Translations
Original
Notes
The Wilderness of Kedemoth might be the area north of the Arnon Gorge between Dibon and Mattanah (Joshua 13:18; 21:37).
Secular treaties (formal agreements between nations) often included a section about the past relationship between the two partners. This section reviewed what had happened before the agreement.
In this case, the purpose was to review Israel’s successes and failures since the exodus from Egypt. It reminded the people that God had kept his word, even when they did not obey him.
To prepare the Israelites for life in Canaan, Moses reminded them about life in Egypt, their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, and their past mistakes. He warned them to obey God's covenant. He assured them that God's grace would follow them as they learned to trust and obey the Lord.
Parallels
People
Sihon: Amorite king of Heshbon, defeated by the Israelites
Places
Heshbon: Amorite city conquered by Moses, allotted to Reuben Kedemoth: A town in Moab, later a Levitical city in Reuben
Glossary
Amorites Ar Archaeology and the Bible Deuteronomy, Book of Kedemoth Peace Sihon Tribe of Dan Wilderness
Topics
Amorites: Given to Descendants of Abraham Deserts: Kedemoth Israel: Defeat the Amorites Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To the Mountains of Abarim: The Amorites Refuse a Passage to Israel Kedemoth: Encircled by a Wilderness of the Same Name Sihon: Conquest of his Kingdom by the Israelites