Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 2:30
But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through, for the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand, as is the case this day.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the Israelites on the plains of Moab, recounting the conquest of Sihon’s territory as the nation prepares to cross the Jordan into the land the LORD is giving them.
The words — The Hebrew verb הִקְשָׁה (hik.shah) translates literally as “he had made stubborn,” describing God’s action toward Sihon’s spirit and heart.
The thread — This motif of divine hardening appears in Exodus 4:21 and Exodus 11:10 regarding Pharaoh, and parallels the narrative in Numbers 21:23 where Sihon similarly refuses passage.
Why it lands — The text states that God hardened Sihon’s heart to deliver him into Israel’s hands, requiring readers to acknowledge divine sovereignty over historical events and trust in His judicial timing.
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
But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the Lord thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.
Cross-references
- Numbers 21:23 But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel.
- Exodus 4:21 The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.
- Exodus 11:10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that he would not let the Israelites go out of his land.
- Joshua 11:19 No city made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites living in Gibeon; all others were taken in battle.
- Romans 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
- Judges 11:20 But Sihon would not trust Israel to pass through his territory. So he gathered all his people, encamped in Jahaz, and fought with Israel.
- Isaiah 48:4 For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze.