Deuteronomy 9:1
Deuteronomy 9:1 in Multiple Translations
Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens.
Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,
Hear, O Israel: thou art to pass over the Jordan this day, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fortified up to heaven,
Give ear, O Israel: today you are to go over Jordan, to take the heritage of nations greater and stronger than yourselves, and towns of great size with walls as high as heaven;
Listen, people of Israel! Shortly you're going to cross the Jordan to enter and take over the country from nations that are larger and stronger than you, that have large towns with walls that reach up into the sky.
Heare O Israel, Thou shalt passe ouer Iorden this day, to goe in and to possesse nations greater and mightier then thy selfe, and cities great and walled vp to heauen,
'Hear, Israel, thou art passing over to-day the Jordan, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself; cities great and fenced in the heavens;
Hear, Israel! You are to pass over the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to the sky,
Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fortified up to heaven,
Hear, O Israel: Thou shalt go over the Jordan this day; to possess nations very great, and stronger than thyself, cities great, and walled up to the sky,
“You people of Israel, listen to me! You will soon [HYP] cross the Jordan River. In the land that you will enter, there are large cities that have very high walls around them that seem to [HYP] extend up to the sky. There are people-groups in that land that are more numerous and more powerful than you are.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 9:1
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 9:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׁמַ֣ע
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
אַתָּ֨ה
עֹבֵ֤ר
הַ/יּוֹם֙
אֶת
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
לָ/בֹא֙
לָ/רֶ֣שֶׁת
גּוֹיִ֔ם
גְּדֹלִ֥ים
וַ/עֲצֻמִ֖ים
מִמֶּ֑/ךָּ
עָרִ֛ים
גְּדֹלֹ֥ת
וּ/בְצֻרֹ֖ת
בַּ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
שְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אַתָּ֨ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עֹבֵ֤ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal
הַ/יּוֹם֙
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Yardên
H3383
Jordan
Art | N-proper
לָ/בֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לָ/רֶ֣שֶׁת
yârash
H3423
to possess
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
גּוֹיִ֔ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
גְּדֹלִ֥ים
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
וַ/עֲצֻמִ֖ים
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
mighty
Conj | Adj
מִמֶּ֑/ךָּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
עָרִ֛ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
גְּדֹלֹ֥ת
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
וּ/בְצֻרֹ֖ת
bâtsar
H1219
to gather/restrain/fortify
Conj | Adj
בַּ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 9:1
שְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אַתָּ֨ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עֹבֵ֤ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
הַ/יּוֹם֙
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן
Yardên
H3383
"Jordan"
Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
לָ/בֹא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לָ/רֶ֣שֶׁת
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
גּוֹיִ֔ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
גְּדֹלִ֥ים
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וַ/עֲצֻמִ֖ים
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
"mighty"
Conj | Adj
This word means mighty or powerful, often describing something as strong or numerous. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power and strength.
Definition: 1) mighty, vast, numerous 1a) mighty, strong (in number) 1b) numerous, countless
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, great, mighty, must, strong. See also: Genesis 18:18; Proverbs 7:26; Psalms 10:10.
מִמֶּ֑/ךָּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
עָרִ֛ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
גְּדֹלֹ֥ת
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וּ/בְצֻרֹ֖ת
bâtsar
H1219
"to gather/restrain/fortify"
Conj | Adj
This word means to gather or fortify, often used to describe harvesting grapes or building strong walls. It appears in the Bible to describe the gathering of crops, such as in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to restrain or make something inaccessible.
Definition: 1) to gather, restrain, fence, fortify, make inaccessible, enclose 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a2) fortified, cut off, made inaccessible (pass participle) 1a3) secrets, mysteries, inaccessible things (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld 1c) (Piel) to fortify
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cut off, (de-) fenced, fortify, (grape) gather(-er), mighty things, restrain, strong, wall (up), withhold. See also: Genesis 11:6; Job 42:2; Psalms 76:13.
בַּ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 9:1
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- Deuteronomy 9:1 Summary
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- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:1
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 9:1
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 9:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:1
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 9:1
Context — Assurance of Victory
1Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens.
