Deuteronomy 2:30

30 "But Sichon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through his territory, because ADONAI your God had hardened his spirit and made him stubborn, so that he could hand him over to you, as is the case today.

Deuteronomy 2:30 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:30

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him
Or through his country, as was desired:

for the Lord had hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate;
as he did Pharaoh's, for whom he will he hardens; so that he would not listen to the proposals made to him, nor grant the requests asked of him, but with pride and haughtiness of spirit despised and disdained Israel:

that he might deliver him into thine hand;
that so an opportunity might offer of fighting with him, and taking his country from him; whereas, had he been peaceable and flexible, he had continued in the enjoyment of his land, and Israel would not have had that advantage against him; but God, who has the hearts of kings and of all men in his hands, so wrought upon him that he should take the steps he did, which made way for the delivery of him and his country into the hands of the Israelites:

as appeareth this day:
for when Moses made this speech, the kingdom of Sihon was possessed by the Israelites, ( Numbers 21:24 Numbers 21:25 ) .

Deuteronomy 2:30 In-Context

28 You will sell me food to eat for money and give me water to drink for money. I only want to pass through.

29 Do as the people of 'Esav living in Se'ir and the Mo'avim living in 'Ar did with me, until I cross the Yarden into the land ADONAI our God is giving us.'

30 "But Sichon king of Heshbon would not let us pass through his territory, because ADONAI your God had hardened his spirit and made him stubborn, so that he could hand him over to you, as is the case today.

31 ADONAI said to me, 'See, I have begun handing over Sichon and his territory before you; start taking possession of his land.'

32 Then Sichon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Yahatz;