which the Sidonians call SirionThe Sidonians were a Phoenician people known for their seafaring and trade. Sidon was a prominent city in ancient Phoenicia, located in what is now modern-day Lebanon. The name "Sirion" reflects the Sidonian language and culture, indicating their influence in the region. This name for Mount Hermon highlights the diverse cultural interactions in the ancient Near East. The use of different names for the same geographical feature underscores the varied ethnic and linguistic groups that inhabited the land. In biblical context, Mount Hermon is significant as a northern boundary of the Promised Land (
Joshua 12:1). It is also associated with the transfiguration of Jesus in the New Testament, symbolizing divine revelation and glory (
Matthew 17:1-9).
but the Amorites call Senir—
The Amorites were a Semitic people who played a significant role in the history of the ancient Near East. They are often mentioned in the Old Testament as inhabitants of Canaan before the Israelite conquest. The name "Senir" reflects the Amorite language and their territorial claims. This dual naming of Mount Hermon illustrates the complex history of conquest and settlement in the region. The Amorites' presence in Canaan is noted in several biblical passages, includingGenesis 15:16, where God promises Abraham that his descendants will inherit the land after the iniquity of the Amorites is complete. The mention of different names for the same mountain serves as a reminder of the diverse peoples and cultures that God used to fulfill His purposes in biblical history.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SidoniansAn ancient people from the city of Sidon, located in present-day Lebanon. They were known for their seafaring and trade.
2.
AmoritesA group of ancient people who lived in the Near East, often mentioned in the Bible as inhabitants of Canaan before the Israelites.
3.
SirionThe name given by the Sidonians to Mount Hermon, a significant mountain in the region.
4.
SenirThe name used by the Amorites for the same mountain, Mount Hermon.
5.
Mount HermonA prominent mountain in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, significant in biblical history and geography.
Teaching Points
Understanding Cultural ContextRecognize the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical names and places. This helps us appreciate the depth and richness of Scripture.
God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe different names for Mount Hermon reflect the diverse cultures and peoples in the region, yet God is sovereign over all. This reminds us of His ultimate authority over the nations.
Unity in DiversityJust as Mount Hermon was known by different names, the body of Christ is diverse yet united in purpose. We should celebrate our differences while maintaining unity in Christ.
The Significance of Place in God's PlanLocations like Mount Hermon play a significant role in God's redemptive history. Reflect on how God uses specific places and events in our lives for His purposes.
Faithfulness in God's PromisesThe mention of Mount Hermon in various scriptures underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. Trust in His promises for your life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 3:9?
2.How does Deuteronomy 3:9 illustrate the significance of cultural names in Scripture?
3.What can we learn about respecting cultural differences from Deuteronomy 3:9?
4.How does Deuteronomy 3:9 connect to God's sovereignty over all nations?
5.How can understanding Deuteronomy 3:9 enhance our appreciation for biblical geography?
6.How might Deuteronomy 3:9 encourage us to study biblical history more deeply?
7.What is the significance of Mount Hermon being called Sirion by the Sidonians in Deuteronomy 3:9?
8.How does Deuteronomy 3:9 reflect the cultural interactions between Israelites and neighboring tribes?
9.Why does Deuteronomy 3:9 mention different names for the same mountain?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 3?
11.What is Mount Hermon's biblical significance?
12.Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Does the text's justification for driving out other nations align with moral standards or does it conflict with the idea of a just God?
13.Deuteronomy 2:34 describes the total destruction of entire cities, including children; how can this be reconciled with a merciful and just God?
14.Numbers 33:50-56: Why does the text insist on divinely sanctioned warfare for taking the land when later prophets and passages emphasize peace, suggesting an inconsistency in divine commands?What Does Deuteronomy 3:9 Mean
WhichMoses is recounting Israel’s victories east of the Jordan, clarifying that the territory taken included “Mount Hermon… (which the Sidonians call Sirion and the Amorites call Senir)” (Deuteronomy 3:8–9). The single word “which” ties this parenthetical note directly to Mount Hermon, underscoring that God’s people are to know exactly what land He has given them. See the same precision inJoshua 12:5–6 andPsalm 133:3, where Hermon is again specified, reminding us that God’s promises are never vague.
the SidoniansSidon was the leading Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast. By mentioning the Sidonians, Moses anchors the text in real, observable geography and culture. God’s Word never deals in myths; it records verifiable places and peoples (Genesis 10:15, 19). This brief reference also hints that Israel’s borders touch not only the Amorite lands but even the sphere of powerful coastal traders—showing the breadth of divine provision (Deuteronomy 2:25).
call SirionTo the Sidonians, Mount Hermon was “Sirion,” meaning “breasted” or “armored,” pointing to the mountain’s snow-covered slopes that resembled glistening armor (Psalm 29:6). Yet Scripture keeps the mountain’s real identity clear: regardless of what others call it, it belongs in the covenant geography granted to Israel (Deuteronomy 4:48). This reassures believers that shifting cultural labels never override God’s fixed realities.
but the AmoritesThe Amorites were the dominant highland people Israel had just defeated under kings Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 3:1–7). Mentioning them here highlights God’s recent triumphs for His people. It also reminds Israel that even formidable enemies acknowledge the same landmark, confirming its importance (Joshua 10:5). God’s victories become the backdrop for every boundary line.
call Senir“Senir” was the Amorite name for Mount Hermon (Ezekiel 27:5;1 Chronicles 5:23). By listing both Gentile names, Moses quietly stresses the sovereignty of the Lord over every tongue and tribe. Different nations may title the mountain differently, but the Creator owns it all (Psalm 24:1). For the Israelites—and for us—this reinforces that God’s promises stand above regional claims or human terminology.
summaryDeuteronomy 3:9 inserts a brief yet purposeful footnote: the same towering Mount Hermon carried multiple names among neighboring peoples. By recording both “Sirion” (Sidonian) and “Senir” (Amorite), Moses affirms the literal geography of God’s promise, celebrates Israel’s recent victories, and subtly proclaims the Lord’s universal sovereignty. Whatever nations may call the mountain, Scripture fixes it unmistakably within the land God said belongs to His people—reminding us that His Word is precise, reliable, and eternally true.
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Sirion.--(
Sion,Deut.448.) Sirion, or Shirion, and Shenir, are thought to have similar meanings. But the Targum inteprets Shenir as the "rock of snow." Shirion, according to Gesenius, means "glittering like a breastplate." It would not be safe to assert that the mention of the
Sidonianname of Hermon makes this verse an addition after Israel was in Palestine, though it might be so. The Jewish commentator Rashi points out that, including the name Sion (
Deuteronomy 4:48), "this mountain has four names. Why mention them? To declare the praise of the land of Israel, which had four kingdoms glorifying themselves in it, and each of them saying, 'It is called after my name!'" But there are several notes of this kind in the Pentateuch. (See
Genesis 23:2;
Genesis 31:47;
Numbers 13:22; also
Joshua 14:15.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
which the Sidoniansצִידֹנִ֛ים(ṣî·ḏō·nîm)Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6722:Sidonians -- an inhabitant of Sidoncallיִקְרְא֥וּ(yiq·rə·’ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readSirionשִׂרְיֹ֑ן(śir·yōn)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8303:Sirion -- a Sidonian name for Mount Hermonbut the Amoritesוְהָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י(wə·hā·’ĕ·mō·rî)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 567:Amorites -- perhaps 'mountain dwellers', a Canaanite tribecallיִקְרְאוּ־(yiq·rə·’ū-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readSenir—שְׂנִֽיר׃(śə·nîr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8149:Senir -- Amorite name for Mount Hermon
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 3:9 Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion (Deut. De Du) 
