attack them, leading to open conflict.
c. 13th century BC— this verse
Battle of Jahaz
The Israelites and the Amorite army led by Sihon clashed in battle at Jahaz. God granted victory to Israel, and Sihon was killed along with his sons and his entire army.
c. 13th century BC
Conquest of Amorite Cities
Following their decisive victory over Sihon, the Israelites captured all of his cities and territories. This conquest was carried out by divine command, involving the complete destruction of the inhabitants as a religious act of devotion.
c. 13th century BC
Possession of Amorite Land
The land previously controlled by Sihon, from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River, became part of the territory allocated to the tribes of Israel who would settle east of the Jordan.
This passage describes the destruction of Jericho, where everything in the city, including men, women, children, and animals, was utterly destroyed, mirroring the complete devastation mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:34.
1 Samuel 15:3Here, King Saul is commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites, including men, women, children, and livestock, for their wickedness, aligning with the concept of 'devotion to destruction' found in Deuteronomy 2:34.
Deuteronomy 7:2This verse explicitly states that Israel was to devote the seven nations of Canaan to destruction, which includes sparing none, directly paralleling the action taken against Sihon's cities and people in Deuteronomy 2:34.
Numbers 21:24This passage records Israel taking possession of Sihon's land and destroying him and his cities, setting the stage for the detailed account of the complete destruction of its inhabitants found in Deuteronomy 2:34.
bensonDeuteronomy 2:34: "And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain:"
Deuteronomy 2:34 . Utterly destroyed — By God’s command, these being a part of those people who were devoted by the Lord of life and death to utter destruction for their abominable wickedness.
gillDeuteronomy 2:34: "And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain:"
And we took all his cities at that time,.... As Heshbon, and others mentioned in Numbers 21:25 , and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones of every city, we left none to remain; for the Amorites were one of the seven nations who were devoted to destruction, the measure of whose iniquity was now full, and th…
While the verse details the complete destruction of Sihon's cities, its true weight lies in the specific phrase "devoted to destruction," revealing this wasn't just conquest but a religious act. This term, which implies setting something apart for complete annihilation as an offering, signifies that the eradication of the inhabitants was understood as a sacred duty commanded by God for the people's extreme wickedness, not merely a brutal military strategy.
This passage occurs as Moses recounts Israel's journey, detailing their encounter with Sihon, king of Heshbon. After Sihon refused them passage and attacked, God delivered him into Israel's hands. The preceding verses describe their victory, smiting Sihon and his people, setting the stage for this declaration of complete conquest and annihilation of every city within Sihon's territory.
This passage occurs as Moses recounts Israel's journey, detailing their encounter with Sihon, king of Heshbon. After Sihon refused them passage and attacked, God delivered him into Israel's hands. The preceding verses describe their victory, smiting Sihon and his people, setting the stage for this declaration of complete conquest and annihilation of every city within Sihon's territory.
"And we captured all his cities at that time and devoted to destruction every city, men, women, and children. We left no survivors." — While the verse details the complete destruction of Sihon's cities, its true weight lies in the specific phrase "devoted to destruction," revealing this wasn't just conquest but a religious act. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026
