Deuteronomy 2:31

31 The LORD said to me, Behold, I have begun to deliver up Sichon and his land before you: begin to possess, that you may inherit his land.

Deuteronomy 2:31 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:31

And the Lord said unto me
After or about the time when the messengers were sent to Sihon, perhaps when they had returned and had brought his answer:

behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee;
by hardening his heart, which was a sure token of his ruin, and a leading step to the delivery of him into the hands of Israel:

begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land;
move towards it and enter into it, not fearing any opposition made by him.

Deuteronomy 2:31 In-Context

29 as the children of Esav who dwell in Se`ir, and the Mo`avim who dwell in `Ar, did to me; until I shall pass over the Yarden into the land which the LORD our God gives us.

30 But Sichon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him; for the LORD your God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into your hand, as at this day.

31 The LORD said to me, Behold, I have begun to deliver up Sichon and his land before you: begin to possess, that you may inherit his land.

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

33 The LORD our God delivered him up before us; and we struck him, and his sons, and all his people.