Deuteronomy 9
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
MOSES DISSUADES THEM FROM THE OPINION OF THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Deu. 9:1-25) this day--means this time. The Israelites had reached the confines of the promised land, but were obliged, to their great mortification, to return. But now they certainly were to enter it. No obstacle could prevent their possession; neither the fortified defenses of the towns, nor the resistance of the gigantic inhabitants of whom they had received from the spies so formidable a description. cities great and fenced up to heaven--Oriental cities generally cover a much greater space than those in Europe; for the houses often stand apart with gardens and fields intervening. They are almost all surrounded with walls built of burnt or sun-dried bricks, about forty feet in height. All classes in the East, but especially the nomad tribes, in their ignorance of engineering and artillery, would have abandoned in despair the idea of an assault on a walled town, which to-day would be demolished in a few hours.
Open source ↗Hear, O Israel,.... A pause being made after the delivery of the preceding discourse; or perhaps what follows might be delivered at another time, at some little distance; and which being of moment and importance to the glory of God, and that Israel might have a true notion of their duty, they are called upon to listen with attention to what was now about to be said: thou art to pass over Jordan this day; not precisely that very day, but in a short time after this; for it was on the first day of the eleventh month that Moses began the repetition of the laws he was now going on with, Deu 1:3, and it was not until the tenth day of the first month of the next year that the people passed over Jordan, Jos 4:19 which was about two months after this: to go in and possess nations greater and mightier than thyself; the seven nations named Deu 7:1 where the same characters are given of them: cities great and fenced up to heaven; as they were said to be by the spies, Deu 1:28, and were no doubt both large and strongly fortified, and not to be easily taken by the Israelites, had not the Lord been with them, Deu 9:3.
Open source ↗Deu 9:1-3 Warning against a conceit of righteousness, with the occasion for the warning. As the Israelites were now about to cross over the Jordan ("this day," to indicate that the time was close at hand), to take possession of nations that were superior to them in size and strength (the tribes of Canaan mentioned in Deu 7:1), and great fortified cities reaching to the heavens (cf. Deu 1:28), namely, the great and tall nation of the Enakites (Deu 1:28), before which, as was well known, no one could stand (התיצּב, as in Deu 7:24); and as they also knew that Jehovah their God was going before them to destroy and humble these nations, they were not to say in their heart, when this was done, For my righteousness Jehovah hath brought me in to possess this land. In Deu 9:3, היּום וידעתּ is not to be taken in an imperative sense, but as expressive of the actual fact, and corresponding to Deu 9:1, "thou art to pass." Israel now knew for certain - namely, by the fact, which spoke so powerfully, of its having been successful against foes which it could never have conquered by itself, especially against Sihon and Og - that the Lord was going before it, as the leader and captain of His people (Schultz: see Deu 1:30). The threefold repetition of הוּא in Deu 9:3 is peculiarly emphatic. "A consuming fire:" as in Deu 4:24. ישׁמידם הוּא is more particularly defined by וגו יכניעם והוּא, which follows: not, however, as implying that השׁמיד does not signify complete destruction in this passage, but rather as explaining how the destruction would take place. Jehovah would destroy the Canaanites, by bring them down, humbling them before Israel, so that they would be able to drive them out and destroy them quickly "מהר, quickly, is no more opposed to Deu 7:22, 'thou mayest not destroy them qui…
Open source ↗The call to attention (Deu 9:1), Hear, O Israel, intimates that this was a new discourse, delivered at some distance of time after the former, probably the next sabbath day. I. Moses represents to the people the formidable strength of the enemies which they were now to encounter, Deu 9:1. The nations they were to dispossess were mightier than themselves, not a rude and undisciplined rout, like the natives of America, that were easily made a prey of. But, should they besiege them, they would find their cities well fortified, according as the art of fortification then was; should they engage them in the field, they would find the people great and tall, of whom common fame had reported that there was no standing before them, Deu 9:2. This representation is much the same with that which the evil spies had made (Num 13:28, Num 13:33), but made with a very different intention: that was designed to drive them from God and to discourage their hope in him; this to drive them to God and to engage their hope in him, since no power less than that which is almighty could secure and prosper them. II. He assures them of victory, by the presence of God with them, notwithstanding the strength of the enemy, Deu 9:3. "Understand therefore what thou must trust to for success, and which way thou must look; it is the Lord thy God that goes before thee, not only as thy captain, or commander-in-chief, to give direction, but as a consuming fire, to do execution among them. Observe, He shall destroy them, and then thou shalt drive them out. Thou canst not drive them out, unless he destroy them and bring them down. But he will not destroy them and bring them down, unless thou set thyself in good earnest to drive them out." We must do our endeavour in dependence upon God's grace, and we shall have…
Open source ↗9:1 walls that reach to the sky: This figurative language emphasizes the impossibility of breaching these walls by human effort alone (Num 13:28). If Israel were to enjoy success, God must lead the way and fight the battle (Deut 9:5).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity עָבַר (ʻâbar, H5674) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive,… יַרְדֵּן (Yardên, H3383) — Jarden, the principal river of Palestine יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) יָרַשׁ (yârash, H3423) — to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by… גּוֹי (gôwy, H1471) — a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight… גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent עָצוּם (ʻâtsûwm, H6099) — powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… בָּצַר (bâtsar, H1219) — to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e. inaccessible by height or fortification) שָׁמַיִם (shâmayim, H8064) — the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds…
Open source ↗עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent רוּם (rûwm, H7311) — to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively) בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… עֲנָקִי (ʻĂnâqîy, H6062) — an Anakite or descendant of Anak יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… יָצַב (yâtsab, H3320) — to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… עָנָק (ʻÂnâq, H6061) — Anak, a Canaanite
