At that timeThis phrase refers to a specific period during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. It highlights the historical context of the conquest under Moses' leadership, emphasizing God's timing and sovereignty in delivering victories to His people.
we took from the two kings of the Amorites
The two kings mentioned are Sihon and Og, rulers of the Amorite territories east of the Jordan River. This conquest is significant as it demonstrates God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. The defeat of these kings is also a precursor to the larger conquest of Canaan, showcasing God's provision and the Israelites' obedience.
the land across the Jordan
This land refers to the Transjordan region, which includes territories that would later be allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The phrase underscores the geographical expansion of Israel's territory and God's promise to give them a land flowing with milk and honey.
from the Arnon Valley
The Arnon Valley served as a natural boundary between Moab and the Amorite kingdom. It is a significant geographical marker in the biblical narrative, representing the southern limit of the land conquered by Israel. This valley is mentioned in other biblical texts, highlighting its importance in the region's topography.
as far as Mount Hermon
Mount Hermon marks the northern boundary of the conquered territory. It is a prominent mountain range known for its height and snow-capped peaks. In biblical literature, Mount Hermon is often associated with fertility and abundance, symbolizing the richness of the land God provided to Israel. The mention of Mount Hermon also connects to other scriptural references, such asPsalm 133, which speaks of the unity and blessing associated with this region.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who recounts the victories over the Amorite kings.
2.
AmoritesA group of people living in the land east of the Jordan River, known for their opposition to Israel.
3.
Arnon ValleyA significant geographical boundary marking the southern extent of the land taken from the Amorites.
4.
Mount HermonA prominent mountain marking the northern boundary of the conquered territory.
5.
Two Kings of the AmoritesRefers to King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan, whose lands were conquered by the Israelites.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of PromisesThe conquest of the Amorite lands demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives, knowing He is faithful to fulfill them.
The Importance of Obedience and CourageThe Israelites' victory required obedience to God's commands and courage to face formidable enemies. Christians are called to obey God's Word and be courageous in their spiritual battles.
God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe defeat of the Amorite kings illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations and rulers. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control of world events and their personal circumstances.
Spiritual Inheritance and VictoryJust as the Israelites received a physical inheritance, Christians have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. Believers are encouraged to claim their spiritual victories through faith and perseverance.
Remembering God's Past VictoriesRecalling past victories, as Moses does here, strengthens faith and encourages believers to trust God for future challenges. Reflecting on God's past faithfulness can inspire confidence in His continued provision.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 3:8?
2.How does Deuteronomy 3:8 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?
3.What lessons on obedience can we learn from Israel's victory in Deuteronomy 3:8?
4.How does Deuteronomy 3:8 connect with God's covenant in Genesis 15:18-21?
5.In what ways can we trust God for victories in our own lives?
6.How can Deuteronomy 3:8 inspire us to overcome spiritual battles today?
7.How does Deuteronomy 3:8 reflect God's promise to the Israelites?
8.What historical evidence supports the conquest described in Deuteronomy 3:8?
9.How does Deuteronomy 3:8 align with God's character of justice and mercy?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 3?
11.What is Mount Hermon's biblical significance?
12.What is Mount Hermon's biblical significance?
13.Who was Og, King of Bashan?
14.Deuteronomy 8:3 - How can the miraculous feeding of manna be reconciled with scientific explanations of food sources in a desert?What Does Deuteronomy 3:8 Mean
At that time“At that time…” roots the statement in a specific historical moment, not a vague legend.
• Moses is recounting events that had just taken place (De 2:31; 29:7).
• The phrase signals God’s perfect timing: He moved when Israel was ready, and the Amorite threat had ripened for judgment (Genesis 15:16).
• Like later victories at Jericho and Ai (Joshua 6–8), the timing proves the Lord orchestrates history for His people’s good and His glory.
we took“…we took…” highlights Israel’s active obedience while still crediting God’s power.
• The conquest was not human ambition; it followed the Lord’s command in De 2:24: “See, I have delivered Sihon… into your hand.”
• Every success reflected His promise inExodus 23:31 and reaffirmed inJoshua 1:3.
• The past-tense certainty (“we took”) foreshadows the sure possession of Canaan west of the Jordan (Joshua 21:43-45).
from the two kings of the AmoritesThese kings were Sihon of Heshbon and Og of Bashan (Numbers 21:21-35; De 31:4).
• Both had terrorized neighboring peoples (Joshua 2:10), yet fell swiftly when confronted by the Lord’s army.
• Their downfall illustrated God’s judgment on persistent wickedness (De 9:4-5) while assuring Israel that no enemy—however imposing (Og’s bed was over 13 feet long, De 3:11)—could withstand the covenant God.
the land across the JordanThis phrase points to the Transjordan territories east of the river (Numbers 32:33; De 4:47).
• Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh would settle there (Joshua 13:8-12), showing that God’s inheritance included more than the traditional western side.
