Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 3:5
All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the Israelites on the plains of Moab, recounting the conquest of Og’s territory in Bashan. He describes the defensive architecture of the captured settlements immediately before detailing their subsequent destruction.
The words — The Hebrew term בְּצֻר֖וֹת (be.tzu.rot) denotes fortified structures, while חוֹמָ֥ה גְבֹהָ֖ה (cho.mah ge.vo.hah) specifies high walls. These terms literally describe the heavy fortifications and barred gates that characterized the sixty cities of Argob.
The thread — The emphasis on fortified cities echoes the Israelites’ earlier fear in Numbers 13:28 and the spies’ report in Deuteronomy 1:28. It also contrasts with the miraculous collapse of Jericho’s walls in Hebrews 11:30.
Why it lands — The text records the formidable defenses of the conquered cities before noting their complete destruction. It demands recognition that human fortifications cannot withstand divine judgment.
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
All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.
Cross-references
- Numbers 13:28 Nevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there.
- Deuteronomy 1:28 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.’”
- Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.