Deuteronomy 3:8-9
So 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 (the Sidonians call Hermon Sirion, while the Amorites call it Senir),
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss here is that the description of the conquered land uses "this side Jordan" from the perspective of Moses before crossing over, highlighting that this vast territory was acquired prior to their entry into the Promised Land itself. It’s a crucial geographical marker that emphasizes the significant expansion of their territory before the main conquest even began.
Following their decisive victory over King Sihon, the Israelites immediately turned their attention north to conquer the formidable kingdom of Bashan, ruled by the giant-king Og. This passage marks the culmination of these battles, detailing the extensive territory secured by Israel from these two Amorite kings, stretching from the southern Arnon River all the way to the northern Mount Hermon. This conquest established Israel's control over the crucial lands east of the Jordan River before their anticipated crossing into Canaan.
Ever feel like you're fighting for territory that's already yours? This verse marks a significant boundary in Israel's journey.
In Deuteronomy 3:8, we see the Israelites taking possession of a vast territory. The description, 'from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon,' isn't just a geographical marker; it's a fulfillment of God's promise to give them land.
The Arnon River: A Southern Boundary
This river, located in modern-day Jordan, served as a natural boundary between Moab and the Amorites. Its significance is often highlighted in the Old Testament, marking the edge of territories.
Mount Hermon: A Northern Vista
Reaching an impressive height, Mount Hermon stands as a prominent landmark in the north. Its snowy peaks would have been visible for miles, signifying the furthest extent of the land.
Together, these landmarks represent the full scope of the land God was giving Israel in this region. It's a testament to God's faithfulness in expanding their borders as He had promised.
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How did Israel conquer such a vast and well-fortified land? It wasn't just military might; it was God's direct intervention.
Deuteronomy 3:8 situates the conquest of this land ('from the Arnon to Hermon') within the context of battles against two Amorite kings: Sihon and Og. What's crucial here is understanding that this was not a spontaneous human endeavor, but a divinely ordained and empowered campaign.
God's Directives
The preceding verses detail God's specific instructions to Moses: 'Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand' (Deuteronomy 3:2). This wasn't a suggestion; it was a command and a promise.
God's Active Role
The text emphasizes that 'the Lord our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people' (Deuteronomy 3:3). God wasn't a distant observer; He actively subdued their enemies and granted victory. The sheer scale of the conquest—taking sixty fortified cities (Deuteronomy 3:4)—underscores that human strength alone would have been insufficient.
This understanding shifts the focus from Israel's prowess to God's power. The land wasn't simply taken; it was given and secured by God's might.
The same land can look very different depending on who is looking and when. This verse offers a unique perspective shift.
Deuteronomy 3:8 describes the conquered land as 'on this side Jordan.' This phrasing is fascinating because it reveals the perspective of the narrator – Moses, writing the book of Deuteronomy before the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land.
Moses' Vantage Point
From Moses' location in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, the land he's describing was indeed 'on this side' of the river relative to their current position. It was the territory they had just conquered from Sihon and Og.
Israel's Future Perspective
However, the text also acknowledges that 'afterward, when Israel passed over Jordan, it was called the land beyond Jordan.' This is from the perspective of those in the land of Canaan, looking back east. It highlights how geographical descriptions are relative to the observer's location and the historical moment.
This detail reminds us that Scripture is often written with a specific context and audience in mind. What seems clear from one viewpoint might need clarification from another. It also underscores the narrative flow of God's plan—from the conquest of the lands east of the Jordan to the eventual crossing and settlement west of it.
Understand the original words
Emori · Hebrew Noun
A generic term for a member of a Canaanite group dwelling in the hill country. They were a people group under divine judgment due to their idolatry and wickedness.
Arnon · Hebrew Proper Noun
Literally the 'river of rushing' or 'roaring.' It served as a geographical boundary and a significant landmark in the conquest narrative.
Chermon · Hebrew Proper Noun
A prominent, snow-capped mountain range, often associated with divine majesty or as a northern boundary marker for Israel's inheritance.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Enter Transjordan
Following their exodus from Egypt and wandering in the desert, the Israelites arrive at the borders of the promised land, specifically the region east of the Jordan River.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Conquest of Sihon and Og
The Israelites, led by Moses, decisively defeat Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, who ruled territories east of the Jordan River. This victory opens the land for Israel's possession.
c. 1400 BC
Territory Allocated to Reuben and Gad
After the conquest of Sihon and Og, the lands taken east of the Jordan are allocated to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, as well as half of the tribe of Manasseh, as their inheritance.
c. 1400 BC
Moses Surveys the Land
From the plains of Moab, Moses is able to see the vastness of the land God has promised, stretching from the southern Arnon River northward to Mount Hermon.
This passage lists the kings and the lands they ruled east of the Jordan, specifically mentioning the territories of Sihon and Og that Israel conquered, directly paralleling the events described in Deuteronomy 3:8.
Numbers 21:24This verse describes the defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and the Israelites taking his land, which is presented as a precursor to the conquest of Og's land mentioned in Deuteronomy 3:8.
Psalm 133:1-3While not a direct historical parallel, this Psalm speaks of the blessing of unity, comparing it to the precious oil and dew on Mount Hermon, linking the geographical landmark mentioned in Deuteronomy 3:8 to a concept of divine blessing and fellowship.
1 Chronicles 5:11This verse recounts the settlement of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh in the territories east of the Jordan that were conquered from the Amorites, including the areas down to Mount Hermon, echoing the geographical scope of the conquest in Deuteronomy 3:8.
gillDeuteronomy 3:8: "And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;"
And we took at that time out of the hands of the two kings of the Amorites,.... Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan: the land that was on this side Jordan; where Moses then was, being in the plains of Moab, and was the country beyond Jordan, with respect to the land of Canaan, and when in that: from the river of A…
calvinDeuteronomy 3:1-11: "Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei."
And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
Et dixit Jehova ad me, ne timeas illum, nam in manu tua dedi eum, et universum populum ejus, ac terram ejus: faeiesque ei…
What's easy to miss here is that the description of the conquered land uses "this side Jordan" from the perspective of Moses before crossing over, highlighting that this vast territory was acquired prior to their entry into the Promised Land itself. It’s a crucial geographical marker that emphasizes the significant expansion of their territory before the main conquest even began.
Following their decisive victory over King Sihon, the Israelites immediately turned their attention north to conquer the formidable kingdom of Bashan, ruled by the giant-king Og. This passage marks the culmination of these battles, detailing the extensive territory secured by Israel from these two Amorite kings, stretching from the southern Arnon River all the way to the northern Mount Hermon. This conquest established Israel's control over the crucial lands east of the Jordan River before their anticipated crossing into Canaan.
Following their decisive victory over King Sihon, the Israelites immediately turned their attention north to conquer the formidable kingdom of Bashan, ruled by the giant-king Og. This passage marks the culmination of these battles, detailing the extensive territory secured by Israel from these two Amorite kings, stretching from the southern Arnon River all the way to the northern Mount Hermon. This conquest established Israel's control over the crucial lands east of the Jordan River before their anticipated crossing into Canaan.
"So 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 (the Sidonians call Hermon Sirion, while the Amorites call it Senir)," — What's easy to miss here is that the description of the conquered land uses "this side Jordan" from the perspective of Moses before crossing over, highlighting that this vast territory was acquired…
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