“But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the Lord thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.”
This verse is part of Moses’ retelling of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, recounting their encounters with various kings and nations as they approached the Promised Land. Here, Moses specifically refers to their encounter with Sihon, the king of Heshbon.
Let’s break down the verse and explore its key elements:
- Resistance from Sihon:The verse states that Sihon, the king of Heshbon, did not allow the Israelites to pass through his territory. The Israelites sought to pass peacefully and requested passage, but Sihon refused.
- Divine Intervention:The verse continues by explaining that the Lord God hardened Sihon’s spirit and made his heart obstinate. This divine intervention implies that God influenced Sihon’s decision-making and hardened his heart, leading to his refusal to grant passage to the Israelites.
- Divine Purpose:The verse concludes by stating that God hardened Sihon’s heart and spirit for a specific purpose: to deliver Sihon into the Israelites’ hands. The outcome of this divine intervention is to ensure victory for the Israelites over Sihon and his kingdom.
This verse raises some important theological questions regarding God’s involvement in hardening someone’s heart. It is crucial to approach this verse in the context of the larger narrative of God’s dealings with humanity and His sovereignty.
In Scripture, there are instances where God interacts with individuals in a way that hardens their hearts. For example, in the story of Pharaoh and the Exodus, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, leading to a series of plagues upon Egypt. These instances highlight God’s sovereignty and His ability to use even resistant hearts for His divine purposes.
It’s important to note that hardening of the heart does not absolve individuals of responsibility for their actions. Scripture also acknowledges that individuals have free will and the ability to make choices. God’s hardening of someone’s heart is often a response to their existing disposition and choices, and it serves as a means to bring about His purposes.
In the case of Sihon, the hardening of his heart allowed God to deliver him into the hands of the Israelites, who were God’s chosen people to inherit the Promised Land. It is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel and His commitment to fulfilling His promises.
In summary, Deuteronomy 2:30 illustrates God’s sovereign control over human affairs. While it raises questions about God’s involvement in hardening hearts, it ultimately emphasizes God’s ability to work through human resistance to accomplish His purposes. It serves as a reminder that God’s plans and purposes will ultimately prevail, even in the face of opposition.
