Translations
Original
Notes
The alternative names Sirion and Senir suggest that the Israelites may have given Hermon its name later. Hermon is apparently related to the verb kharam, which means "to destroy" (see study note on 2:34). It may describe the destruction summarized in 3:3–7.
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
Amorites: Canaanite people group, enemies of Israel
Places
Mount Hermon: Mountain on the northern border of Israel Sidon: Phoenician city; home of Jezebel
Glossary
Ammon, Ammonites Amorites Anti-Lebanon Archaeology and the Bible Ashtaroth, Ashterathite Deuteronomy, Book of Jabbok Lebanon Manasseh, Tribe of Numbers, Book of Senir Shenir Sirion Tribe of Dan
Topics
Amorites: Territory of Hermon: Called: Shenir Hermon: Called: Sirion Israel: Defeat the King of Baasha Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To the Mountains of Abarim: Og Conquered Og: Land of, Given to the Tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh Reubenites: Have Their Inheritance East of the Jordan River Shenir: The Amorite Name of Mount Hermon Sirion: Sidonian Name of Mount Hermon