Devarim 2:30

30 But Sichon Melech Cheshbon would not let us pass by him; for Hashem Eloheicha hardened and made stubborn his ruach, and made his lev obstinate, that He might deliver him into thy hand, as indeed hayom hazeh.

Devarim 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 ) .

Devarim 2:30 In-Context

28 Thou shalt sell me okhel for kesef, that I may eat; and give me mayim for kesef, that I may drink; only I will pass through on foot;

29 (As the Bnei Esav which dwell in Seir, and the Moavim which dwell in Ar, did unto me;) until I shall pass over Yarden into the land which Hashem Eloheinu giveth us.

30 But Sichon Melech Cheshbon would not let us pass by him; for Hashem Eloheicha hardened and made stubborn his ruach, and made his lev obstinate, that He might deliver him into thy hand, as indeed hayom hazeh.

31 And Hashem said unto me, See, I have begun to give Sichon and his land before thee; begin the occupation, that thou mayest take possession to inherit his land.

32 Then Sichon came out against us, he and all his people, to make milchamah (battle, war) at Yachatz.