Meaning of Deuteronomy 2:31

This verse from Deuteronomy marks a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey, signifying God's direct intervention and command to dispossess the Amorite king Sihon and claim his territory. It is not merely a statement of military intent, but a divine authorization and a call to action, assuring the Israelites of God's active participation in their conquest. The emphasis on God having "begun to deliver" Sihon and his land underscores His sovereignty and His preordained plan for Israel's inheritance. This is not a sudden decision, but the unfolding of a promise and a necessary step before they could proceed further into the Promised Land. The command to "begin to conquer and possess" is a directive that requires faith and obedience from the Israelites, acknowledging that while God initiates, their active engagement is crucial for the fulfillment of His promises.

Context and Background

Deuteronomy 2:31 is situated within the broader narrative of the Israelites' forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Having been forbidden to enter the Promised Land directly from Kadesh Barnea due to their disobedience (Numbers 14), they were now on the eastern side of the Jordan River, having circumnavigated the land of Edom and Moab. The immediate context involves their request to pass through the territory of Sihon, king of the Amorites, which was refused. Sihon not only denied them passage but also gathered his forces and attacked them. It is in response to this hostile act and Sihon's subsequent defeat that God speaks to Moses, as recorded here. This victory was not a result of Israel's superior military might alone, but a divine judgment upon Sihon for his aggression and a demonstration of God's favor towards His people.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty and Initiative: God is the prime mover in this event. He "has begun to deliver" Sihon, implying that the outcome was already determined by His will. This highlights God's control over nations and His ability to bring about His purposes.
• Divine Authorization and Command: The verse is a direct command from God to Moses, and by extension to the Israelite people, to take possession of the land. This is not a suggestion but a divine mandate, giving them the authority and the instruction to conquer.
• Faith and Obedience: While God provides the assurance and the command, the Israelites are called to "begin to conquer and possess." This requires faith in God's promise and obedient action on their part. Their willingness to engage in the conquest is a demonstration of their trust in God's power.
• Justice and Judgment: Sihon's defeat and dispossession can be seen as a form of divine judgment against his aggression and potentially against the broader iniquity of the Amorites. God's actions often involve both blessing His people and executing justice.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, Deuteronomy 2:31 speaks to the principle that God often initiates spiritual victories and opens doors for us. He has already dealt with the power of sin and death through Christ, "delivering" them over to His redemptive plan. Our role is to "begin to conquer and possess" the spiritual blessings and the life of victory that He offers. This involves actively engaging with God's Word, prayer, and the community of faith, stepping out in obedience to His leading. It also reminds us that God equips and empowers us for the battles we face, and that His provision precedes our efforts.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is a crucial stepping stone towards the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, even after periods of Israelite failure. The conquest of Sihon's land is the first significant territorial acquisition by the Israelites on the eastern side of the Jordan, paving the way for their eventual crossing and the conquest of the land west of the Jordan. It foreshadows the larger, more challenging conquest of Canaan, which will also involve God's direct intervention and the demand for Israelite courage and obedience. This narrative also sets a precedent for God's judgment upon wicked nations and His establishment of His chosen people in their inheritance.

Analogies

One analogy for Deuteronomy 2:31 is a parent who has already secured the keys to a new home and prepared it for their child. The child is then instructed to "begin to move in and make it your own." The parent has done the foundational work, but the child must take the initiative to occupy and enjoy the benefits. Another analogy could be a gardener who has prepared the soil, planted seeds, and provided the necessary nutrients. The gardener then tells the young plant, "Now, begin to grow and bear fruit." God has done the essential work of salvation and provision; we are called to actively participate in living out that salvation and bearing fruit for His kingdom.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 12:7: "The Lord appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.'" Deuteronomy 2:31 is a direct manifestation of this ancient promise, showing God actively working to bring it to fruition.
• Numbers 20:14-21: This passage describes the Israelites' request to pass through Edom and their subsequent refusal, leading them to take a longer route and setting the stage for their encounter with Sihon.
• Joshua 1:6, 9: These verses echo the command to "be strong and courageous" and to "conquer and possess" the land, emphasizing the continued need for faith and obedience in the subsequent conquest of Canaan.
• Psalm 105:44: "He gave them the lands of the nations, and they inherited the fruit of the peoples' toil." This Psalm summarizes God's provision and the Israelites' inheritance, of which the conquest of Sihon's land was an early example.
• 1 Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." This New Testament verse speaks to a greater victory, initiated by God through Christ, which believers are called to embrace and live out.