• The land became a tangible pledge that the rest of the Promised Land would soon follow (Joshua 1:15).
from the Arnon ValleyThe Arnon (modern Wadi Mujib) marked Moab’s northern border (Numbers 21:13;Judges 11:18).
• Its mention fixes the southern limit of the conquered Amorite territory.
• God establishes clear, orderly boundaries (Acts 17:26), protecting His people and preventing needless conflict with Moab, whom He told Israel not to harass (De 2:9).
as far as Mount HermonMount Hermon (9,200 ft, snow-capped much of the year) dominates the northern skyline (Psalm 133:3;Joshua 11:17; 12:1).
• Naming it marks the northern extremity of the conquest, a span of roughly 150 miles.
• Hermon’s grandeur became a symbol of blessing and refreshment—fitting bookends with the Arnon gorge below.
• The sweep from Arnon to Hermon underlines the completeness of God’s gift, reinforcingNumbers 21:34-35: “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand.”
summaryDeuteronomy 3:8 records a real, time-stamped victory in which Israel actively seized territory assigned by God—from the deep Arnon Valley up to majestic Mount Hermon—by defeating the powerful Amorite kings Sihon and Og. The verse celebrates the Lord’s faithfulness, the certainty of His promises, and the security His people enjoy when they trust and obey His commands.
Verse 8. -
Hermon (
חֶרְמון), probably from
חָרַם, to be high, "the lofty peak," conspicuous on all sides. By some the name is supposed to be connected with
חֶרֶם, a devoted thing, because this mountain marked the limit of the country devoted or placed under a ban; and it is certainly remarkable that, at the extreme north-east and the extreme southwest of the laud conquered by the Israelites, names derived from
Hereto, viz.
Hermon and
Hormah (
Deuteronomy 1:44), should be found; as if to indicate that all between was devoted. Hermon is the southernmost spur of the Autilibanus range. It is "the second mountain in Syria, ranking next to the highest peak of Lebanon behind the cedars. The elevation of Hermon may be estimated at about 10,000 feet. The whole body of the mountain is limestone, similar to that which composes the main ridge of Lebanon, the central peak rises up an obtuse truncated cone, from 2000 to 3000 feet above the ridges that radiate from it, thus giving it a more commanding aspect than any other mountain in Syria. This cone is entirely naked, destitute alike of trees and vegetation. The snow never disappears from its summit" (Porter, 'Handbook, Syria and Palestine,' p. 431). At the present day it is known as
Jebel esh-Sheikh (The Chief Mountain), also
Jebel eth Thel (The Snow Mountain). Anciently also it had various names. By the Hebrews it was known also as
Sion (
שִׂיאֹן, the high,
Deuteronomy 4:48); by the Sidonians it was called
Sirion (
שִׂרְיון =
שִׁרְיון, a cuirass or coat of mail), probably from its shining appearance, especially when covered with snow and by the Amorites it was called
Senir, a word probably of the same meaning. These names continued in use to a late period (cf.
Psalm 99:6;
Ezekiel 27:4;
Song of Solomon 4:8;
1 Chronicles 5:23).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
At thatהַהִוא֙(ha·hi·w)Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, aretimeבָּעֵ֤ת(bā·‘êṯ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whenwe tookוַנִּקַּ֞ח(wan·niq·qaḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3947:To takefromמִיַּ֗ד(mî·yaḏ)Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027:A handthe twoשְׁנֵי֙(šə·nê)Number - mdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)kingsמַלְכֵ֣י(mal·ḵê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof the Amoritesהָאֱמֹרִ֔י(hā·’ĕ·mō·rî)Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 567:Amorites -- perhaps 'mountain dwellers', a Canaanite tribethe landהָאָ֔רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landacrossבְּעֵ֣בֶר(bə·‘ê·ḇer)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5676:A region across, on the opposite sidethe Jordan,הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן(hay·yar·dên)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383:Jordan -- the principal river of Palestinefrom the Arnonאַרְנֹ֖ן(’ar·nōn)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 769:Arnon -- 'a roaring stream', a wadi and stream in MoabValleyמִנַּ֥חַל(min·na·ḥal)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5158:A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaftasעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilefar as Mountהַ֥ר(har)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022:Mountain, hill, hill countryHermon—חֶרְמֽוֹן׃(ḥer·mō·wn)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2768:Hermon -- 'sacred', a mountain in southern Aram (Syria) and Northern Israel
Links
Deuteronomy 3:8 NIVDeuteronomy 3:8 NLTDeuteronomy 3:8 ESVDeuteronomy 3:8 NASBDeuteronomy 3:8 KJV
Deuteronomy 3:8 BibleApps.comDeuteronomy 3:8 Biblia ParalelaDeuteronomy 3:8 Chinese BibleDeuteronomy 3:8 French BibleDeuteronomy 3:8 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Deuteronomy 3:8 We took the land at that time (Deut. De Du) 
