Definition: And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 3:2. It’s a really important passage that sets the stage for God's plan to establish Israel and give them a strong foundation. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is about obedience and responsibility – essentially, being good stewards of what God has given you. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD said unto me…” : This tells us that God is speaking directly to Moses, who was leading Israel after their exodus from Egypt. He's giving instructions and a responsibility. “…Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand…” : This is the key message . God isn’t asking us to be afraid of God. Instead, he’s saying that he will take over and protect everything – the people, the land, and everything within it. He's choosing to control this situation. “…and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.” : This is where it gets a little more detailed. It’s comparing Sihon, a powerful king from another land, to someone who was unfaithful and ignored God’s laws . Sihon: He was a ruler of the Amorites who built a huge temple in Heshbon (a place near the Jordan River). Ignoring God's Laws: Sihon was incredibly powerful, but he didn’t follow God’s commandments. He built his temple and worshipped idols, which angered God. “As thou didst unto him…” : God is saying that Sihon's actions – his disrespect and disregard for the rules - were similar to what we are about to do. So, what does this verse mean in simpler terms? It’s telling us that God is willing to take responsibility for everything he has given us. He doesn't want us to be in charge of everything on our own; He wants to guide and protect it. It’s a call to obedience – to follow God’s laws and commands, even when it's difficult. The overall message is about: God's authority: We are under God's rule. Responsibility: We are responsible for the land, the people, and everything within it. Protection: God will protect what he has given us. In a nutshell, it’s a powerful reminder that we need to be faithful and obedient to God’s commands. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you another example of a Bible passage?