Deuteronomy 2:34 Meaning and Explanation
“And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel conquered all of Sihon's cities and completely destroyed the population.
The Context of Deuteronomy 2:34
Israel conquers Sihon's cities and destroys the entire population completely.
What Does Deuteronomy 2:34 Mean?
Following the victory at Jahaz, Israel systematically took every city in Sihon's kingdom. The completeness of destruction—men, women, and children—is stated in stark terms. This is not a partial conquest leaving survivors but a total elimination. Modern readers often struggle with the moral implications of such accounts; the text records it without explanation or moral commentary.
The completeness of this destruction served a purpose in ancient warfare: it prevented the possibility of a future uprising or claim to the land. By eliminating the previous population, Israel ensured that the land would be secure for settlement. The text presents this as standard ancient military practice and as the execution of God's command.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 2:34
What does Deuteronomy 2:34 mean?
Israel conquered all of Sihon's cities and completely destroyed the population.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 2:34?
Israel conquers Sihon's cities and destroys the entire population completely.