2The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?” 3But understand that today the LORD your God goes across ahead of you as a consuming fire; He will destroy them and subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them swiftly, as the LORD has promised you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 11:31 | 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, |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 4:38 | 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. |
| 3 | 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.’” |
| 4 | Joshua 1:11 | “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.’” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 7:1 | 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— |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 11:23 | then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and stronger than you. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 3:18 | 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. |
| 8 | Joshua 4:19 | 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. |
| 9 | Numbers 13:28–33 | Nevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites live in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan.” Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!” But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!” So they gave the Israelites a bad report about the land that they had spied out: “The land we explored devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw there are great in stature. We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!” |
| 10 | Joshua 3:16 | the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. |
Deuteronomy 9:1 Summary
This verse is telling the Israelites that they are about to enter a new land, where they will face many challenges and strong enemies, but God is with them and will help them overcome these challenges, just as He promised in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:9. The 'cities fortified to the heavens' represent the overwhelming obstacles that the Israelites will face, but God's power is greater than any human strength or ingenuity. As we face our own challenges, we can trust in God's power and promises, just like the Israelites, and know that He will be with us every step of the way, as seen in Isaiah 41:10 and Matthew 28:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Jordan River in Deuteronomy 9:1?
The Jordan River marks the boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land, symbolizing a new phase in Israel's journey, as seen in Joshua 3:1-17 and referenced in Hebrews 4:8-11.
Why does the verse emphasize the strength and size of the nations Israel is about to dispossess?
This emphasis serves to highlight God's power and faithfulness, as He is the one who will give Israel victory over these nations, despite their apparent invincibility, as promised in Deuteronomy 9:3 and seen in the conquests recorded in the book of Joshua.
What is meant by 'cities fortified to the heavens' in Deuteronomy 9:1?
This phrase is an idiomatic expression indicating that the cities are heavily fortified and seem impregnable, much like the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9, but God's power is not limited by human strength or ingenuity.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of faith and trust in God?
Deuteronomy 9:1 sets the stage for the Israelites to trust in God's power and promises, rather than their own strength, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, a theme that is echoed in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'fortified cities' in my life that seem insurmountable, and how can I trust God to help me overcome them?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's power, rather than my own strength, in my daily life and challenges?
- How does the promise of God's presence and help in Deuteronomy 9:3 encourage me to face the challenges ahead, and what does it mean for me to 'drive out' the enemies of my soul?
- What are some areas where I need to trust in God's faithfulness, rather than my own abilities, and how can I cultivate that trust in my heart?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 9:1
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 9:1
Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, This day - means this time.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:1
CHAPTER 9 Israel’ s march over Jordan to possess Canaan, . But must not ascribe it to their own righteousness, . A rehearsal of their manifold provocations at Horeb, , at Taberah, , and at Kadesh-barnea, . This day, i.e. shortly, within a little time, the word day being oft put for time, as , within two months; for Moses spake this on the first day of the eleventh month, , and they passed over Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, . Nations, i.e. the land of those nations; for that only they were to possess, but as for the nations or people they were not to possess, but to destroy them. Thus they are said to inherit Gad, , i.e. the country and cities of Gad, as it is there explained. Greater and mightier than thyself: this he adds, partly that they might not be surprised when they find them to be such; partly that they might not trust to their own strength, but wholly rely upon God’ s help, for the destroying of them, and, after the work was done, might ascribe the praise and glory of it to God alone, and not to themselves. Fenced up to heaven, as the spies reported, . See on .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:1
