Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 2דברים 2

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Israel circles Edom, Moab, and Ammon under strict command to respect each kin-nation's YHWH-given land, purchasing passage rather than plundering it. Only Sihon's Amorite kingdom, its heart hardened by YHWH like Pharaoh's, is offered peace, refuses, and falls under the ban — Israel's first conquered territory, framed throughout as both divine gift and covenantal restraint.

Translation & textual notes

The MT of Deuteronomy 2 is well preserved, with LXX and the Samaritan Pentateuch tracking it closely; differences are minor (place-name spellings such as Zamzummim/Zomzommim, and the LXX's occasional smoothing of the terse itinerary syntax). Two features shape how the chapter is read. First, the antiquarian ethnographic notices (vv. 10-12, 20-23) shift abruptly into third-person, retrospective, 'to this day' diction unlike the surrounding first-person Mosaic narrative; most critical readers take these as later scribal/editorial insertions supplying background on the land's earlier inhabitants, though they are integral to every witness and not a textual variant. Second, Moses' claim in v. 29 that Edom and Moab already granted Israel passage stands in tension with Numbers 20:14-21, where Edom refuses outright; harmonizers read v. 29 as diplomatic rhetoric addressed to Sihon rather than a strict historical report, while source-critics see divergent traditions. Finally, v. 33 preserves a ketiv-qere pair (consonantal בנו read as pointed בָּנָיו, 'his sons') — a routine scribal note on defective spelling, not a substantive variant. None of these features affect translation of the received consonantal text, which is stable throughout.

1

וַנֵּ֜פֶן וַנִּסַּ֤ע הַמִּדְבָּ֨רָה֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ יַם ס֔וּף כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֵלָ֑י וַנָּ֥סָב אֶת הַר שֵׂעִ֖יר יָמִ֥ים רַבִּֽים

Then we turned and set out into the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea, as YHWH had spoken to me, and we circled Mount Seir for many days.

Narrative resumptionasyndeton
Opens the historical retrospect directly continuing ch. 1's rebuke at Kadesh; the chain of wayyiqtols resumes the itinerary notice, now marking obedience to the command to turn back into the wilderness.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַנֵּ֜פֶןand we turnedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cp · פָּנָה (H6437)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּנָה (H6437) 'to turn'; the company's change of direction, resuming the itinerary frame after ch. 1's rebuke at Kadesh.
וַנִּסַּ֤עand we set outwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cp · נָסַע (H5265)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to pull up (tent pegs), journey, set out'; the standard verb of breaking camp in the wilderness itineraries.
הַמִּדְבָּ֨רָה֙into the wildernessart + N m sg abs + directional ה · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Adverbial accusative of direction (goal)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, steppe'; the ה-locale suffix marks direction, 'toward/into'.
דֶּ֣רֶךְthe way ofN c sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Construct chain (genitival), adverbial accusative of routeדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road, route'; construct governing יַם סוּף, specifying the route taken.
יַםSea ofN m sg constr · יָם (H3220)Construct chain (genitival)יָם (H3220) 'sea'; construct with סוּף forming the place name יַם־סוּף, 'Sea of Reeds/Red Sea'.
ס֔וּףReedsN m sg abs · סוּף (H5488)Genitive complement of construct chain (place name)סוּף (H5488) 'reed(s), rush'; with יָם forms יַם סוּף, recalling the exodus sea-crossing.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (comparative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; with כְּ forms the comparative conjunction 'just as, according as'.
דִּבֶּ֥רhe had spokenPiel perf 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (subordinate comparative clause)→ Perfective: a prior completed act (pluperfect nuance)דָּבַר (H1696), Piel 'to speak, declare'; the intensive stem is the ordinary form for verbal communication.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, from הָיָה 'to be'; traditionally read אֲדֹנָי.
אֵלָ֑יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object (dative of address)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; with 1cs suffix marking Moses as recipient of the divine word.
וַנָּ֥סָבand we circledwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cp · סָבַב (H5437)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסָבַב (H5437) 'to go around, circle'; the chapter's key verb for Israel's long circuit around Edomite territory (source tags this 1cs, but sense and subsequent verbs are 1cp 'we').
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הַרMountN m sg constr · הַר (H2022)Construct chain (genitival), direct objectהַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'; construct with שֵׂעִיר, the mountainous region of Edom.
שֵׂעִ֖ירSeirproper noun · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Genitive complement (place name)שֵׂעִיר (H8165), the hill country south/east of the Dead Sea, home of Esau's descendants (Edom); YHWH gave it to them as possession (v. 5).
יָמִ֥יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of durationיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural marks extended duration — 'many days' of circuitous wandering.
רַבִּֽיםmanyAdj m pl abs · רַב (H7227)Attributive adjective (modifying יָמִים)רַב (H7227) 'much, many, great'; modifies יָמִים, stressing the length of the circuit around Seir.
2

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֵלַ֥י לֵאמֹֽר

And YHWH said to me, saying,

Speech-introduction formulaasyndeton
A brief narrative frame (וַיֹּאמֶר...לֵאמֹר) introduces the divine speech running through v. 9, the classic double introduction (main verb + לֵאמֹר) typical of oracle reports.
Word-by-word analysis· 4 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard verb introducing direct divine speech.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
אֵלַ֥יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect objectאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marking Moses as addressee.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive of manner introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: marks the onset of a direct quotationאָמַר (H559) in the לֵאמֹר idiom, the standard formula introducing reported speech, untranslatable literally.
3

רַב לָכֶ֕ם סֹ֖ב אֶת הָהָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה פְּנ֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם צָפֹֽנָה

'You have circled this hill country long enough; turn northward.'

Direct quotation (divine command)asyndeton
The command proper begins here, a terse two-clause oracle (enough circling; turn north) that pivots the itinerary from the Seir circuit toward Moab — programmatic for the whole chapter's series of turns.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
רַבenoughAdj m sg constr · רַב (H7227)Predicate adjective (idiomatic: 'sufficient')רַב (H7227) 'much, enough'; the idiom רַב־לָכֶם 'you have had enough (of X)' signals termination of an activity — here, circling.
לָכֶ֕םfor youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְDative complement of רַב (idiom רַב־לָכֶם)לְ + 2mp suffix; forms the idiom 'you have had enough of/you have done enough X'.
סֹ֖בcirclingQal inf constr · סָבַב (H5437)Infinitive construct, complement of רַב (specifying the activity)→ Infinitive: names the action that is now 'enough'סָבַב (H5437) 'to circle, go around'; here as inf. construct completing רַב־לָכֶם — 'enough of your circling'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָהָ֣רthe hill countryart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Direct object of סֹבהַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'; referring to the Seir highlands just circled.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative (modifying הָהָר)זֶה (H2088) 'this'; agreeing with הָהָר, 'this hill country'.
פְּנ֥וּturn!Qal impv 2mp · פָּנָה (H6437)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct commandפָּנָה (H6437) 'to turn'; the same verb opening v. 1, now as YHWH's command reversing the earlier turn.
לָכֶ֖םfor yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְEthical/reflexive dativeלְ + 2mp suffix; reflexive dative reinforcing the imperative, 'turn yourselves'.
צָפֹֽנָהnorthwardN f sg abs + directional ה · צָפוֹן (H6828)Adverbial accusative of directionצָפוֹן (H6828) 'north'; the ה-locale suffix gives directional sense, marking the new heading.
4

וְאֶת הָעָם֮ צַ֣ו לֵאמֹר֒ אַתֶּ֣ם עֹֽבְרִ֗ים בִּגְבוּל֙ אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם בְּנֵי עֵשָׂ֔ו הַיֹּשְׁבִ֖ים בְּשֵׂעִ֑יר וְיִֽירְא֣וּ מִכֶּ֔ם וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם מְאֹֽד

And command the people, saying, "You are about to pass through the territory of your kinsmen, the sons of Esau, who live in Seir; they will be afraid of you, so be very careful."

Direct quotation (command to relay to the people)asyndeton
Moses is told to pass this command to the people directly — an embedded double-address (YHWH to Moses, Moses to relay to Israel) establishing the diplomatic protocol that recurs with Moab (v. 9) and Ammon (v. 19): kin-nations are not to be provoked.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerוְ joins this clause to v. 3's command; אֵת marks הָעָם as definite object of the coming imperative צַו.
הָעָם֮the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object (fronted before its verb)עַם (H5971) 'people'; fronted for emphasis ahead of the imperative צַו.
צַ֣וcommand!Piel impv 2ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct commandצָוָה (H6680), Piel 'to command, charge'; the standard verb for divine/authoritative instruction.
לֵאמֹר֒sayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: marks onset of quotationאָמַר (H559); the לֵאמֹר formula introducing the content of the command to the people.
אַתֶּ֣םyou (pl.)independent pronoun 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject (emphatic, fronted)אַתֶּם (H859) 2mp independent pronoun; emphatic subject before the participle עֹבְרִים.
עֹֽבְרִ֗יםabout to pass throughQal ptc m pl abs · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate participle (imminent/progressive present)→ Participle: durative/imminent action — 'you are (about) to cross'עָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over, through, by'; the chapter's key structuring verb, here of transit through kin territory (not conquest).
בִּגְבוּל֙through the territory ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · גְּבוּל (H1366)Prepositional phrase, locative complement of עֹבְרִיםגְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory'; construct with אֲחֵיכֶם, the bounded land of Esau's sons.
אֲחֵיכֶ֣םyour brothersN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · אָח (H251)Genitive complement of construct chainאָח (H251) 'brother'; kinship term stressing Edom's status as covenant-kin, grounding the prohibition on hostility.
בְּנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain in apposition to אֲחֵיכֶםבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct with עֵשָׂו, appositional identification of the 'brothers'.
עֵשָׂ֔וEsauproper noun · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Genitive complement (proper name)עֵשָׂו (H6215), Jacob's twin brother, ancestor of Edom; the kinship bond grounds YHWH's territorial grant to Edom.
הַיֹּשְׁבִ֖יםwho dwellart + Qal ptc m pl abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Substantival participle (relative-clause equivalent, modifying בְּנֵי עֵשָׂו)→ Participle: durative state of dwellingיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; substantival use with article functions as a relative clause, 'who dwell in Seir'.
בְּשֵׂעִ֑ירin Seirprep בְּ + proper noun · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Locative prepositional phraseשֵׂעִיר (H8165), the hill country of Edom.
וְיִֽירְא֣וּand they will fearwaw + Qal yiqtol 3mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb (sequential future)→ Yiqtol: future/anticipated resultיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, be afraid'; anticipates Edom's alarm at Israel's approach, hence the warning to take care.
מִכֶּ֔םof youprep מִן + 2mp suffix · מִן (H4480)Object of fear (source of fear)מִן (H4480) 'from'; with יָרֵא marks the object feared, 'afraid of you'.
וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖םand take (great) carewaw + Niphal weqatal 2mp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing imperatival force)→ Weqatal: continuing volitional/consequential nuance — 'be careful'שָׁמַר (H8104), Niphal 'to guard oneself, be careful, take heed'; reflexive nuance, warning against provoking the fearful Edomites.
מְאֹֽדvery (much)adverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifier (modifying וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּם)מְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies the warning to be careful.
5

אַל תִּתְגָּר֣וּ בָ֔ם כִּ֠י לֹֽא אֶתֵּ֤ן לָכֶם֙ מֵֽאַרְצָ֔ם עַ֖ד מִדְרַ֣ךְ כַּף רָ֑גֶל כִּֽי יְרֻשָּׁ֣ה לְעֵשָׂ֔ו נָתַ֖תִּי אֶת הַ֥ר שֵׂעִֽיר

Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not so much as a foot's tread, because I have given Mount Seir as a possession to Esau.

Causal explanation (ground for the prohibition)asyndeton
The double כִּי clauses ground the prohibition theologically: YHWH's grant of Seir to Esau is prior, legal, and total — 'not a footbreadth' — establishing the chapter's recurring principle that other nations' lands are also divine allotments Israel must respect.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
אַלdo notnegative particle (volitive) · אַל (H408)Negative particle (prohibitive, with jussive)אַל (H408), the negative used with volitional forms for prohibition (distinct from indicative לֹא).
תִּתְגָּר֣וּprovokeHitpael jussive 2mp · גָּרָה (H1624)Predicate verb (prohibition, main clause)→ Volitional (negative): a jussive-form prohibitionגָּרָה (H1624), Hitpael 'to stir oneself up against, provoke, engage in strife'; reflexive/reciprocal nuance — do not pick a fight.
בָ֔םwith themprep בְּ + 3mp suffix · בְּObject of the verb of contentionבְּ + 3mp suffix, 'against them' (the Edomites).
כִּ֠יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction, introducing ground for the prohibitionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason for the command not to provoke.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (indicative)לֹא (H3808), the plain indicative negative, here with the yiqtol אֶתֵּן.
אֶתֵּ֤ןI will giveQal yiqtol 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, negated future)→ Yiqtol: negated future — a firm declaration of what will not happenנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the chapter's theological keyword — YHWH as the one who allots land to nations, Israel included.
לָכֶם֙to youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְIndirect objectלְ + 2mp suffix marking the (negated) recipient.
מֵֽאַרְצָ֔םfrom their landprep מִן + N c sg constr + 3mp suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Partitive prepositional phrase (object of אֶתֵּן)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; מִן is partitive, 'any of their land' — total exclusion even in small part.
עַ֖דso much asprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase introducing extent (idiomatic 'not even')עַד (H5704) 'as far as, even'; here with negation forms 'not even a footbreadth'.
מִדְרַ֣ךְa treading ofN m sg constr · מִדְרָךְ (H4096)Construct chain (measure phrase)מִדְרָךְ (H4096) 'a place to tread, a footbreadth', from דָּרַךְ 'to tread'; rare noun forming the vivid idiom of this verse.
כַּףthe sole ofN f sg constr · כַּף (H3709)Construct chain (genitival)כַּף (H3709) 'palm, sole (of foot)'; construct with רֶגֶל, 'sole of a foot'.
רָ֑גֶלa footN f sg abs · רֶגֶל (H7272)Genitive complement of construct chainרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; completes the idiom מִדְרַךְ כַּף־רָגֶל, 'so much as a foot's tread' — total denial of territorial claim.
כִּֽיbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (second ground)כִּי (H3588); introduces the theological reason — the land is already YHWH's gift to Esau.
יְרֻשָּׁ֣הa possessionN f sg abs · יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425)Predicate noun (fronted, emphatic)יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425) 'possession, inheritance', from יָרַשׁ 'to possess/inherit'; a key term of the chapter's territorial theology — each nation has its divinely granted יְרֻשָּׁה.
לְעֵשָׂ֔וto Esauprep לְ + proper noun · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Indirect objectעֵשָׂו (H6215); recipient of YHWH's grant, parallel to Israel's own coming land-grant.
נָתַ֖תִּיI have givenQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, completed act)→ Perfective: a completed, standing legal grantנָתַן (H5414); the perfect marks this as an already-accomplished, irrevocable divine allotment.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַ֥רMountN m sg constr · הַר (H2022)Construct chain (genitival), direct objectהַר (H2022); construct with שֵׂעִיר, the object given.
שֵׂעִֽירSeirproper noun · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Genitive complement (place name)שֵׂעִיר (H8165); the territory Israel has just circled, now confirmed as Esau's divinely-granted possession.
6

אֹ֣כֶל תִּשְׁבְּר֧וּ מֵֽאִתָּ֛ם בַּכֶּ֖סֶף וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֑ם וְגַם מַ֜יִם תִּכְר֧וּ מֵאִתָּ֛ם בַּכֶּ֖סֶף וּשְׁתִיתֶֽם

You shall purchase food from them with silver, that you may eat, and you shall also buy water from them with silver, that you may drink.

