Deuteronomy 2:31

31 And the LORD said unto me, `Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest 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 Esau who dwell in Seir and the Moabites who dwell in Ar did unto me, until I shall pass over the Jordan into the land which the LORD our God giveth us.'

30 But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him, for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.

31 And the LORD said unto me, `Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.'

32 Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz.

33 And the LORD our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons and all his people.