Deuteronomy 9:1 Hear, O Israel: Thou [art] to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,Ver. 1. Hear, O Israel.] It was all their business at present to hear, and yet he excites them so to do by an Oyez, as it were. He knew their dulness, and the din that corruption maketh in the best hearts; how soon sated men are with divine discourses, and how little heed they give to the most wholesome exhortations. Let a child be never so busy about his lesson, if but a bird fly by, he must needs look where he lights; so, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:1
IX. TO THE SINS OF THE EXODUS.(1) Hear, O Israel.—A fresh portion of the exhortation begins here. The cause of Israel’s conquest of Canaan is not to be sought in their own merit, but in the choice of Jehovah. Thou art to pass.—Literally, thou art passing: i.e., just about to pass. Nations greater and mightier than thyself.—If this is true (and there is no reason to doubt it), the responsibility of the conquest does not rest with Israel; they were the Divine executioners. (See Note on Joshua 5:13-14.) Cities . . . fenced up to heaven.—Comp. the expression in Genesis 11:4, “a city and a tower whose top may reach unto (literally, is in) heaven.” So here, “cities great and fortified in the heavens.” Was St. Paul thinking of this expression when he said, “We wrestle against spiritual wickedness in the heavenly regions?” (Ephesians 6:12).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:1
CHAPTER IX The people are informed that they shall shortly pass over Jordan, and that God shall go over before them, to expel the ancient inhabitants, 1-3. They are cautioned not to suppose that it is on account of their righteousness that God is to give them that land, 4-6. They are exhorted to remember their various provocations of the Divine Majesty, especially at Horeb, 7-14; and how Moses interceded for them, and destroyed the golden calf, 15-21. How they murmured at Taberah, 22; and rebelled at Kadesh-barnea, 23; and had been perverse from the beginning, 24. An account of the intercession of Moses in their behalf, 25-29. NOTES ON CHAP. IX Verse 1. Thou art to pass over Jordan this day] היום haiyom, this time; they had come thirty-eight years before this nearly to the verge of the promised land, but were not permitted at that day or time to pass over, because of their rebellions; but this time they shall certainly pass over. This was spoken about the eleventh month of the fortieth year of their journeying, and it was on the first month of the following year they passed over; and during this interim Moses died.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 9:1
1. Hear, O Israel] Deuteronomy 6:4. thou art to pass over Jordan this day] Similarly Deuteronomy 30:18 (and cp. Deuteronomy 2:18), Sg.; Deuteronomy 4:14; Deuteronomy 4:26; Deuteronomy 11:31; Deuteronomy 31:13, Pl., but apparently editorial. to possess] or dispossess. Deuteronomy 2:12; Deuteronomy 2:21 f., Deuteronomy 11:23, Deuteronomy 12:2; Deuteronomy 12:29, Deuteronomy 18:14, Deuteronomy 19:1, Deuteronomy 31:3, with personal object as here. For another form of same vb. see on Deuteronomy 4:38. nations greater and mightier than thyself] So Deuteronomy 4:38 also Sg.; Deuteronomy 11:23, Pl.: cp. Joshua 23:9. cities … fenced, etc.] See on Deuteronomy 1:28.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 9:1
The lesson of this chapter is exactly that of Eph 2:8, “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” In referring
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:1
1. Nations greater… cities great and fenced — This description of the nations and cities is similar to what we have in Deuteronomy 1:38.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 9:1
| Sermon | Description | |
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Dedication Focused by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences and coming to the knowledge of the truth. He refers to the Israelites' 40-year journey in th |
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(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the book of Deuteronomy, highlighting the repetition of God's laws and the importance of remembering His faithfulness. It emphasizes the need to look back a |
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Moses' Prayer by Bill Barratt | Bill Barratt emphasizes the significance of Moses' prayer as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, highlighting the formidable nature of their enemies and the necessit |
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Perfect Faith, 1980 by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of total commitment to God. He shares his personal experience of committing himself to God three years ago and witnessing the |
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God's Truth About Alliances by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon series titled "How Can Two Walk Together Except They Be Agreed?", the speaker addresses the topic of Satan's lies about holiness, separation, and false alliances. Th |
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God's Marvelous Grace by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of the nation of Israel as they turned away from God. Despite God sending prophets to warn them and call them back to Him, |
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A Day of Terror by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the presence of terror and fear in the world and how it affects our lives. He mentions the story of the children of Israel crossing the Jorda |