Elaboration (specific terms of transit)asyndeton
Spells out the practical terms of the 'do not provoke' policy: all provisions are to be purchased at fair price, never taken by force — economic courtesy toward kin whose land Israel may not seize.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
אֹ֣כֶלfoodN m sg abs · אֹכֶל (H400)Direct object (fronted)אֹכֶל (H400) 'food', from אָכַל 'to eat'; fronted object of תִּשְׁבְּרוּ.
תִּשְׁבְּר֧וּyou shall buyQal yiqtol 2mp · שָׁבַר (H7666)Predicate verb (main clause, deontic future)→ Yiqtol: obligatory/instructional futureשָׁבַר (H7666) 'to buy grain/food'; a specialized commercial verb, stressing that provisions must be purchased, not seized.
מֵֽאִתָּ֛םfrom themprep מִן + prep אֵת + 3mp suffix · מֵאֵת (H854)Source prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; מִן + אֵת compound, 'from with them' i.e. from the Edomites as sellers.
בַּכֶּ֖סֶףwith silverprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Instrumental prepositional phraseכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; the means of fair payment, insisted on twice in this verse.
וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֑םthat you may eatwaw + Qal weqatal 2mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (purpose/result, weqatal continuing sequence)→ Weqatal: consequential/purpose nuance following the preceding instructionאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the intended result of the lawful purchase.
וְגַםand alsoconj וְ + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverbial particleגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; adds the second item (water) to the first (food).
מַ֜יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object (fronted)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'; plural in form, fronted object of תִּכְרוּ.
תִּכְר֧וּyou shall buyQal yiqtol 2mp · כָּרָה (H3739)Predicate verb (main clause, deontic future)→ Yiqtol: obligatory/instructional futureכָּרָה (H3739) II 'to buy, purchase' (distinct from כָּרָה I 'to dig'); parallels שָׁבַר for the water transaction.
מֵאִתָּ֛םfrom themprep מִן + prep אֵת + 3mp suffix · מֵאֵת (H854)Source prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; repeats the source phrase for the water purchase.
בַּכֶּ֖סֶףwith silverprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Instrumental prepositional phraseכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; repeated for emphasis — every transaction is to be paid.
וּשְׁתִיתֶֽםthat you may drinkwaw + Qal weqatal 2mp · שָׁתָה (H8354)Predicate verb (purpose/result, weqatal continuing sequence)→ Weqatal: consequential/purpose nuanceשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; the intended result of the lawful purchase, closing the verse's parallel food/water instructions.
7

כִּי֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ בֵּֽרַכְךָ֗ בְּכֹל֙ מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה יָדֶ֔ךָ יָדַ֣ע לֶכְתְּךָ֔ אֶת הַמִּדְבָּ֥ר הַגָּדֹ֖ל הַזֶּ֑ה זֶ֣ה אַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֗ה יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ לֹ֥א חָסַ֖רְתָּ דָּבָֽר

For YHWH your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand; he has known your walking through this great wilderness. These forty years YHWH your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing.

Causal explanation (ground for economic self-restraint)asyndeton
A theological aside interrupts the itinerary: Israel's forty years of divine provision explain why it can afford to purchase, not plunder, its way through kin territory — a retrospective summary that also functions as the epoch-marker anticipating v. 14's chronological notice.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
כִּי֩forconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (ground for preceding instructions)כִּי (H3588); explains why Israel need not fear scarcity — reliant on YHWH's blessing, not conquest.
יְהוָ֨הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָה (title)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; construct + suffix, 'your God', the covenant relational title.
בֵּֽרַכְךָ֗has blessed youPiel perf 3ms + 2ms suffix · בֵּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, ongoing state of blessingבָּרַךְ (H1288), Piel 'to bless'; the ground clause for the food/water instructions — Israel already prospers by YHWH's blessing and need not seize others' provisions.
בְּכֹל֙in allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (sphere complement)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with מַעֲשֵׂה, 'in every work'.
מַעֲשֵׂ֣הthe work ofN m sg constr · מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639)Construct chain (genitival)מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639) 'work, deed', from עָשָׂה 'to do'; construct with יָדֶךָ, 'the work of your hand'.
יָדֶ֔ךָyour handN c sg constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Genitive complement of construct chainיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom for labor/undertaking — 'all your handiwork'.
יָדַ֣עhe has knownQal perf 3ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, attentive actיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; covenantal/experiential nuance — YHWH has personally attended to Israel's journey.
לֶכְתְּךָ֔your walkingQal inf constr + 2ms suffix · הָלַךְ (H3212)Substantival infinitive, direct object of יָדַע→ Infinitive: the nominal action known by Godהָלַךְ (H1980/H3212) 'to go, walk'; here as construct infinitive, 'your going/walking' through the wilderness, the object of YHWH's attentive knowing.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Marks accusative of path (space traversed by לֶכְתְּךָ)אֵת (H853); here marks the wilderness as the accusative complement of the verbal noun לֶכְתְּךָ — 'your walking [through] this wilderness'.
הַמִּדְבָּ֥רthe wildernessart + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Accusative complement (space traversed)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; referring to the forty-year wilderness sojourn.
הַגָּדֹ֖לthe greatart + Adj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective (modifying הַמִּדְבָּר)גָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; emphasizes the vastness and severity of the wilderness.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative (modifying הַמִּדְבָּר)זֶה (H2088) 'this', agreeing with הַמִּדְבָּר.
זֶ֣הthesedemonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative (modifying אַרְבָּעִים שָׁנָה)זֶה (H2088); idiomatically 'these forty years', singular in form modifying the whole time-phrase.
אַרְבָּעִ֣יםfortycardinal number c pl abs · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Numeral modifying שָׁנָהאַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'; the paradigmatic round number for the wilderness generation.
שָׁנָ֗הyearsN f sg abs (distributive with numeral) · שָׁנָה (H8141)Adverbial accusative of durationשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; singular used distributively after the numeral, 'forty years'.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙your GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430); repeats the covenant title.
עִמָּ֔ךְwith youprep עִם + 2ms suffix · עִם (H5973)Predicate prepositional phrase (with elided הָיָה, 'has been')עִם (H5973) 'with'; predicate of presence — the theological summary of the wilderness years.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (indicative)לֹא (H3808).
חָסַ֖רְתָּyou have lackedQal perf 2ms · חָסֵר (H2637)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective: a completed state, negated — total absence of lackחָסֵר (H2637) 'to lack, be without'; the summary verdict on the wilderness provision — total divine sufficiency.
דָּבָֽרanythingN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of חָסַרְתָּדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing'; here generic 'anything' — 'you have lacked nothing'.
8

וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֞ר מֵאֵ֧ת אַחֵ֣ינוּ בְנֵי עֵשָׂ֗ו הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ בְּשֵׂעִ֔יר מִדֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ הָֽעֲרָבָ֔ה מֵאֵילַ֖ת וּמֵעֶצְיֹ֣ן גָּ֑בֶר וַנֵּ֨פֶן֙ וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֔ר דֶּ֖רֶךְ מִדְבַּ֥ר מוֹאָֽב

So we passed beyond our brothers the sons of Esau, who live in Seir, away from the Arabah road, from Elat and Ezion-geber; and we turned and passed on by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

Narrative continuation (itinerary notice)asyndeton
A dense itinerary verse tracks the final leg of the Seir circuit — past Elat and Ezion-geber on the Gulf of Aqaba — before the decisive turn north into the wilderness of Moab, setting up the Ar/Ammon material of vv. 9-23.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֞רand we passed bywaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cp · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over/by'; resumes the chapter's structuring verb, now of passing beyond Edomite territory.
מֵאֵ֧תaway fromprep מִן + prep אֵת · מֵאֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (source/separation, complement of וַנַּעֲבֹר)אֵת (H854) 'with'; מִן + אֵת, 'from beside/away from', marking separation from the kinsmen's territory.
אַחֵ֣ינוּour brothersN m pl constr + 1cp suffix · אָח (H251)Genitive complement (object of מֵאֵת)אָח (H251) 'brother'; again stresses kinship with Edom.
בְנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain in appositionבֵּן (H1121); construct with עֵשָׂו, appositional to אַחֵינוּ.
עֵשָׂ֗וEsauproper noun · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Genitive complement (proper name)עֵשָׂו (H6215).
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙who dwellart + Qal ptc m pl abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Substantival participle (relative-clause equivalent)→ Participle: durative state of dwellingיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell'; 'who dwell in Seir'.
בְּשֵׂעִ֔ירin Seirprep בְּ + proper noun · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Locative prepositional phraseשֵׂעִיר (H8165).
מִדֶּ֨רֶךְ֙from the way ofprep מִן + N c sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Source prepositional phrase (route departed from)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; construct with הָעֲרָבָה, marking the route Israel now leaves.
הָֽעֲרָבָ֔הthe Arabahart + N f sg abs · עֲרָבָה (H6160)Genitive complement of construct chainעֲרָבָה (H6160) 'desert plain, steppe'; the rift valley south of the Dead Sea, here a specific route-name.
מֵאֵילַ֖תfrom Elatprep מִן + proper noun · אֵילַת (H359)Source prepositional phrase (place name)אֵילַת (H359), Elat/Eloth, a port town at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba.
וּמֵעֶצְיֹ֣ןand from Ezion-conj וְ + prep מִן + proper noun (first element) · עֶצְיוֹן (H6100)Source prepositional phrase (place name, first element)עֶצְיוֹן (H6100); first element of the compound place name עֶצְיוֹן גֶּבֶר, Ezion-geber.
גָּ֑בֶר-geberproper noun (second element) · גֶּבֶר (H6100)Second element of compound place nameגֶּבֶר (H6100); with עֶצְיוֹן forms עֶצְיוֹן גֶּבֶר, Ezion-geber, a Red Sea port near Elat.
וַנֵּ֨פֶן֙and we turnedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cp · פָּנָה (H6437)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּנָה (H6437); echoes v. 1's turning verb, marking another change of direction.
וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֔רand we passed onwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cp · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674); repeated for the next leg of the journey, toward Moab.
דֶּ֖רֶךְthe way ofN c sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Construct chain (adverbial accusative of route)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870); construct with מִדְבַּר מוֹאָב, the new route taken.
מִדְבַּ֥רthe wilderness ofN m sg constr · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Construct chain (genitival)מִדְבָּר (H4057); construct with מוֹאָב, the steppe bordering Moab.
מוֹאָֽבMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive complement (place name)מוֹאָב (H4124), the nation descended from Lot (cf. v. 9), east of the Dead Sea — Israel's next kin-neighbor.
9

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗י אֶל תָּ֨צַר֙ אֶת מוֹאָ֔ב וְאַל תִּתְגָּ֥ר בָּ֖ם מִלְחָמָ֑ה כִּ֠י לֹֽא אֶתֵּ֨ן לְךָ֤ מֵֽאַרְצוֹ֙ יְרֻשָּׁ֔ה כִּ֣י לִבְנֵי ל֔וֹט נָתַ֥תִּי אֶת עָ֖ר יְרֻשָּֽׁה

And YHWH said to me, 'Do not harass Moab, nor provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given Ar to the sons of Lot as a possession.'