Open source ↗יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… עָבַר (ʻâbar, H5674) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive,… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אָכַל (ʼâkal, H398) — to eat (literally or figuratively) אֵשׁ (ʼêsh, H784) — fire (literally or figuratively) שָׁמַד (shâmad, H8045) — to desolate כָּנַע (kânaʻ, H3665) — properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish יָרַשׁ (yârash, H3423) — to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by… אָבַד (ʼâbad, H6) — properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy) מַהֵר (mahêr, H4118) — properly, hurrying; hence (adverbially) in ahurry דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a…
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) לֵבָב (lêbâb, H3824) — the heart (as the most interior organ); יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… הָדַף (Hâdaph, H1920) — to push away or down פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… צְדָקָה (tsᵉdâqâh, H6666) — rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue)… בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) יָרַשׁ (yârash, H3423) — to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) רִשְׁעָה (rishʻâh, H7564) — wrong (especially moral) גּוֹי (gôwy, H1471) — a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight…
Open source ↗צְדָקָה (tsᵉdâqâh, H6666) — rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue)… יֹשֶׁר (yôsher, H3476) — the right לֵבָב (lêbâb, H3824) — the heart (as the most interior organ); בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) יָרַשׁ (yârash, H3423) — to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) רִשְׁעָה (rishʻâh, H7564) — wrong (especially moral) גּוֹי (gôwy, H1471) — a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause שָׁבַע (shâbaʻ, H7650) — to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
Open source ↗יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) טוֹב (ṭôwb, H2896) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) יָרַשׁ (yârash, H3423) — to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by… צְדָקָה (tsᵉdâqâh, H6666) — rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue)… עֹרֶף (ʻôreph, H6203) — the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal… קָשֶׁה (qâsheh, H7186) — severe (in various applications) עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence…
Open source ↗זָכַר (zâkar, H2142) — properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention;… שָׁכַח (shâkach, H7911) — to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… קָצַף (qâtsaph, H7107) — to crack off, i.e. (figuratively) burst out in rage מִדְבָּר (midbâr, H4057) — a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert; also… מִן (min, H4480) — properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) מִצְרַיִם (Mitsrayim, H4714) — Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) מָקוֹם (mâqôwm, H4725) — properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific);… מָרָה (mârâh, H4784) — to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist;…
Open source ↗חֹרֵב (Chôrêb, H2722) — Choreb, a (generic) name for the Sinaitic mountains קָצַף (qâtsaph, H7107) — to crack off, i.e. (figuratively) burst out in rage יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָנַף (ʼânaph, H599) — to breathe hard, i.e. be enraged שָׁמַד (shâmad, H8045) — to desolate
Open source ↗עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… הַר (har, H2022) — a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively) לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) לוּחַ (lûwach, H3871) — probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal אֶבֶן (ʼeben, H68) — a stone בְּרִית (bᵉrîyth, H1285) — a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God כָּרַת (kârath, H3772) — to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to… יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… אַרְבָּעִים (ʼarbâʻîym, H705) — forty יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… לַיִל (layil, H3915) — properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity אָכַל (ʼâkal, H398) — to eat (literally or figuratively) לֶחֶם (lechem, H3899) — food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) שְׁנַיִם (shᵉnayim, H8147) — two; also (as ordinal) twofold לוּחַ (lûwach, H3871) — probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal אֶבֶן (ʼeben, H68) — a stone כָּתַב (kâthab, H3789) — to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe) אֶצְבַּע (ʼetsbaʻ, H676) — something to sieze with, i.e. a finger; by analogy, a toe אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… הַר (har, H2022) — a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively) תָּוֶךְ (tâvek, H8432) — a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre אֵשׁ (ʼêsh, H784) — fire (literally or figuratively) יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to…
Open source ↗קֵץ (qêts, H7093) — an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after אַרְבָּעִים (ʼarbâʻîym, H705) — forty יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… לַיִל (layil, H3915) — properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) שְׁנַיִם (shᵉnayim, H8147) — two; also (as ordinal) twofold לוּחַ (lûwach, H3871) — probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal אֶבֶן (ʼeben, H68) — a stone בְּרִית (bᵉrîyth, H1285) — a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… מַהֵר (mahêr, H4118) — properly, hurrying; hence (adverbially) in ahurry עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… מִצְרַיִם (Mitsrayim, H4714) — Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt שָׁחַת (shâchath, H7843) — to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively) סוּר (çûwr, H5493) — to turn off (literal or figurative) דֶּרֶךְ (derek, H1870) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application מַסֵּכָה (maççêkâh, H4541) — properly, a pouring over, i.e. fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication,…
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… עֹרֶף (ʻôreph, H6203) — the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal… קָשֶׁה (qâsheh, H7186) — severe (in various applications)
Open source ↗רָפָה (râphâh, H7503) — to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative) שָׁמַד (shâmad, H8045) — to desolate מָחָה (mâchâh, H4229) — properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil),… שֵׁם (shêm, H8034) — an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority,… שָׁמַיִם (shâmayim, H8064) — the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application אֵת (ʼêth, H854) — properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally,… גּוֹי (gôwy, H1471) — a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight… עָצוּם (ʻâtsûwm, H6099) — powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous רַב (rab, H7227) — abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Open source ↗Cross-references
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For you are about to cross the Jordan to enter and possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you. When you take possession of it and settle in it,
to drive out before you nations greater and mightier than you, and to bring you into their land and give it to you for your inheritance, as it is this day.
Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”
then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and stronger than you.
At that time I commanded you: “The LORD your God has given you this land to possess. All your men of valor are to cross over, armed for battle, ahead of your brothers, the Israelites.
When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you—
“Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’”
So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them.
They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.
On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho.