Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 2:27
“Let us pass through your land; we will stay on the main road. We will not turn to the right or to the left.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses relays Israel’s diplomatic request to Sihon king of Heshbon from the Wilderness of Kedemoth during their approach to Transjordan. The text states the Israelites will remain on the main road and refuse to turn right or left, framing the moment as a formal transit petition.
The words — The Hebrew אֶעְבּ֫רָ֣ה ('e'be.Rah) translates to "let me pass," while לֹא אָס֖וּר ('a.Sur) means "I will not turn aside." These terms literally denote uninterrupted movement along a designated path rather than a military maneuver.
The thread — This negotiation appears in Numbers 21:21 and Judges 11:19, while the parallel promise to purchase provisions is recorded in Deuteronomy 2:6. The texts collectively document a repeated diplomatic pattern before hostilities with Sihon.
Why it lands — The passage requires a reader to note the explicit boundary conditions Israel sets for movement through foreign territory. It demands recognition that the stated commitment to a single route functions as a concrete prerequisite for peaceful transit.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Let me pass through thy land: I will go along by the high way, I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left.
Cross-references
- Judges 11:19 And Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon, and said to him, ‘Please let us pass through your land into our own place.’
- Numbers 21:21 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
- Deuteronomy 2:6 You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’”