Direct quotation (divine prohibition, parallel to vv. 4-5)asyndeton
Structurally mirrors the Edom oracle (vv. 4-5): the same double-prohibition-plus-double-כִּי pattern is applied to Moab, reinforcing the chapter's recurring principle — kin-nations' lands are inviolable divine grants.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces a new divine speech, paralleling v. 2's formula for Edom.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֵלַ֗יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect objectאֶל (H413).
אֶלdo notnegative particle (volitive) · אַל (H408)Negative particle (prohibitive, with jussive)אַל (H408); here spelled אֶל, a common orthographic variant of the volitive negative, not the preposition אֶל.
תָּ֨צַר֙harassQal jussive 2ms · צָרַר (H6696)Predicate verb (prohibition, main clause)→ Volitional (negative): a jussive-form prohibitionצָרַר (H6696) 'to bind, besiege, harass'; hostile pressure short of open war.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מוֹאָ֔בMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Direct objectמוֹאָב (H4124).
וְאַלand do notconj וְ + negative particle (volitive) · אַל (H408)Negative particle (prohibitive, coordinated)אַל (H408); coordinated second prohibition.
תִּתְגָּ֥רprovokeHitpael jussive 2ms · גָּרָה (H1624)Predicate verb (prohibition, main clause)→ Volitional (negative): jussive prohibitionגָּרָה (H1624), Hitpael; repeats v. 5's verb, now toward Moab.
בָּ֖םwith themprep בְּ + 3mp suffix · בְּObject of contentionבְּ + 3mp suffix, 'against them' (the Moabites).
מִלְחָמָ֑הin battleN f sg abs (adverbial accusative) · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Adverbial accusative (specifying the mode of provocation)מִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle'; accusative specifying 'provoke to war/battle'.
כִּ֠יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588); grounds the prohibition.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (indicative)לֹא (H3808).
אֶתֵּ֨ןI will giveQal yiqtol 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, negated future)→ Yiqtol: negated future declarationנָתַן (H5414); repeats v. 5's declaration, now regarding Moab's land.
לְךָ֤to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְIndirect objectלְ + 2ms suffix.
מֵֽאַרְצוֹ֙from his landprep מִן + N c sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Partitive prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776); 'his' refers to Moab (collective singular).
יְרֻשָּׁ֔הas a possessionN f sg abs (adverbial accusative) · יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425)Adverbial accusative (result complement of אֶתֵּן)יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425); repeats the chapter's key term, now denied regarding Moab's own land.
כִּ֣יbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (second ground)כִּי (H3588).
לִבְנֵיto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Indirect object (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121); construct with לוֹט, the recipients of the grant.
ל֔וֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Genitive complement (proper name)לוֹט (H3876), Abraham's nephew, ancestor of Moab and Ammon (Gen 19); the kinship basis for YHWH's grant to both nations.
נָתַ֥תִּיI have givenQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, completed act)→ Perfective: a completed, standing legal grantנָתַן (H5414); the perfect confirms an already-settled divine allotment, as with Esau.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עָ֖רArproper noun · עָר (H6144)Direct object (place name)עָר (H6144), the chief city/territory of Moab, here standing for the whole Moabite land grant.
יְרֻשָּֽׁהas a possessionN f sg abs (adverbial accusative) · יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425)Adverbial accusative (predicate complement of נָתַתִּי)יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425); closes the verse echoing v. 5, now of Moab's territory as Lot's inheritance.
10

הָאֵמִ֥ים לְפָנִ֖ים יָ֣שְׁבוּ בָ֑הּ עַ֣ם גָּד֥וֹל וְרַ֛ב וָרָ֖ם כָּעֲנָקִֽים

(The Emim formerly lived there, a people great and numerous and tall like the Anakim.

Parenthetical antiquarian asideasyndeton
An editorial digression (vv. 10-12) breaks the itinerary to explain who previously inhabited Moabite land, in an archival register distinct from the surrounding first-person narrative — likely a later explanatory insertion, resuming the main narrative only at v. 13.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
הָאֵמִ֥יםthe Emimart + proper noun (gentilic) · אֵמִים (H368)Subject (fronted)אֵמִים/אֵימִים (H368) 'terrors, dreaded ones'; a pre-Moabite giant people, the first of the chapter's antiquarian ethnographic notices (vv. 10-12, 20-23).
לְפָנִ֖יםformerlyprep לְ + N c pl abs (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase of time (idiom, 'in former times')פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לְפָנִים idiomatically 'formerly, in earlier times' — a parenthetical antiquarian marker.
יָ֣שְׁבוּlivedQal perf 3cp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (main clause, parenthetical aside)→ Perfective: a completed past stateיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell'; opens this archival-style parenthesis on the land's earlier inhabitants.
בָ֑הּin itprep בְּ + 3fs suffix · בְּLocative complement (the land of Ar/Moab)בְּ + 3fs suffix, referring back to the land (feminine אֶרֶץ).
עַ֣םa peopleN m sg abs (apposition) · עַם (H5971)Apposition to הָאֵמִיםעַם (H5971) 'people'; in apposition, characterizing the Emim.
גָּד֥וֹלgreatAdj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective (modifying עַם)גָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; of the people's size/power.
וְרַ֛בand numerousconj וְ + Adj m sg abs · רַב (H7227)Attributive adjective (coordinated)רַב (H7227) 'much, many'; of population size.
וָרָ֖םand tallconj וְ + Qal ptc m sg abs (adjectival) · רוּם (H7311)Attributive participle (coordinated, adjectival use)→ Participle: stative/adjectival — 'lofty, tall'רוּם (H7311) 'to be high, exalted'; participial form used adjectivally of great physical stature.
כָּעֲנָקִֽיםlike the Anakimprep כְּ + art + N m pl abs (gentilic) · עֲנָק (H6062)Comparative prepositional phraseעֲנָק (H6062), the Anakim, a legendary race of giants (cf. Num 13:33); the comparative standard for imposing stature.
11

רְפָאִ֛ים יֵחָשְׁב֥וּ אַף הֵ֖ם כָּעֲנָקִ֑ים וְהַמֹּ֣אָבִ֔ים יִקְרְא֥וּ לָהֶ֖ם אֵמִֽים

They too are counted as Rephaim, like the Anakim, but the Moabites call them Emim.

Continuation of antiquarian asideasyndeton
Completes the ethnographic note begun in v. 10, explaining that the same giant clan bears different names in different mouths (Rephaim generically, Emim in Moabite usage) — a small piece of comparative ethnography embedded in the narrative.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
רְפָאִ֛יםRephaimproper noun (gentilic) · רְפָאִים (H7497)Predicate noun (fronted)רְפָאִים (H7497), a general term for pre-Israelite giant clans, elsewhere associated with the underworld shades poetically but here an ethnic label.
יֵחָשְׁב֥וּare countedNiphal yiqtol 3mp · חָשַׁב (H2803)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol (passive): a general/habitual classificationחָשַׁב (H2803), Niphal 'to be reckoned, considered'; a classificatory verb typical of this ethnographic aside.
אַףeven, alsoadverb · אַף (H637)Adverbial intensifier (modifying הֵם)אַף (H637) 'also, indeed'; emphasizes 'they too' are classed with the Anakim/Rephaim.
הֵ֖םtheyindependent pronoun 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject (resumptive, emphatic)הֵם (H1992) 3mp pronoun, resuming רְפָאִים as emphatic subject.
כָּעֲנָקִ֑יםlike the Anakimprep כְּ + art + N m pl abs (gentilic) · עֲנָק (H6062)Comparative prepositional phraseעֲנָק (H6062); repeats the comparative standard from v. 10.
וְהַמֹּ֣אָבִ֔יםbut the Moabitesconj וְ + art + gentilic N m pl abs · מוֹאָבִי (H4125)Subject (contrastive)מוֹאָבִי (H4125) 'Moabite'; introduces the contrast in nomenclature between outsider and native terms.
יִקְרְא֥וּcallQal yiqtol 3mp · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (main clause, habitual)→ Yiqtol: habitual/customary namingקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the Moabites' own term for this people.
לָהֶ֖םthemprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְObject complement of יִקְרְאוּ (naming construction)לְ + 3mp suffix; marks the object being named, 'call them Emim'.
אֵמִֽיםEmimproper noun (gentilic) · אֵמִים (H368)Predicate complement (the name given)אֵמִים (H368); the Moabite name for the same people the writer elsewhere calls Rephaim — a note on regional naming variance.
12

וּבְשֵׂעִ֞יר יָשְׁב֣וּ הַחֹרִים֮ לְפָנִים֒ וּבְנֵ֧י עֵשָׂ֣ו יִֽירָשׁ֗וּם וַיַּשְׁמִידוּם֙ מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם וַיֵּשְׁב֖וּ תַּחְתָּ֑ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֧ר עָשָׂ֣ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל לְאֶ֨רֶץ֙ יְרֻשָּׁת֔וֹ אֲשֶׁר נָתַ֥ן יְהוָ֖ה לָהֶֽם

The Horites also lived formerly in Seir, but the sons of Esau dispossessed them and destroyed them from before them and settled in their place, just as Israel did to the land of its possession, which YHWH gave to them.)

Continuation/conclusion of antiquarian asideasyndeton
Closes the parenthetical digression (vv. 10-12) by drawing an explicit analogy: Edom's dispossession of the Horites in Seir foreshadows and legitimizes Israel's coming dispossession of Canaan's inhabitants — the aside functions as theological precedent, not mere trivia.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וּבְשֵׂעִ֞ירand in Seirconj וְ + prep בְּ + proper noun · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Locative prepositional phrase (fronted)שֵׂעִיר (H8165); shifts the antiquarian note to Edom's territory.
יָשְׁב֣וּlivedQal perf 3cp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed past stateיָשַׁב (H3427); parallels v. 10's opening verb for the Emim, now of the Horites.
הַחֹרִים֮the Horitesart + gentilic N m pl abs · חֹרִי (H2752)Subjectחֹרִי (H2752), the Horites, the pre-Edomite inhabitants of Seir (cf. Gen 36), likely cave-dwellers or a Hurrian-related population.
לְפָנִים֒formerlyprep לְ + N c pl abs (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase of timeפָּנִים (H6440); repeats the idiom from v. 10.
וּבְנֵ֧יand the sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (subject)בֵּן (H1121); construct with עֵשָׂו, the new subject displacing the Horites.
עֵשָׂ֣וEsauproper noun · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Genitive complement (proper name)עֵשָׂו (H6215).
יִֽירָשׁ֗וּםdispossessed themQal yiqtol 3mp + 3mp suffix (narrative past use) · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb (main clause, preterite-like yiqtol)→ Yiqtol (narrative past): dispossession as accomplished historical actיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess, dispossess, inherit'; the key verb of conquest/succession, applied here to Edom's takeover of Seir — a precedent for Israel's own conquests.
וַיַּשְׁמִידוּם֙and destroyed themwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suffix · שָׁמַד (H8045)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמַד (H8045), Hiphil 'to destroy, exterminate'; the same annihilation-verb the chapter later uses of Israel's own victories (vv. 21-23, 34).
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔םfrom before themprep מִן + N c pl constr + 3mp suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative/source prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom 'from before them', i.e. cleared out of their path.
וַיֵּשְׁב֖וּand settledwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427); the settlement following dispossession, completing the succession formula repeated throughout the chapter.
תַּחְתָּ֑םin their placeprep תַּחַת + 3mp suffix · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative prepositional phrase (substitution)תַּחַת (H8478) 'under, instead of'; marks succession — new occupants replacing the old.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֧רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (comparative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the explicit analogy to Israel's own future conquest.
עָשָׂ֣הdidQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (subordinate comparative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act, used proleptically of Israel's future conquestעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; here proleptic — written from the standpoint of a completed conquest of Canaan, a mark of this parenthesis's later editorial perspective.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subjectיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); referred to in the third person — another mark of this verse's editorial voice.
לְאֶ֨רֶץ֙to the land ofprep לְ + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Prepositional phrase (indirect object/goal)אֶרֶץ (H776); construct with יְרֻשָּׁתוֹ, the land in view.
יְרֻשָּׁת֔וֹits possessionN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425)Genitive complement of construct chainיְרֻשָּׁה (H3425); the chapter's key term now applied explicitly to Israel's own (future) land.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative clause modifying אֶרֶץ יְרֻשָּׁתוֹאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the relative clause identifying the land as YHWH's gift.
נָתַ֥ןgaveQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of givingנָתַן (H5414); once more the chapter's theological keyword, now of Israel's own land.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
לָהֶֽםto themprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְIndirect objectלְ + 3mp suffix, referring to Israel.
13

עַתָּ֗ה קֻ֛מוּ וְעִבְר֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם אֶת נַ֣חַל זָ֑רֶד וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֖ר אֶת נַ֥חַל זָֽרֶד

'Now rise up and cross over the brook Zered.' So we crossed over the brook Zered.

Direct quotation + narrative fulfillment (command-and-compliance pair)asyndeton
A tight command-fulfillment pair — 'cross the Zered' / 'we crossed the Zered' — marks the single most important structural hinge in the chapter: the Zered crossing ends the thirty-eight-year exclusion of the war generation (v. 14) and opens the approach to Sihon's territory.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
עַתָּ֗הnowadverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Adverbial particle (marking resumption of the narrative)עַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; resumes the divine command after the antiquarian parenthesis (vv. 10-12), returning to first-person narrative.
קֻ֛מוּrise up!Qal impv 2mp · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct commandקוּם (H6965) 'to arise, stand up'; a call to resume the march.
וְעִבְר֥וּand cross overwaw + Qal impv 2mp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (imperative, coordinated)→ Volitional: direct commandעָבַר (H5674); the chapter's structuring verb, now as command to cross the Zered.
לָכֶ֖םfor yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְEthical/reflexive dativeלְ + 2mp suffix; reflexive dative reinforcing the imperative.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
נַ֣חַלthe brook ofN m sg constr · נַחַל (H5158)Construct chain (genitival), direct objectנַחַל (H5158) 'wadi, brook, torrent-valley'; construct with זָרֶד.
זָ֑רֶדZeredproper noun · זֶרֶד (H2218)Genitive complement (place name)זֶרֶד (H2218), the wadi marking the border between Edom/Moab, crossed at the close of the thirty-eight-year exclusion (v. 14).
וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֖רand we crossed overwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cp · עָבַר (H5674)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָבַר (H5674); narrative fulfillment of the preceding command — the chapter's key structuring verb marking the epochal crossing.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
נַ֥חַלthe brook ofN m sg constr · נַחַל (H5158)Construct chain (genitival), direct objectנַחַל (H5158); repeated for the fulfillment notice.
זָֽרֶדZeredproper noun · זֶרֶד (H2218)Genitive complement (place name)זֶרֶד (H2218); the crossing marks the epoch-boundary elaborated in v. 14.
14

וְהַיָּמִ֞ים אֲשֶׁר הָלַ֣כְנוּ מִקָּדֵ֣שׁ בַּרְנֵ֗עַ עַ֤ד אֲשֶׁר עָבַ֨רְנוּ֙ אֶת נַ֣חַל זֶ֔רֶד שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים וּשְׁמֹנֶ֖ה שָׁנָ֑ה עַד תֹּ֨ם כָּל הַדּ֜וֹר אַנְשֵׁ֤י הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ מִקֶּ֣רֶב הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר נִשְׁבַּ֥ע יְהוָ֖ה לָהֶֽם

And the days that we traveled from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed the brook Zered were thirty-eight years, until the entire generation of the men of war had perished from within the camp, as YHWH had sworn to them.

Chronological summary (narratorial aside)asyndeton
Supplies the chapter's precise chronological key: thirty-eight years elapsed between the Kadesh-barnea rebellion and the Zered crossing, framed as the working-out of YHWH's Numbers 14 oath that the war generation would die in the wilderness — the theological rationale for why Israel arrives at Moab's border only now.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
וְהַיָּמִ֞יםand the daysconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Subject (fronted)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural, the subject of the chronological summary.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative clause modifying הַיָּמִיםאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the temporal relative clause.
הָלַ֣כְנוּwe traveledQal perf 1cp · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed span of travelהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; of the whole span of wilderness travel.
מִקָּדֵ֣שׁfrom Kadeshprep מִן + proper noun (first element) · קָדֵשׁ (H6947)Source prepositional phrase (place name, first element)קָדֵשׁ (H6947); first element of the compound place-name קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ.
בַּרְנֵ֗עַ-barneaproper noun (second element) · בַּרְנֵעַ (H6947)Second element of compound place nameבַּרְנֵעַ; with קָדֵשׁ forms קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ, the oasis of the spies' rebellion (ch. 1), the start of this thirty-eight-year span.
עַ֤דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase introducing terminusעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; marks the temporal endpoint.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative clause (temporal terminus)אֲשֶׁר (H834); with עַד forms 'until (the time) that'.
עָבַ֨רְנוּ֙we crossedQal perf 1cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act, the terminus of the spanעָבַר (H5674); the chapter's key verb, marking the endpoint of the thirty-eight years.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
נַ֣חַלthe brook ofN m sg constr · נַחַל (H5158)Construct chain (genitival), direct objectנַחַל (H5158); construct with זֶרֶד.
זֶ֔רֶדZeredproper noun · זֶרֶד (H2218)Genitive complement (place name)זֶרֶד (H2218); the terminus of the span, per v. 13.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥יםthirtycardinal number c pl abs · שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970)Numeral (predicate complement of הַיָּמִים)שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970) 'thirty'; first element of the compound number thirty-eight.
וּשְׁמֹנֶ֖הand eightconj וְ + cardinal number f sg abs · שְׁמֹנֶה (H8083)Numeral (coordinated)שְׁמֹנֶה (H8083) 'eight'; completes 'thirty-eight'.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs (distributive) · שָׁנָה (H8141)Predicate noun (with numeral)שָׁנָה (H8141); the total span — thirty-eight of the forty years, counted from Kadesh-barnea's rebellion.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase introducing terminus (second)עַד (H5704); introduces the second, explanatory terminus clause — until the generation perished.
תֹּ֨םthe perishing ofQal inf constr · תָּמַם (H8552)Substantival infinitive, object of עַד→ Infinitive: names the process reaching completionתָּמַם (H8552) 'to be complete, finished, come to an end'; euphemistically of the generation's dying out.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), subject of תֹּםכֹּל (H3605); construct with הַדּוֹר, 'the whole generation'.
הַדּ֜וֹרthe generationart + N m sg abs · דּוֹר (H1755)Genitive complement of construct chainדּוֹר (H1755) 'generation'; the exodus generation condemned in Numbers 14.
אַנְשֵׁ֤יthe men ofN m pl constr · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain in apposition to הַדּוֹראִישׁ (H376); construct with הַמִּלְחָמָה, specifying the fighting men.
הַמִּלְחָמָה֙warart + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Genitive complement of construct chainמִלְחָמָה (H4421); the military-age men, per Numbers 14's sentence of death in the wilderness.
מִקֶּ֣רֶבfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative/source prepositional phraseקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inner part'; construct with הַמַּחֲנֶה.
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔הthe campart + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Genitive complement of construct chainמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; the wilderness encampment from which the condemned generation was removed by death.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (comparative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the confirming oath clause.
נִשְׁבַּ֥עhe had swornNiphal perf 3ms · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb (subordinate comparative clause)→ Perfective: a prior completed oath (pluperfect nuance)שָׁבַע (H7650), Niphal 'to swear'; recalls YHWH's oath in Numbers 14:22-23 condemning the generation.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
לָהֶֽםto themprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְIndirect objectלְ + 3mp suffix, referring to the condemned generation.
15

וְגַ֤ם יַד יְהוָה֙ הָ֣יְתָה בָּ֔ם לְהֻמָּ֖ם מִקֶּ֣רֶב הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה עַ֖ד תֻּמָּֽם

Moreover, the hand of YHWH was against them, to destroy them from within the camp, until they were finished off.

Elaborating aside (theological intensification)asyndeton
Reinforces v. 14's chronological note with a starker theological claim: the deaths in the wilderness were not mere attrition but the active 'hand of YHWH' executing the Numbers 14 sentence — judgment, not accident.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְגַ֤םmoreoverconj וְ + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverbial particleגַּם (H1571) 'also, moreover'; intensifies the preceding statement, adding a further note.
יַדthe hand ofN c sg constr · יָד (H3027)Construct chain (subject)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; construct with יְהוָה, the idiom for divine active power/agency.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement (proper name)יְהוָה (H3068); 'the hand of YHWH' — a vivid idiom for direct divine intervention, here in judgment.
הָ֣יְתָהwasQal perf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, sustained stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; the copular verb, here of a sustained hostile presence.
בָּ֔םagainst themprep בְּ + 3mp suffix · בְּPredicate complement (hostile sense of בְּ)בְּ + 3mp suffix; adversative, 'against them', typical of יַד יְהוָה הָיְתָה בְּ.
לְהֻמָּ֖םto destroy themprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3mp suffix · הָמַם (H2000)Infinitive of purpose/result→ Infinitive: purpose — the intended effect of the divine handהָמַם (H2000) 'to throw into confusion, destroy, rout'; elsewhere of YHWH routing enemies, here turned against Israel's own rebellious generation.
מִקֶּ֣רֶבfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative/source prepositional phraseקֶרֶב (H7130); repeats v. 14's phrase.
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑הthe campart + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Genitive complement of construct chainמַחֲנֶה (H4264); the encampment being purged of the condemned generation.
עַ֖דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase introducing terminusעַד (H5704).
תֻּמָּֽםthey were finished offQal inf constr + 3mp suffix · תָּמַם (H8552)Substantival infinitive, object of עַד→ Infinitive: names the completion of the processתָּמַם (H8552); repeats v. 14's verb, the euphemistic 'coming to an end' of the war generation.
16

וַיְהִ֨י כַאֲשֶׁר תַּ֜מּוּ כָּל אַנְשֵׁ֧י הַמִּלְחָמָ֛ה לָמ֖וּת מִקֶּ֥רֶב הָעָֽם

So it was, when all the men of war had finished dying from among the people,

Narrative transition (resumption)asyndeton
The formulaic וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר marks the return to straightforward narrative after the theological/chronological digression of vv. 14-15, pivoting directly into YHWH's renewed speech in v. 17.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיְהִ֨יand it happenedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative transitionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; standard narrative transition formula, resuming the storyline after the asides of vv. 14-15.
כַאֲשֶׁרwhenprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (temporal clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834); with כְּ, temporal 'when, as soon as'.
תַּ֜מּוּhad finishedQal perf 3cp · תָּמַם (H8552)Predicate verb (temporal subordinate clause)→ Perfective: a completed processתָּמַם (H8552); the third occurrence of this verb across vv. 14-16, underscoring the totality of the generation's demise.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), subject of תַּמּוּכֹּל (H3605); construct with אַנְשֵׁי הַמִּלְחָמָה.
אַנְשֵׁ֧יthe men ofN m pl constr · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain (genitival)אִישׁ (H376); construct with הַמִּלְחָמָה.
הַמִּלְחָמָ֛הwarart + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Genitive complement of construct chainמִלְחָמָה (H4421); repeats the designation from v. 14.
לָמ֖וּתin dyingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · מוּת (H4191)Infinitival complement of תַּמּוּ (specifying the manner of completion)→ Infinitive: specifies the process completed — 'finished dying'מוּת (H4191) 'to die'; completes the idiom תַּמּוּ...לָמוּת, 'they finished dying out'.
מִקֶּ֥רֶבfrom amongprep מִן + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative/source prepositional phraseקֶרֶב (H7130); construct with הָעָם.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive complement of construct chainעַם (H5971); the whole community, from which the war generation is now entirely removed.
17

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֵלַ֥י לֵאמֹֽר

YHWH spoke to me, saying,

Speech-introduction formulaasyndeton
A third instance of the chapter's recurring 'YHWH spoke to me, saying' formula (cf. vv. 2, 9), introducing the longest divine speech of the chapter (vv. 17-25), covering Ammon and preparing for the Sihon campaign.
Word-by-word analysis· 4 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokewaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696), Piel 'to speak'; introduces the next divine oracle, now concerning Ammon and the approach to Sihon.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֵלַ֥יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect objectאֶל (H413).
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: marks onset of quotationאָמַר (H559); the לֵאמֹר formula, introducing the speech continuing through v. 25.
18

אַתָּ֨ה עֹבֵ֥ר הַיּ֛וֹם אֶת גְּב֥וּל מוֹאָ֖ב אֶת עָֽר

'You are about to pass over the border of Moab, at Ar, today.'

Direct quotation (notice of imminent border crossing)asyndeton
Marks the geographical transition toward Ammonite territory, using the same 'about to cross' participle construction as v. 4 for Edom — establishing a parallel diplomatic sequence: Edom, then Moab, now Ammon.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
אַתָּ֨הyouindependent pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject (emphatic, fronted)אַתָּה (H859) 2ms independent pronoun; emphatic subject before the participle עֹבֵר.
עֹבֵ֥רabout to pass overQal ptc m sg abs · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate participle (imminent present)→ Participle: durative/imminent actionעָבַר (H5674); the chapter's key verb, now addressed to Moses in the singular (representing the nation).
הַיּ֛וֹםtodayart + N m sg abs (adverbial) · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of timeיוֹם (H3117); 'today', marking the immediacy of the border crossing.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
גְּב֥וּלthe border ofN m sg constr · גְּבוּל (H1366)Construct chain (genitival), direct objectגְּבוּל (H1366); construct with מוֹאָב, the territorial boundary.
מוֹאָ֖בMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive complement (place name)מוֹאָב (H4124).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (in apposition, marking Ar)אֵת (H853); marks עָר appositionally as a further specification of the border crossed.
עָֽרArproper noun · עָר (H6144)Direct object (place name, in apposition to גְּבוּל מוֹאָב)עָר (H6144); repeats v. 9's Moabite city/territory, here marking the specific point of border crossing.
19

וְקָרַבְתָּ֗ מ֚וּל בְּנֵ֣י עַמּ֔וֹן אַל תְּצֻרֵ֖ם וְאַל תִּתְגָּ֣ר בָּ֑ם כִּ֣י לֹֽא אֶ֠תֵּן מֵאֶ֨רֶץ בְּנֵי עַמּ֤וֹן לְךָ֙ יְרֻשָּׁ֔ה כִּ֥י לִבְנֵי ל֖וֹט נְתַתִּ֥יהָ יְרֻשָּֽׁה

And when you come opposite the sons of Ammon, do not harass them nor provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the sons of Ammon as a possession, because I have given it to the sons of Lot as a possession.

Direct quotation (divine prohibition, third parallel to vv. 4-5, 9)asyndeton
Completes the triad of kin-nation prohibitions (Edom, Moab, Ammon), each with the same double-prohibition-plus-כִּי pattern — establishing that Israel's restraint toward Lot's and Esau's descendants is total, consistent policy, not situational.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וְקָרַבְתָּ֗and when you come nearwaw + Qal weqatal 2ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal, temporal/conditional continuation)→ Weqatal: sequential/conditional future — 'when you draw near'קָרַב (H7126) 'to draw near, approach'; marks the next stage of the itinerary, approaching Ammon.
מ֚וּלoppositeprep · מוּל (H4136)Prepositional phrase (spatial, complement of וְקָרַבְתָּ)מוּל (H4136) 'in front of, opposite'; marks proximity without crossing into Ammonite territory proper.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121); construct with עַמּוֹן.
עַמּ֔וֹןAmmonproper noun · עַמּוֹן (H5983)Genitive complement (place/people name)עַמּוֹן (H5983), the Ammonites, also descended from Lot (Gen 19:38), Israel's next kin-neighbor after Moab.
אַלdo notnegative particle (volitive) · אַל (H408)Negative particle (prohibitive)אַל (H408).
תְּצֻרֵ֖םharass themQal jussive 2ms + 3mp suffix · צָרַר (H6696)Predicate verb (prohibition, main clause)→ Volitional (negative): jussive prohibitionצָרַר (H6696); repeats v. 9's verb, now applied to Ammon.
וְאַלand do notconj וְ + negative particle (volitive) · אַל (H408)Negative particle (prohibitive, coordinated)אַל (H408); coordinated second prohibition.
תִּתְגָּ֣רprovokeHitpael jussive 2ms · גָּרָה (H1624)Predicate verb (prohibition, main clause)→ Volitional (negative): jussive prohibitionגָּרָה (H1624), Hitpael; the third occurrence of this verb pair (Edom, Moab, now Ammon).
בָּ֑םwith themprep בְּ + 3mp suffix · בְּObject of contentionבְּ + 3mp suffix, 'against them' (the Ammonites).
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588); grounds the prohibition, as with Edom and Moab.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (indicative)לֹא (H3808).
אֶ֠תֵּןI will giveQal yiqtol 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, negated future)→ Yiqtol: negated future declarationנָתַן (H5414); the third repetition of this pattern (cf. vv. 5, 9).
מֵאֶ֨רֶץfrom the land ofprep מִן + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Partitive prepositional phrase (source, construct)אֶרֶץ (H776); construct with בְּנֵי עַמּוֹן.
בְּנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121); construct with עַמּוֹן.
עַמּ֤וֹןAmmonproper noun · עַמּוֹן (H5983)Genitive complement (place/people name)עַמּוֹן (H5983).
לְךָ֙to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְIndirect objectלְ + 2ms suffix.
יְרֻשָּׁ֔הas a possessionN f sg abs (adverbial accusative) · יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425)Adverbial accusative (result complement of אֶתֵּן)יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425); the chapter's recurring key term, now denied of Ammon's land.
כִּ֥יbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (second ground)כִּי (H3588).
לִבְנֵיto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Indirect object (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121); construct with לוֹט.
ל֖וֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Genitive complement (proper name)לוֹט (H3876); ancestor of both Moab and Ammon (Gen 19), the shared kinship basis for both grants.
נְתַתִּ֥יהָI have given itQal perf 1cs + 3fs suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, completed act)→ Perfective: a completed, standing legal grantנָתַן (H5414); the perfect confirms the grant, with 3fs suffix referring to the land (feminine אֶרֶץ).
יְרֻשָּֽׁהas a possessionN f sg abs (adverbial accusative) · יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425)Adverbial accusative (predicate complement of נְתַתִּיהָ)יְרֻשָּׁה (H3425); closes the verse, completing the third of the chapter's three parallel land-grant declarations (Edom, Moab, Ammon).
20

אֶֽרֶץ רְפָאִ֥ים תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב אַף הִ֑וא רְפָאִ֤ים יָֽשְׁבוּ בָהּ֙ לְפָנִ֔ים וְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔ים יִקְרְא֥וּ לָהֶ֖ם זַמְזֻמִּֽים

(It also is counted as a land of Rephaim; Rephaim formerly lived in it, but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

Parenthetical antiquarian aside (Ammon parallel to Moab, vv. 10-12)asyndeton
A structural twin to the Emim/Horite notices of vv. 10-12: the same giant Rephaim clan is renamed by each nation (Emim by Moab, Zamzummim by Ammon), reinforcing that YHWH has dispossessed primeval giant peoples on behalf of each of Israel's neighbors in turn.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
אֶֽרֶץa land ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Predicate noun (construct, fronted)אֶרֶץ (H776); construct with רְפָאִים, echoing v. 10's parenthetical style now applied to Ammon.
רְפָאִ֥יםRephaimproper noun (gentilic) · רְפָאִים (H7497)Genitive complement of construct chainרְפָאִים (H7497); repeats v. 11's ethnic classification.
תֵּחָשֵׁ֖בis countedNiphal yiqtol 3fs · חָשַׁב (H2803)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol (passive): a general/habitual classificationחָשַׁב (H2803), Niphal; repeats v. 11's classificatory verb.
אַףalsoadverb · אַף (H637)Adverbial intensifier (modifying הִוא)אַף (H637); 'it too', echoing v. 11's structure.
הִ֑ואitindependent pronoun 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject (resumptive, emphatic; refers to the land of Ammon)הִיא (H1931) 3fs pronoun, resuming the feminine אֶרֶץ.
רְפָאִ֤יםRephaimproper noun (gentilic) · רְפָאִים (H7497)Subjectרְפָאִים (H7497); repeated as subject of the following verb.
יָֽשְׁבוּlivedQal perf 3cp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed past stateיָשַׁב (H3427); repeats the formula from vv. 10, 12.
בָהּ֙in itprep בְּ + 3fs suffix · בְּLocative complementבְּ + 3fs suffix, referring to the land.
לְפָנִ֔יםformerlyprep לְ + N c pl abs (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase of timeפָּנִים (H6440); repeats the recurring idiom of this antiquarian material.
וְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔יםbut the Ammonitesconj וְ + art + gentilic N m pl abs · עַמֹּנִי (H5984)Subject (contrastive)עַמֹּנִי (H5984) 'Ammonite'; parallels v. 11's Moabite naming contrast.
יִקְרְא֥וּcallQal yiqtol 3mp · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (main clause, habitual)→ Yiqtol: habitual/customary namingקָרָא (H7121); repeats v. 11's naming verb.
לָהֶ֖םthemprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְObject complement of יִקְרְאוּ (naming construction)לְ + 3mp suffix; marks the object being named.
זַמְזֻמִּֽיםZamzummimproper noun (gentilic) · זַמְזֻמִּים (H2157)Predicate complement (the name given)זַמְזֻמִּים (H2157), the Ammonite name for the same Rephaim-clan the Moabites call Emim — possibly onomatopoeic, 'murmurers/buzzers', reflecting a foreign, unintelligible tongue.
21

עַ֣ם גָּד֥וֹל וְרַ֛ב וָרָ֖ם כָּעֲנָקִ֑ים וַיַּשְׁמִידֵ֤ם יְהוָה֙ מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם וַיִּירָשֻׁ֖ם וַיֵּשְׁב֥וּ תַחְתָּֽם

a people great and numerous and tall like the Anakim; but YHWH destroyed them before them, and they dispossessed them and settled in their place,

Continuation of antiquarian aside (Ammon's conquest of the Zamzummim)asyndeton
Explicitly names YHWH as the destroyer of the Zamzummim on Ammon's behalf, sharpening the theological point beyond the Edom/Horite parallel (v. 12) — the God who dispossesses giants for other nations will do the same for Israel.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
עַ֣םa peopleN m sg abs (apposition) · עַם (H5971)Apposition to Zamzummim/Rephaimעַם (H5971); repeats v. 10's description formula.
גָּד֥וֹלgreatAdj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective (modifying עַם)גָּדוֹל (H1419); repeats v. 10's description.
וְרַ֛בand numerousconj וְ + Adj m sg abs · רַב (H7227)Attributive adjective (coordinated)רַב (H7227); repeats v. 10.
וָרָ֖םand tallconj וְ + Qal ptc m sg abs (adjectival) · רוּם (H7311)Attributive participle (coordinated, adjectival use)→ Participle: stative/adjectival — 'lofty, tall'רוּם (H7311); repeats v. 10's description verbatim.
כָּעֲנָקִ֑יםlike the Anakimprep כְּ + art + N m pl abs (gentilic) · עֲנָק (H6062)Comparative prepositional phraseעֲנָק (H6062); the same comparative standard as vv. 10-11, now applied to the Zamzummim.
וַיַּשְׁמִידֵ֤םand destroyed themwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3mp suffix · שָׁמַד (H8045)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמַד (H8045), Hiphil; repeats v. 12's verb, but with YHWH explicitly as subject rather than the human agent.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068); the explicit divine agent behind Ammon's dispossession of the Zamzummim.
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔םfrom before themprep מִן + N c pl constr + 3mp suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative/source prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440); repeats v. 12's idiom.
וַיִּירָשֻׁ֖םand they dispossessed themwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suffix · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָרַשׁ (H3423); repeats v. 12's succession verb, now of the Ammonites.
וַיֵּשְׁב֥וּand settledwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427); repeats v. 12's settlement verb.
תַחְתָּֽםin their placeprep תַּחַת + 3mp suffix · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative prepositional phrase (substitution)תַּחַת (H8478); repeats v. 12's succession formula.
22

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשָׂה֙ לִבְנֵ֣י עֵשָׂ֔ו הַיֹּשְׁבִ֖ים בְּשֵׂעִ֑יר אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִשְׁמִ֤יד אֶת הַחֹרִי֙ מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם וַיִּֽירָשֻׁם֙ וַיֵּשְׁב֣וּ תַחְתָּ֔ם עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה

just as he did for the sons of Esau who live in Seir, when he destroyed the Horites from before them, and they dispossessed them and settled in their place, even to this day.

Continuation/conclusion of the Ammon antiquarian asideasyndeton
Closes the Ammon parenthesis by returning explicitly to the earlier Esau/Horite precedent (v. 12), tying the case studies together, and dates the note with the classic 'to this day' editorial formula found elsewhere in Deuteronomy's redactional layers.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
כַּאֲשֶׁ֤רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (comparative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the analogy back to Esau (cf. v. 12) for comparison with Ammon's Zamzummim conquest.
עָשָׂה֙he didQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (subordinate comparative clause)→ Perfective: a completed actעָשָׂה (H6213); repeats v. 12's verb, now with YHWH (or the general historical process) understood as subject.
לִבְנֵ֣יfor the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Indirect object (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121); construct with עֵשָׂו.
עֵשָׂ֔וEsauproper noun · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Genitive complement (proper name)עֵשָׂו (H6215).
הַיֹּשְׁבִ֖יםwho dwellart + Qal ptc m pl abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Substantival participle (relative-clause equivalent)→ Participle: durative state of dwellingיָשַׁב (H3427); repeats the recurring formula, 'who dwell in Seir'.
בְּשֵׂעִ֑ירin Seirprep בְּ + proper noun · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Locative prepositional phraseשֵׂעִיר (H8165).
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhenrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative/temporal clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); here temporal, unpacking what 'he did' consisted of.
הִשְׁמִ֤ידhe destroyedHiphil perf 3ms · שָׁמַד (H8045)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of destructionשָׁמַד (H8045), Hiphil; repeats the chapter's annihilation-verb, here in the singular (referring back to the historical process/YHWH).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַחֹרִי֙the Horite(s)art + gentilic N m sg abs (collective) · חֹרִי (H2752)Direct objectחֹרִי (H2752); repeats v. 12's ethnonym, collective singular for the people group.
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔םfrom before themprep מִן + N c pl constr + 3mp suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative/source prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440); repeats the recurring idiom.
וַיִּֽירָשֻׁם֙and they dispossessed themwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suffix · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָרַשׁ (H3423); repeats the succession verb from vv. 12, 21.
וַיֵּשְׁב֣וּand settledwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427); repeats the settlement formula.
תַחְתָּ֔םin their placeprep תַּחַת + 3mp suffix · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative prepositional phrase (substitution)תַּחַת (H8478); repeats the succession formula.
עַ֖דeven toprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase introducing extent (time)עַד (H5704); introduces the 'until now' formula common in Deuteronomy's editorial asides.
הַיּ֥וֹםdayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of עַד (temporal phrase)יוֹם (H3117); with הַזֶּה forms 'this day' — the writer's own present.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative (modifying הַיּוֹם)זֶה (H2088); the formula 'to this day' signals the narrator's vantage point sometime after the events described, a hallmark of Deuteronomy's editorial voice.
23

וְהָֽעַוִּ֛ים הַיֹּשְׁבִ֥ים בַּחֲצֵרִ֖ים עַד עַזָּ֑ה כַּפְתֹּרִים֙ הַיֹּצְאִ֣ים מִכַּפְתּ֔וֹר הִשְׁמִידֻ֖ם וַיֵּשְׁב֥וּ תַחְתָּֽם

and the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza — the Caphtorim, who came out of Caphtor, destroyed them and settled in their place.)

Final antiquarian aside (geographically distinct: the Philistine coast)asyndeton
A third and final ethnographic digression, geographically distinct — it moves from Transjordan (Emim, Zamzummim, Horites) to the Mediterranean coast near Gaza, showing the same divine pattern of displacement (Caphtorim over Avvim) at work even outside the immediate itinerary, before the narrative resumes at v. 24 with the Sihon campaign.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְהָֽעַוִּ֛יםand the Avvimconj וְ + art + proper noun (gentilic) · עַוִּים (H5761)Direct object (fronted, third ethnographic case)עַוִּים (H5761), the Avvim, a further pre-Israelite people, located in villages near Gaza rather than giants like the previous groups — a shift from Transjordan to the Philistine coastal plain.
הַיֹּשְׁבִ֥יםwho livedart + Qal ptc m pl abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Substantival participle (relative-clause equivalent, modifying הָעַוִּים)→ Participle: durative state of dwellingיָשַׁב (H3427); repeats the recurring formula.
בַּחֲצֵרִ֖יםin villagesprep בְּ + N m pl abs · חָצֵר (H2699)Locative prepositional phraseחָצֵר (H2699) 'settlement, village, enclosure'; unwalled settlements, contrasted with fortified cities.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase introducing extent (spatial)עַד (H5704); spatial extent, 'up to Gaza'.
עַזָּ֑הGazaproper noun · עַזָּה (H5804)Object of עַד (place name)עַזָּה (H5804), Gaza, the southernmost of the Philistine cities, marking the geographic extent of Avvim settlement.
כַּפְתֹּרִים֙the Caphtorimgentilic N m pl abs · כַּפְתֹּרִי (H3732)Subjectכַּפְתֹּרִי (H3732), the Caphtorim, associated with Caphtor (likely Crete/the Aegean), ancestors or forerunners of the Philistines (cf. Amos 9:7, Jer 47:4).
הַיֹּצְאִ֣יםwho came outart + Qal ptc m pl abs · יָצָא (H3318)Substantival participle (relative-clause equivalent, modifying כַּפְתֹּרִים)→ Participle: durative/originative stateיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, come forth'; identifies the Caphtorim's origin.
מִכַּפְתּ֔וֹרfrom Caphtorprep מִן + proper noun · כַּפְתּוֹר (H3731)Source prepositional phrase (place name)כַּפְתּוֹר (H3731), the homeland of the Caphtorim/Philistines, most plausibly Crete or the wider Aegean world.
הִשְׁמִידֻ֖םdestroyed themHiphil perf 3cp + 3mp suffix · שָׁמַד (H8045)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of destructionשָׁמַד (H8045), Hiphil; the chapter's fourth occurrence of this annihilation-verb, now of the Caphtorim against the Avvim.
וַיֵּשְׁב֥וּand settledwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427); repeats the settlement formula, closing the third and final antiquarian aside.
תַחְתָּֽםin their placeprep תַּחַת + 3mp suffix · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative prepositional phrase (substitution)תַּחַת (H8478); repeats the succession formula one final time.
24

ק֣וּמוּ סְּע֗וּ וְעִבְרוּ֮ אֶת נַ֣חַל אַרְנֹן֒ רְאֵ֣ה נָתַ֣תִּי בְ֠יָדְךָ אֶת סִיחֹ֨ן מֶֽלֶךְ חֶשְׁבּ֧וֹן הָֽאֱמֹרִ֛י וְאֶת אַרְצ֖וֹ הָחֵ֣ל רָ֑שׁ וְהִתְגָּ֥ר בּ֖וֹ מִלְחָמָֽה

'Rise up, set out, and cross the brook Arnon. Behold, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land; begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle.'

Direct quotation (divine commission to attack Sihon)asyndeton
The pivotal reversal of the chapter's policy: the same verb (הִתְגָּרָה, 'provoke/contend') forbidden three times regarding Edom, Moab, and Ammon is now positively commanded against Sihon — marking Amorite territory as the first land Israel is authorized, indeed commanded, to take by force.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ק֣וּמוּrise up!Qal impv 2mp · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct commandקוּם (H6965); repeats v. 13's opening command, now for the final leg toward Sihon.
סְּע֗וּset out!Qal impv 2mp · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (imperative, coordinated)→ Volitional: direct commandנָסַע (H5265); repeats v. 1's verb of breaking camp.
וְעִבְרוּ֮and crosswaw + Qal impv 2mp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (imperative, coordinated)→ Volitional: direct commandעָבַר (H5674); the chapter's structuring verb, commanding the Arnon crossing that opens Amorite territory.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
נַ֣חַלthe brook ofN m sg constr · נַחַל (H5158)Construct chain (genitival), direct objectנַחַל (H5158); construct with אַרְנֹן.
אַרְנֹן֒Arnonproper noun · אַרְנוֹן (H769)Genitive complement (place name)אַרְנוֹן (H769), the river/wadi forming the traditional boundary between Moab and the Amorite kingdom of Sihon.
רְאֵ֣הsee!Qal impv 2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (imperative, attention-getting)→ Volitional: direct command (rhetorical 'behold')רָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; here an interjection-like imperative, 'behold, look' — introducing the divine assurance that follows.
נָתַ֣תִּיI have givenQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, prophetic/performative perfect)→ Perfective (prophetic perfect): a future certainty presented as already accomplishedנָתַן (H5414); a 'prophetic perfect' — the victory is spoken of as already given, underscoring its certainty before the battle.
בְ֠יָדְךָinto your handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative/instrumental prepositional phrase (indirect object)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom for being placed under one's power/control, 'into your hand'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
סִיחֹ֨ןSihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Direct objectסִיחוֹן (H5511), the Amorite king of Heshbon whose territory becomes Israel's first conquered land east of the Jordan.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain in apposition to סִיחֹןמֶלֶךְ (H4428); construct with חֶשְׁבּוֹן, Sihon's royal title.
חֶשְׁבּ֧וֹןHeshbonproper noun · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Genitive complement (place name)חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809), Sihon's capital city, north of the Arnon.
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֛יthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Apposition to סִיחֹן (ethnic identifier)אֱמֹרִי (H567) 'Amorite'; identifies Sihon's ethnicity, one of the peoples whose land Israel is now authorized to take, unlike Edom/Moab/Ammon.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks אַרְצוֹ as the definite second object.
אַרְצ֖וֹhis landN c sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object (second object, coordinated with Sihon)אֶרֶץ (H776); Sihon's territory, given alongside the king himself.
הָחֵ֣לbegin!Hiphil impv 2ms · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct command, initiating a processחָלַל (H2490), Hiphil 'to begin, profane'; here 'begin to inherit' — the first authorized conquest of the whole journey.
רָ֑שׁto possessQal impv 2ms (used epexegetically) · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb (imperative, complementing הָחֵל)→ Volitional: direct command, specifying the content of 'beginning'יָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess, dispossess'; paired with הָחֵל as 'begin to possess' — a fixed idiom in Deuteronomy for commencing conquest.
וְהִתְגָּ֥רand contendwaw + Hitpael impv 2ms · גָּרָה (H1624)Predicate verb (imperative, coordinated)→ Volitional: direct commandגָּרָה (H1624), Hitpael; the same verb forbidden regarding Edom/Moab/Ammon (vv. 5, 9, 19) is now positively commanded against Sihon.
בּ֖וֹwith himprep בְּ + 3ms suffix · בְּObject of contentionבְּ + 3ms suffix, 'against him' (Sihon).
מִלְחָמָֽהin battleN f sg abs (adverbial accusative) · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Adverbial accusative (specifying the mode of engagement)מִלְחָמָה (H4421); repeats v. 9's noun, now positively commanded rather than forbidden.
25

הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֗ה אָחֵל֙ תֵּ֤ת פַּחְדְּךָ֙ וְיִרְאָ֣תְךָ֔ עַל פְּנֵי֙ הָֽעַמִּ֔ים תַּ֖חַת כָּל הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִשְׁמְעוּן֙ שִׁמְעֲךָ֔ וְרָגְז֥וּ וְחָל֖וּ מִפָּנֶֽיךָ

This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples everywhere under heaven, who shall hear the report of you and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you.

Continuation of divine speech (universal terror motif)asyndeton
Widens the scope from the local Sihon campaign to a universal claim — 'under all the heavens' — echoing the exodus terror motif (cf. Exod 15:14-16) and anticipating how nations respond to YHWH's acts on Israel's behalf throughout the conquest narratives.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
הַיּ֣וֹםthis dayart + N m sg abs (adverbial) · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of time (fronted)יוֹם (H3117); marks the immediate onset of the terror-effect described.
הַזֶּ֗הthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative (modifying הַיּוֹם)זֶה (H2088); agrees with הַיּוֹם.
אָחֵל֙I will beginHiphil yiqtol 1cs · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate verb (main clause, future)→ Yiqtol: future initiationחָלַל (H2490), Hiphil 'to begin'; echoes v. 24's imperative הָחֵל, now as YHWH's own first-person promise.
תֵּ֤תto putQal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Infinitival complement of אָחֵל→ Infinitive: names the action begunנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put'; here 'to place/instill' dread, completing 'I will begin to put'.
פַּחְדְּךָ֙the dread of youN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · פַּחַד (H6343)Direct object of תֵּתפַּחַד (H6343) 'dread, terror'; objective genitive, 'dread of you' — fear that Israel inspires.
וְיִרְאָ֣תְךָ֔and the fear of youconj וְ + N f sg constr + 2ms suffix · יִרְאָה (H3374)Direct object of תֵּת (coordinated)יִרְאָה (H3374) 'fear'; near-synonym paired with פַּחַד for rhetorical intensity.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (goal/recipient of the dread)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; marks the peoples as recipients of the terror.
פְּנֵי֙the face ofN c pl constr (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain (idiom, 'the surface of')פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom עַל־פְּנֵי, 'over the face of, across'.
הָֽעַמִּ֔יםthe peoplesart + N m pl abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive complement of construct chainעַם (H5971); universalizes the effect — all nations, not merely Israel's immediate neighbors.
תַּ֖חַתunderprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase (spatial extent)תַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; here spatial, 'under the whole sky' — universal scope.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605); construct with הַשָּׁמָיִם.
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Genitive complement of construct chainשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heaven, sky'; idiom 'under all the heavens' for universal geographic scope.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative clause modifying הָעַמִּיםאֲשֶׁר (H834).
יִשְׁמְעוּן֙shall hearQal yiqtol 3mp (paragogic nun) · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: futureשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; the paragogic nun lends solemn, emphatic tone typical of heightened prose.
שִׁמְעֲךָ֔the report of youN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · שֵׁמַע (H8088)Direct object of יִשְׁמְעוּןשֵׁמַע (H8088) 'report, fame, rumor'; the news of Israel's advance/victories preceding it.
וְרָגְז֥וּand shall tremblewaw + Qal weqatal 3cp · רָגַז (H7264)Predicate verb (weqatal, sequential future)→ Weqatal: sequential future consequenceרָגַז (H7264) 'to quake, tremble, be agitated'; the peoples' reaction to the report.
וְחָל֖וּand be in anguishwaw + Qal weqatal 3cp · חוּל (H2342)Predicate verb (weqatal, sequential future, coordinated)→ Weqatal: sequential future consequenceחוּל (H2342) 'to writhe, be in anguish' (like labor pains); intensifies רָגַז, vivid imagery of terror.
מִפָּנֶֽיךָbecause of youprep מִן + N c pl constr + 2ms suffix (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Causal prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440); idiom מִפְּנֵי, 'because of, from before' — the cause of the nations' terror.
26

וָאֶשְׁלַ֤ח מַלְאָכִים֙ מִמִּדְבַּ֣ר קְדֵמ֔וֹת אֶל סִיח֖וֹן מֶ֣לֶךְ חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן דִּבְרֵ֥י שָׁל֖וֹם לֵאמֹֽר

So I sent messengers from the wilderness of Kedemoth to Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying,

Narrative report (diplomatic initiative)asyndeton
Moses' peace embassy to Sihon deliberately follows the law later codified in Deut 20:10-12: offer peace first, and only fight if refused — showing that even the divinely commanded conquest (v. 24) proceeds through proper diplomatic form, not indiscriminate aggression.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וָאֶשְׁלַ֤חand I sentwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Moses' initiative to offer Sihon peace terms before battle, echoing the siege protocol later codified in Deut 20:10-12.
מַלְאָכִים֙messengersN m pl abs · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct objectמַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger, envoy, angel'; here diplomatic emissaries, not celestial beings.
מִמִּדְבַּ֣רfrom the wilderness ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Source prepositional phraseמִדְבָּר (H4057); construct with קְדֵמוֹת, the point from which the embassy was dispatched.
קְדֵמ֔וֹתKedemothproper noun · קְדֵמוֹת (H6932)Genitive complement (place name)קְדֵמוֹת (H6932), a site in or near Sihon's territory, later assigned to Reuben (Josh 13:18).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal, recipient of message)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Sihon as the addressee of the embassy.
סִיח֖וֹןSihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Object of preposition (indirect object)סִיחוֹן (H5511).
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain in apposition to סִיחוֹןמֶלֶךְ (H4428); construct with חֶשְׁבּוֹן.
חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹןHeshbonproper noun · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Genitive complement (place name)חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809).
דִּבְרֵ֥יwords ofN m pl constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct chain (adverbial accusative, manner of the message)דָּבָר (H1697); construct with שָׁלוֹם, the substance of the diplomatic overture.
שָׁל֖וֹםpeaceN m sg abs · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Genitive complement of construct chainשָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, wellbeing'; the offer of peaceful passage/treaty, per the law of siege in Deut 20.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: marks onset of quotationאָמַר (H559); the לֵאמֹר formula, introducing Moses' actual message to Sihon (v. 27ff.).
27

אֶעְבְּרָ֣ה בְאַרְצֶ֔ךָ בַּדֶּ֥רֶךְ בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ אֵלֵ֑ךְ לֹ֥א אָס֖וּר יָמִ֥ין וּשְׂמֹֽאול

'Let me pass through your land; I will go only by the road, I will turn aside neither to the right nor to the left.'

Direct quotation (Moses' peace proposal to Sihon)asyndeton
Moses' proposal echoes almost verbatim Israel's earlier request to Edom (Num 20:17) — the same disciplined, non-provocative language is offered to Sihon, making his coming refusal (v. 30) all the more pointed as a divinely-hardened rejection of a genuinely peaceful overture.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
אֶעְבְּרָ֣הlet me pass throughQal cohortative 1cs · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (cohortative, main clause — polite request)→ Volitional (cohortative): a polite request for permissionעָבַר (H5674); the chapter's key verb, now as Moses' own request, echoing Israel's request to Edom in Numbers 20:17.
בְאַרְצֶ֔ךָthrough your landprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 2ms suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (path traversed)אֶרֶץ (H776); Sihon's territory, the object of the requested transit.
בַּדֶּ֥רֶךְby the roadprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner/route)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'road, way'; specifies the restricted, single route Moses proposes.
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְby the roadprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs (repeated for emphasis) · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner/route, repeated)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870); repetition emphasizes strict adherence to a single road, no deviation.
אֵלֵ֑ךְI will goQal yiqtol 1cs · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (main clause, future)→ Yiqtol: future/committed intentionהָלַךְ (H1980/H3212) 'to go, walk'; Moses' pledge of a strictly disciplined transit.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (indicative)לֹא (H3808).
אָס֖וּרwill I turn asideQal yiqtol 1cs · סוּר (H5493)Predicate verb (main clause, negated future)→ Yiqtol: negated future — a firm pledgeסוּר (H5493) 'to turn aside, depart'; echoes Numbers 20:17's words to Edom almost verbatim, underscoring the same non-aggressive protocol.
יָמִ֥יןto the rightN f sg abs (adverbial) · יָמִין (H3225)Adverbial accusative of directionיָמִין (H3225) 'right hand/side'; paired with שְׂמֹאול for a merism, 'neither right nor left'.
וּשְׂמֹֽאולor to the leftconj וְ + N m sg abs (adverbial) · שְׂמֹאול (H8040)Adverbial accusative of direction (coordinated)שְׂמֹאול (H8040) 'left hand/side'; completes the merism for total directional restraint.
28

אֹ֣כֶל בַּכֶּ֤סֶף תַּשְׁבִּרֵ֨נִי֙ וְאָכַ֔לְתִּי וּמַ֛יִם בַּכֶּ֥סֶף תִּתֶּן לִ֖י וְשָׁתִ֑יתִי רַ֖ק אֶעְבְּרָ֥ה בְרַגְלָֽי

'You shall sell me food for silver, that I may eat, and give me water for silver, that I may drink; only let me pass through on foot,'

Direct quotation continuation (Moses' peace proposal, terms)asyndeton
Reuses the exact commercial terms Israel itself was told to offer Edom (v. 6) — pay for food and water, no plunder — extending the same non-aggressive ethic even to a nation Israel is authorized to conquer if refused.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
אֹ֣כֶלfoodN m sg abs · אֹכֶל (H400)Direct object (fronted)אֹכֶל (H400); fronted object, echoing the same terms offered to/by Edom in v. 6.
בַּכֶּ֤סֶףfor silverprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Instrumental prepositional phraseכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; the same insistence on fair payment as v. 6.
תַּשְׁבִּרֵ֨נִי֙sell to meHiphil yiqtol 2ms + 1cs suffix · שָׁבַר (H7666)Predicate verb (main clause, polite request/future)→ Yiqtol: requested future actionשָׁבַר (H7666), Hiphil (causative) 'to cause to buy, i.e. sell'; shifts perspective from v. 6's Qal 'you shall buy' to Sihon's side, 'you shall sell to me'.
וְאָכַ֔לְתִּיthat I may eatwaw + Qal weqatal 1cs · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (weqatal, purpose/result)→ Weqatal: consequential/purpose nuanceאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the intended result of the purchase, mirroring v. 6's pattern from the requester's perspective.
וּמַ֛יִםand waterconj וְ + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object (fronted, coordinated)מַיִם (H4325); parallels the food request.
בַּכֶּ֥סֶףfor silverprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Instrumental prepositional phraseכֶּסֶף (H3701); repeated for the water request.
תִּתֶּןgiveQal yiqtol 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, polite request/future)→ Yiqtol: requested future actionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; slightly gentler than the causative תַּשְׁבִּרֵנִי, though the same commercial sense of a fair sale is intended.
לִ֖יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְIndirect objectלְ + 1cs suffix.
וְשָׁתִ֑יתִיthat I may drinkwaw + Qal weqatal 1cs · שָׁתָה (H8354)Predicate verb (weqatal, purpose/result)→ Weqatal: consequential/purpose nuanceשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; the intended result, mirroring v. 6.
רַ֖קonlyadverb (restrictive) · רַק (H7535)Restrictive adverbial particleרַק (H7535) 'only, surely'; restricts the request to mere transit, nothing more.
אֶעְבְּרָ֥הlet me pass throughQal cohortative 1cs · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (cohortative, main clause — polite request)→ Volitional (cohortative): a polite requestעָבַר (H5674); repeats v. 27's request verb, reinforcing the modesty of Moses' ask.
בְרַגְלָֽיon my feetprep בְּ + N f dual constr + 1cs suffix · רֶגֶל (H7272)Adverbial/instrumental prepositional phrase (manner)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot' (dual, 'two feet'); idiom for travel on foot, without wagons/livestock burdening the host's land.
29

כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר עָֽשׂוּ לִ֜י בְּנֵ֣י עֵשָׂ֗ו הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙ בְּשֵׂעִ֔יר וְהַמּ֣וֹאָבִ֔ים הַיֹּשְׁבִ֖ים בְּעָ֑ר עַ֤ד אֲשֶֽׁר אֶֽעֱבֹר֙ אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן אֶל הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽנוּ

'just as the sons of Esau who live in Seir did for me, and the Moabites who live in Ar, until I cross the Jordan into the land that YHWH our God is giving us.'

Direct quotation continuation (citing Edom/Moab precedent)asyndeton
Moses' claim that Edom and Moab already granted passage is a well-known interpretive crux, since Numbers 20 shows Edom refusing outright — possibly a softened rhetorical appeal to Sihon rather than a strict historical report, or a reference to traditions not otherwise preserved.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating conjunction (comparative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834); Moses cites precedent — Edom and Moab already granted this same courtesy.
עָֽשׂוּdidQal perf 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (subordinate comparative clause)→ Perfective: a completed actעָשָׂה (H6213); asserts Edom and Moab already permitted this arrangement — not explicitly narrated elsewhere in the text as it stands.
לִ֜יfor meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְIndirect objectלְ + 1cs suffix, referring to Moses/Israel.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (subject)בֵּן (H1121); construct with עֵשָׂו.
עֵשָׂ֗וEsauproper noun · עֵשָׂו (H6215)Genitive complement (proper name)עֵשָׂו (H6215).
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙who dwellart + Qal ptc m pl abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Substantival participle (relative-clause equivalent)→ Participle: durative stateיָשַׁב (H3427); the recurring formula.
בְּשֵׂעִ֔ירin Seirprep בְּ + proper noun · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Locative prepositional phraseשֵׂעִיר (H8165).
וְהַמּ֣וֹאָבִ֔יםand the Moabitesconj וְ + art + gentilic N m pl abs · מוֹאָבִי (H4125)Subject (coordinated)מוֹאָבִי (H4125) 'Moabite'; the second party said to have granted passage.
הַיֹּשְׁבִ֖יםwho dwellart + Qal ptc m pl abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Substantival participle (relative-clause equivalent)→ Participle: durative stateיָשַׁב (H3427); modifies הַמּוֹאָבִים.
בְּעָ֑רin Arprep בְּ + proper noun · עָר (H6144)Locative prepositional phraseעָר (H6144); Moab's chief city, standing here for the Moabites generally.
עַ֤דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase introducing terminusעַד (H5704); the temporal bound of the requested transit — until the Jordan crossing.
אֲשֶֽׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative clause (temporal terminus)אֲשֶׁר (H834); with עַד forms 'until (the time) that'.
אֶֽעֱבֹר֙I crossQal yiqtol 1cs · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (relative clause, future)→ Yiqtol: anticipated future actionעָבַר (H5674); the chapter's key verb, now anticipating the Jordan crossing that will conclude the wilderness journey.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct object (place name)יַרְדֵּן (H3383), the Jordan River, the final boundary before entering the promised land proper.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to, into'; marks the destination of the crossing.
הָאָ֕רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prepositionאֶרֶץ (H776); the promised land west of the Jordan, distinct from the Transjordan territories just discussed.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative clause modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834).
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּour GodN m pl constr + 1cp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430); covenant title, 1cp suffix — Moses speaking for all Israel.
נֹתֵ֥ןis givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate participle (main clause, present/ongoing)→ Participle: durative present — an ongoing, unfolding giftנָתַן (H5414); participial form casts the land-gift as a present, unfolding reality rather than a past or future event.
לָֽנוּto usprep לְ + 1cp suffix · לְIndirect objectלְ + 1cp suffix.
30

וְלֹ֣א אָבָ֗ה סִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן הַעֲבִרֵ֖נוּ בּ֑וֹ כִּֽי הִקְשָׁה֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ אֶת רוּח֗וֹ וְאִמֵּץ֙ אֶת לְבָב֔וֹ לְמַ֛עַן תִּתּ֥וֹ בְיָדְךָ֖ כַּיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through his land, for YHWH your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that he might give him into your hand, as he is this day.

Causal explanation (theological cause of Sihon's refusal)asyndeton
The chapter's clearest theological crux, explicitly modeled on the Exodus-Pharaoh hardening motif (cf. Exod 7-14): YHWH's sovereign hardening of Sihon's spirit and heart is what makes possible — indeed guarantees — the very conquest just commanded in v. 24, folding human refusal into the outworking of the divine land-grant.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וְלֹ֣אbut notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (indicative, coordinated)לֹא (H3808); introduces the negative response — Sihon's refusal.
אָבָ֗הhe was willingQal perf 3ms · אָבָה (H14)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective: a completed act of will, negatedאָבָה (H14) 'to be willing, consent'; negated, 'he was not willing' — a firm, deliberate refusal of Moses' peace proposal.
סִיחֹן֙Sihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Subjectסִיחוֹן (H5511).
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain in apposition to סִיחֹןמֶלֶךְ (H4428); construct with חֶשְׁבּוֹן.
חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹןHeshbonproper noun · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Genitive complement (place name)חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809).
הַעֲבִרֵ֖נוּto let us pass throughHiphil inf constr + 1cp suffix · עָבַר (H5674)Infinitival complement of אָבָה (object of the verb of willingness)→ Infinitive: names the refused actionעָבַר (H5674), Hiphil (causative) 'to cause to pass, let pass through'; the chapter's key verb in causative form, the very permission Sihon withheld.
בּ֑וֹthrough itprep בְּ + 3ms suffix · בְּLocative complement (referring to his land)בְּ + 3ms suffix, referring back to Sihon's territory.
כִּֽיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588); introduces the theological explanation for Sihon's refusal.
הִקְשָׁה֩he hardenedHiphil perf 3ms · קָשָׁה (H7185)Predicate verb (main clause, causal explanation)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive divine actקָשָׁה (H7185), Hiphil 'to make hard, harden'; the same verb-family used of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus (cf. Exod 7:3), an explicit Exodus-Pharaoh echo applied now to an Amorite king.
יְהוָ֨הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068); explicitly the agent behind Sihon's hardened refusal, removing any ambiguity about ultimate causation.
אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430); addressed to Moses/Israel, 'your God'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
רוּח֗וֹhis spiritN c sg constr + 3ms suffix · רוּחַ (H7307)Direct objectרוּחַ (H7307) 'spirit, wind, breath'; the inner disposition/will that YHWH hardened, paired with לֵבָב below.
וְאִמֵּץ֙and made obstinatewaw + Piel perf 3ms · אָמֵץ (H553)Predicate verb (main clause, coordinated causal explanation)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive divine actאָמֵץ (H553), Piel 'to make firm, strengthen, make obstinate'; paired with הִקְשָׁה for rhetorical intensity — the totality of Sihon's hardened resolve.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
לְבָב֔וֹhis heartN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · לֵבָב (H3824)Direct objectלֵבָב (H3824) 'heart, mind, will'; the seat of decision, paired with רוּחַ — both hardened by YHWH.
לְמַ֛עַןso thatprep (final/purpose) · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose clause markerלְמַעַן (H4616) 'in order that, so that'; introduces the divine purpose behind the hardening — Sihon's defeat.
תִּתּ֥וֹhis being givenQal inf constr + 3ms suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Substantival infinitive, object of לְמַעַן (purpose clause)→ Infinitive: names the intended outcomeנָתַן (H5414); the purpose of the hardening — that Sihon 'be given' into Israel's hand, exactly as promised in v. 24.
בְיָדְךָ֖into your handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative/instrumental prepositional phraseיָד (H3027); repeats v. 24's idiom of being placed under Israel's power.
כַּיּ֥וֹםas this dayprep כְּ + art + N m sg abs (adverbial) · יוֹם (H3117)Comparative adverbial phraseיוֹם (H3117); with הַזֶּה forms the 'as this day' formula, marking the narrator's own present as proof of the outcome.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative (modifying הַיּוֹם)זֶה (H2088); the 'to this day' editorial marker, as in v. 22, dating the narrator's vantage point after the conquest.
31

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֵלַ֔י רְאֵ֗ה הַֽחִלֹּ֨תִי֙ תֵּ֣ת לְפָנֶ֔יךָ אֶת סִיחֹ֖ן וְאֶת אַרְצ֑וֹ הָחֵ֣ל רָ֔שׁ לָרֶ֖שֶׁת אֶת אַרְצֽוֹ

And YHWH said to me, 'See, I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to you; begin to possess it, that you may inherit his land.'

Direct quotation (divine confirmation after Sihon's refusal)asyndeton
YHWH's response reframes Sihon's stubborn refusal as the mechanism of his own downfall — 'I have begun to give' picks up exactly where v. 24's command left off, showing the hardening of v. 30 as integral to, not a departure from, the plan.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces YHWH's response after Sihon's refusal, confirming the plan of v. 24.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֵלַ֔יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect objectאֶל (H413).
רְאֵ֗הsee!Qal impv 2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (imperative, attention-getting)→ Volitional: direct command (rhetorical 'behold')רָאָה (H7200); repeats v. 24's opening interjection.
הַֽחִלֹּ֨תִי֙I have begunHiphil perf 1cs · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: an already-initiated, ongoing processחָלַל (H2490), Hiphil 'to begin'; YHWH speaks of the process already set in motion via Sihon's hardened refusal.
תֵּ֣תto giveQal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Infinitival complement of הַחִלֹּתִי→ Infinitive: names the action begunנָתַן (H5414); completes 'I have begun to give' — the divine transfer of Sihon's kingdom now underway.
לְפָנֶ֔יךָbefore youprep לְ + N c pl constr + 2ms suffix (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase (idiom, indirect object)פָּנִים (H6440); idiom לִפְנֵי, 'before, in front of' — Sihon is set before Israel for the taking.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
סִיחֹ֖ןSihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Direct objectסִיחוֹן (H5511).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks אַרְצוֹ as definite.
אַרְצ֑וֹhis landN c sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object (second object, coordinated)אֶרֶץ (H776); Sihon's territory, given alongside the king.
הָחֵ֣לbegin!Hiphil impv 2ms · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct commandחָלַל (H2490), Hiphil; repeats v. 24's command, reissued after Sihon's refusal confirms the campaign is underway.
רָ֔שׁto possessQal impv 2ms (used epexegetically) · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb (imperative, complementing הָחֵל)→ Volitional: direct command, specifying contentיָרַשׁ (H3423); repeats v. 24's paired idiom 'begin to possess'.
לָרֶ֖שֶׁתso that you may inheritprep לְ + Qal inf constr · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Infinitive of purpose/result→ Infinitive: purpose — the intended outcome of possessingיָרַשׁ (H3423); restates the goal — actual inheritance/possession of the land, not mere military victory.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אַרְצֽוֹhis landN c sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of לָרֶשֶׁתאֶרֶץ (H776); the object finally to be possessed, closing the verse's ring structure (begins and ends with 'his land').
32

וַיֵּצֵא֩ סִיחֹ֨ן לִקְרָאתֵ֜נוּ ה֧וּא וְכָל עַמּ֛וֹ לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה יָֽהְצָה

Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Jahaz.

Narrative climax (Sihon's aggression, the casus belli)asyndeton
Sihon, not Israel, initiates open combat — a detail that squares Israel's conquest with the peace-first ethic of vv. 26-28: his own sortie at Jahaz, not unprovoked Israelite aggression, triggers the battle.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיֵּצֵא֩and he came outwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Sihon's military sortie, the narrative's decisive turn to open battle.
סִיחֹ֨ןSihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Subjectסִיחוֹן (H5511).
לִקְרָאתֵ֜נוּto meet usprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 1cp suffix (idiom) · קָרָא (H7125)Adverbial phrase of purpose (hostile encounter)קִרְאָה (H7125) 'meeting, encounter'; idiom לִקְרַאת, 'to meet, against' — here in a hostile, military sense.
ה֧וּאheindependent pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject (resumptive, emphatic)הוּא (H1931) 3ms pronoun, emphatic resumption of סִיחֹן.
וְכָלand all ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (coordinated subject)כֹּל (H3605); construct with עַמּוֹ.
עַמּ֛וֹhis peopleN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Genitive complement of construct chainעַם (H5971); Sihon's army/nation, mobilized for battle.
לַמִּלְחָמָ֖הto battleprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Adverbial prepositional phrase (purpose)מִלְחָמָה (H4421); the very engagement Israel was commanded (v. 24) and Sihon now initiates.
יָֽהְצָהat Jahazproper noun + directional ה · יַהְצָה (H3096)Adverbial accusative of place (locative)יַהְצָה (H3096), Jahaz, the site of the decisive battle against Sihon, later a Reubenite/Levitical town.
33

וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֛הוּ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ לְפָנֵ֑ינוּ וַנַּ֥ךְ אֹת֛וֹ וְאֶת בנו בָּנָ֖יו וְאֶת כָּל עַמּֽוֹ

And YHWH our God gave him over to us, and we struck him and his sons and all his people.

Narrative climax (victory report)asyndeton
The turning point of the campaign: YHWH's promised deliverance (vv. 24, 31) is now historically realized. The verse preserves a ketiv-qere pair (בנו/בָּנָיו) for 'his sons,' a scribal note on textual transmission rather than a substantive variant in meaning.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֛הוּand gave himwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + 3ms suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414); the fulfillment of vv. 24, 31's promise — Sihon now actually delivered into Israel's hand.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּour GodN m pl constr + 1cp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430); covenant title.
לְפָנֵ֑ינוּbefore usprep לְ + N c pl constr + 1cp suffix (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase (idiom)פָּנִים (H6440); idiom לִפְנֵי, 'before us' — Sihon delivered into Israel's presence/power.
וַנַּ֥ךְand we struckwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 1cp · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221), Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; the decisive military verb of the victory.
אֹת֛וֹhimobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (with suffix, direct object)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, 'him' — Sihon himself, marking his death in battle.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerוְ joins the next object; אֵת marks בָּנָיו as definite.
בנוhis sons (ketiv)N m pl constr + 3ms suffix (unpointed consonantal text) · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (ketiv reading, defective spelling)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; this is the ketiv (written consonantal form בנו), the Masoretic scribal tradition preserving the unpointed spelling alongside the qere בָּנָיו that follows.
בָּנָ֖יוhis sons (qere)N m pl constr + 3ms suffix (pointed reading) · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (qere reading, to be read aloud)בֵּן (H1121); the qere (pointed reading tradition) 'his sons' — Sihon's sons/heirs struck down along with him.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (third object)וְ joins the third object; אֵת marks עַמּוֹ as definite.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605); construct with עַמּוֹ.
עַמּֽוֹhis peopleN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Genitive complement of construct chainעַם (H5971); Sihon's whole nation, comprehensively defeated — the totality anticipating the חֵרֶם of v. 34.
34

וַנִּלְכֹּ֤ד אֶת כָּל עָרָיו֙ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔וא וַֽנַּחֲרֵם֙ אֶת כָּל עִ֣יר מְתִ֔ם וְהַנָּשִׁ֖ים וְהַטָּ֑ף לֹ֥א הִשְׁאַ֖רְנוּ שָׂרִֽיד

And we captured all his cities at that time, and we utterly destroyed every city, men and women and children; we left no survivor.

Narrative report (execution of the ban, חֵרֶם)asyndeton
The first explicit חֵרֶם of the conquest narratives: Sihon's cities and all their inhabitants — men, women, children — are placed under the ban, no survivors, marking a stark escalation from the merely military victory of v. 33 to full covenantal proscription.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַנִּלְכֹּ֤דand we capturedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cp · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָכַד (H3920) 'to capture, seize'; the systematic conquest following the field victory of v. 33.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), direct objectכֹּל (H3605); construct with עָרָיו.
עָרָיו֙his citiesN f pl constr + 3ms suffix · עִיר (H5892)Genitive complement of construct chainעִיר (H5892) 'city'; Sihon's entire urban network, now fallen.
בָּעֵ֣תat the timeprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · עֵת (H6256)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal)עֵת (H6256) 'time'; with הַהִיא, 'at that time' — marking the campaign's swift, decisive completion.
הַהִ֔ואthatart + independent pronoun 3fs (demonstrative use) · הִיא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative (modifying בָּעֵת)הִיא (H1931); with article functions demonstratively, 'that (time)'.
וַֽנַּחֲרֵם֙and we devoted to destructionwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 1cp · חָרַם (H2763)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָרַם (H2763), Hiphil 'to devote to destruction, put under the ban'; the chapter's first explicit חֵרֶם — total consecrated annihilation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), direct objectכֹּל (H3605); construct with עִיר.
עִ֣ירcityN f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive complement of construct chainעִיר (H5892); distributive singular, 'every city'.
מְתִ֔םmenN m pl abs (adverbial accusative) · מַת (H4962)Adverbial accusative (specifying who was banned)מַת (H4962) 'man, men'; specifies the human population subjected to the ban.
וְהַנָּשִׁ֖יםand the womenconj וְ + art + N f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Adverbial accusative (coordinated)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; included in the total ban — here total destruction, no exceptions.
וְהַטָּ֑ףand the childrenconj וְ + art + N m sg abs (collective) · טַף (H2945)Adverbial accusative (coordinated)טַף (H2945) 'children, little ones'; collective, completing the totality of the ban — no age or sex spared.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (indicative)לֹא (H3808).
הִשְׁאַ֖רְנוּwe leftHiphil perf 1cp · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective: a completed act, negated — total absence of remnantשָׁאַר (H7604), Hiphil 'to leave, cause to remain'; negated, 'we left no one remaining' — the summary of total חֵרֶם.
שָׂרִֽידa survivorN m sg abs · שָׂרִיד (H8300)Direct object of הִשְׁאַרְנוּשָׂרִיד (H8300) 'survivor, remnant'; the object left absent — no one survived Sihon's ban.
35

רַ֥ק הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה בָּזַ֣זְנוּ לָ֑נוּ וּשְׁלַ֥ל הֶעָרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָכָֽדְנוּ

Only the livestock we took as spoil for ourselves, and the plunder of the cities that we had captured.

Clarifying exception (scope of the ban)asyndeton
Clarifies that the total חֵרֶם of v. 34 applied to human life, not material goods: livestock and city plunder were retained by Israel — the same distinction Joshua later violates at Jericho (Josh 7) and observes at Ai (Josh 8:2), a template for the conquest narratives to come.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
רַ֥קonlyadverb (restrictive) · רַק (H7535)Restrictive adverbial particleרַק (H7535); restricts the exception to the total ban of v. 34 — livestock and goods were exempted.
הַבְּהֵמָ֖הthe livestockart + N f sg abs (collective) · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Direct object (fronted)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, livestock, cattle'; collective singular, the animals exempted from the חֵרֶם.
בָּזַ֣זְנוּwe took as spoilQal perf 1cp · בָּזַז (H962)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of plunderingבָּזַז (H962) 'to plunder, spoil'; the standard verb for taking war-booty, distinct from the destruction-verb חָרַם of v. 34.
לָ֑נוּfor ourselvesprep לְ + 1cp suffix · לְEthical/reflexive dativeלְ + 1cp suffix; reflexive dative, 'for ourselves' — the livestock retained as Israel's own possession.
וּשְׁלַ֥לand the spoil ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · שָׁלָל (H7998)Construct chain (coordinated direct object)שָׁלָל (H7998) 'spoil, plunder'; construct with הֶעָרִים, the material goods of the captured cities.
הֶעָרִ֖יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive complement of construct chainעִיר (H5892); repeats v. 34's noun, now as source of the plunder taken.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative clause modifying הֶעָרִיםאֲשֶׁר (H834).
לָכָֽדְנוּwe had capturedQal perf 1cp · לָכַד (H3920)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed actלָכַד (H3920); repeats v. 34's capture-verb, closing the summary of the campaign's material gains.
36

מֵֽעֲרֹעֵ֡ר אֲשֶׁר֩ עַל שְׂפַת נַ֨חַל אַרְנֹ֜ן וְהָעִ֨יר אֲשֶׁ֤ר בַּנַּ֨חַל֙ וְעַד הַגִּלְעָ֔ד לֹ֤א הָֽיְתָה֙ קִרְיָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׂגְבָ֖ה מִמֶּ֑נּוּ אֶת הַכֹּ֕ל נָתַ֛ן יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ לְפָנֵֽינוּ

From Aroer, which is on the edge of the brook Arnon, and the city that is in the valley, as far as Gilead, there was not a city too high for us; YHWH our God gave everything to us.

Summary report (territorial extent of the Sihon conquest)asyndeton
A geographic summary bracketing the whole campaign from Aroer on the Arnon (the southern border, v. 24) to Gilead in the north — total conquest, with the emphatic claim that no city's fortifications could withstand Israel, all attributed to YHWH's gift.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
מֵֽעֲרֹעֵ֡רfrom Aroerprep מִן + proper noun · עֲרוֹעֵר (H6177)Source prepositional phrase (place name, geographic extent)עֲרוֹעֵר (H6177), a city on the Arnon's northern bank marking the southern limit of the conquered territory.
אֲשֶׁר֩whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative clause modifying עֲרוֹעֵראֲשֶׁר (H834).
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'upon, on'; locates Aroer precisely.
שְׂפַתthe edge ofN f sg constr · שָׂפָה (H8193)Construct chain (genitival)שָׂפָה (H8193) 'lip, edge, bank'; construct with נַחַל אַרְנֹן, 'the bank of the Arnon'.
נַ֨חַלthe brook ofN m sg constr · נַחַל (H5158)Construct chain (genitival)נַחַל (H5158); construct with אַרְנֹן.
אַרְנֹ֜ןArnonproper noun · אַרְנוֹן (H769)Genitive complement (place name)אַרְנוֹן (H769); the southern boundary river, per v. 24.
וְהָעִ֨ירand the cityconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Subject (coordinated with עֲרוֹעֵר)עִיר (H5892); an unnamed city in the wadi, possibly Aroer's twin settlement or the valley town itself.
אֲשֶׁ֤רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative clause modifying הָעִיראֲשֶׁר (H834).
בַּנַּ֨חַל֙in the valleyprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · נַחַל (H5158)Locative prepositional phraseנַחַל (H5158); here of the valley/wadi itself as location, not merely the watercourse.
וְעַדand as far asconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase introducing extentעַד (H5704); marks the northern limit of the conquered territory.
הַגִּלְעָ֔דGileadart + proper noun · גִּלְעָד (H1568)Object of עַד (place name)גִּלְעָד (H1568), the hill country north of the Jabbok, the northern extent of Sihon's (now Israel's) territory.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (indicative)לֹא (H3808).
הָֽיְתָה֙wasQal perf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective: a completed state, negatedהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; negated existential, 'there was not'.
קִרְיָ֔הa cityN f sg abs · קִרְיָה (H7151)Subject (existential clause)קִרְיָה (H7151) 'city, town', poetic/elevated synonym of עִיר.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative clause modifying קִרְיָהאֲשֶׁר (H834).
שָׂגְבָ֖הwas too highQal perf 3fs · שָׂגַב (H7682)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed state (hypothetical, within negated clause)שָׂגַב (H7682) 'to be high, inaccessible, fortified'; no city's fortifications proved too strong for Israel.
מִמֶּ֑נּוּthan usprep מִן + 1cp suffix (comparative) · מִן (H4480)Comparative prepositional phraseמִן (H4480); comparative, 'too high for/than us' — no fortification could withstand Israel.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַכֹּ֕לeverythingart + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Direct objectכֹּל (H3605) 'all, everything'; the comprehensive totality of the conquered territory and cities.
נָתַ֛ןgaveQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed actנָתַן (H5414); the chapter's theological keyword closes the Sihon narrative exactly as it opened the Edom material — YHWH as giver.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּour GodN m pl constr + 1cp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430); covenant title.
לְפָנֵֽינוּto usprep לְ + N c pl constr + 1cp suffix (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase (idiom, indirect object)פָּנִים (H6440); idiom לִפְנֵי, 'before us' — the whole territory laid open before Israel.
37

רַ֛ק אֶל אֶ֥רֶץ בְּנֵי עַמּ֖וֹן לֹ֣א קָרָ֑בְתָּ כָּל יַ֞ד נַ֤חַל יַבֹּק֙ וְעָרֵ֣י הָהָ֔ר וְכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּ֖ה יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ

Only to the land of the sons of Ammon you did not come near, all along the course of the river Jabbok, and the cities of the hill country, and all that YHWH our God had commanded.

Concluding summary (compliance notice)asyndeton
The chapter closes precisely where its prohibitions began (v. 19): Israel's restraint toward Ammon held even in the flush of total victory over Sihon, framing the entire chapter as a demonstration of both divine gift (conquered lands) and covenantal obedience (respected boundaries).
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
רַ֛קonlyadverb (restrictive) · רַק (H7535)Restrictive adverbial particleרַק (H7535); marks the sole exception to the sweeping conquest of v. 36 — Ammon was spared, per the prohibition of v. 19.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal, negated)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; the (unreached) territorial goal.
אֶ֥רֶץthe land ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival), object of אֶלאֶרֶץ (H776); construct with בְּנֵי עַמּוֹן.
בְּנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121); construct with עַמּוֹן.
עַמּ֖וֹןAmmonproper noun · עַמּוֹן (H5983)Genitive complement (place/people name)עַמּוֹן (H5983); the nation exempted per YHWH's command in v. 19.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (indicative)לֹא (H3808).
קָרָ֑בְתָּdid you come nearQal perf 2ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective: a completed act, negatedקָרַב (H7126) 'to draw near, approach'; echoes v. 19's verb, confirming the prohibition was obeyed even amid total victory over Sihon.
כָּלall alongN m sg constr (adverbial) · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (adverbial accusative, extent)כֹּל (H3605); construct with יַד, marking geographic extent respected.
יַ֞דthe side ofN c sg constr (idiom) · יָד (H3027)Construct chain (genitival, idiom for 'bank, side')יָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiomatically 'side, bank (of a river)', construct with נַחַל יַבֹּק.
נַ֤חַלthe brook ofN m sg constr · נַחַל (H5158)Construct chain (genitival)נַחַל (H5158); construct with יַבֹּק.
יַבֹּק֙Jabbokproper noun · יַבֹּק (H2999)Genitive complement (place name)יַבֹּק (H2999), the Jabbok river, a Jordan tributary marking part of the boundary respected with Ammon (cf. Jacob's wrestling, Gen 32).
וְעָרֵ֣יand the cities ofconj וְ + N f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Construct chain (coordinated, extent)עִיר (H5892); construct with הָהָר, the hill-country settlements Israel likewise did not touch (as Ammonite).
הָהָ֔רthe hill countryart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Genitive complement of construct chainהַר (H2022); the highland region bordering Ammon, respected per the divine command.
וְכֹ֥לand allconj וְ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Subject/object summary (coordinated)כֹּל (H3605); summarizing 'and all that...' the full extent of the restraint.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, introducing relative clause modifying כֹלאֲשֶׁר (H834).
צִוָּ֖הhe had commandedPiel perf 3ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a prior completed act of commandצָוָה (H6680), Piel 'to command'; closes the chapter affirming total obedience to YHWH's territorial instructions regarding Ammon (v. 19).
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּour GodN m pl constr + 1cp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430); the chapter's final words affirm YHWH as covenant God whose commands were kept, closing the narrative on a note of obedience.