Deuteronomy 9:1
New International Version
Hear, Israel: You are now about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities that have walls up to the sky.

New Living Translation
“Listen, O Israel! Today you are about to cross the Jordan River to take over the land belonging to nations much greater and more powerful than you. They live in cities with walls that reach to the sky!

English Standard Version
“Hear, O Israel: you are to cross over the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, cities great and fortified up to heaven,

Berean Standard Bible
Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens.

King James Bible
Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,

New King James Version
“Hear, O Israel: You are to cross over the Jordan today, and go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to heaven,

New American Standard Bible
“Hear, Israel! You are crossing the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, cities that are great and fortified to heaven,

NASB 1995
“Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven,

NASB 1977
“Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven,

Legacy Standard Bible
“Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven,

Amplified Bible
“Hear, O Israel! You are crossing the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and more powerful than you, great cities fortified to heaven,

Christian Standard Bible
“Listen, Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to enter and drive out nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Listen, Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go and drive out nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens.

American Standard Version
Hear, O Israel: thou art to pass over the Jordan this day, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fortified up to heaven,

Contemporary English Version
Israel, listen to me! You will soon cross the Jordan River and go into the land to force out the nations that live there. They are more powerful than you are, and the walls around their cities reach to the sky.

English Revised Version
Hear, O Israel: thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Listen, Israel, you're about to cross the Jordan River. You'll be forcing out nations that are larger and stronger than you, with big cities that have sky-high walls.

Good News Translation
"Listen, people of Israel! Today you are about to cross the Jordan River and occupy the land belonging to nations greater and more powerful than you. Their cities are large, with walls that reach the sky.

International Standard Version
"Listen, Israel! Today you are about to cross the Jordan to enter and dispossess greater and mightier nations than you, who live in large cities that are fortified to the sky.

Majority Standard Bible
Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens.

NET Bible
Listen, Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan so you can dispossess the nations there, people greater and stronger than you who live in large cities with extremely high fortifications.

New Heart English Bible
Hear, Israel: you are to pass over the Jordan this day, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to the sky,

Webster's Bible Translation
Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fortified up to heaven,

World English Bible
Hear, Israel! You are to pass over the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to the sky,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Hear, O Israel: You are passing over the Jordan today to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to the heavens,

Young's Literal Translation
'Hear, Israel, thou art passing over to-day the Jordan, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself; cities great and fenced in the heavens;

Smith's Literal Translation
Hear, Israel: Thou passest this day over Jordan to go to possess nations great and strong above thee; cities great and fortified to the heavens:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Hear, O Israel: Thou shalt go over the Jordan this day; to possess nations very great, and stronger than thyself, cities great, and walled up to the sky,

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Listen, O Israel: You shall cross over the Jordan today, in order to possess nations, very great and stronger than yourself, cities vast and walled even to the sky,

New American Bible
Hear, O Israel! You are now about to cross the Jordan to enter in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than yourselves, having large cities fortified to the heavens,

New Revised Standard Version
Hear, O Israel! You are about to cross the Jordan today, to go in and dispossess nations larger and mightier than you, great cities, fortified to the heavens,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
HEAR, O Israel: You are to cross the Jordan this day, to go in to destroy nations greater and mightier than yourselves, cities great and fenced up to heaven,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
"Listen, Israel, you cross today the Jordan to go to destroy the nations that are greater and mightier than you, and great and fortified cities and walled up to Heaven,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Hear, O Israel: thou art to pass over the Jordan this day, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fortified up to heaven,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Hear, O Israel: Thou goest this day across Jordan to inherit nations greater and stronger than yourselves, cities great and walled up to heaven;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Assurance of Victory
1Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens. 2The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?”…

Cross References
Joshua 3:10
He continued, “This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will surely drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites.

Exodus 23:23
For My angel will go before you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and I will annihilate them.

Numbers 13:28-33
Nevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there. / The Amalekites live in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan.” / Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!” ...

Joshua 1:11
“Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’”

Joshua 11:21-23
At that time Joshua proceeded to eliminate the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction, along with their cities. / No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive. / So Joshua took the entire land, in keeping with all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to the allotments to their tribes. Then the land had rest from war.

Exodus 34:11
Observe what I command you this day. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

Numbers 14:7-9
and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. / If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. / Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”

Joshua 23:9
The LORD has driven out great and powerful nations before you, and to this day no one can stand against you.

Nehemiah 9:24
So their descendants went in and possessed the land; You subdued before them the Canaanites dwelling in the land. You delivered into their hands the kings and peoples of the land, to do with them as they wished.

Psalm 44:2-3
With Your hand You drove out the nations and planted our fathers there; You crushed the peoples and cast them out. / For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them.

Acts 7:45
And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David,

Hebrews 11:30-31
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. / By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

1 Corinthians 10:11
Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.


Treasury of Scripture

Hear, O Israel: You are to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,

to pass

Deuteronomy 3:18
And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war.

Deuteronomy 11:31
For ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell therein.

Deuteronomy 27:2
And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister:

nations

Deuteronomy 4:38
To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.

Deuteronomy 7:1
When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;

Deuteronomy 11:23
Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.

cities

Deuteronomy 1:28
Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.

Numbers 13:22,28-33
And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) …

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Cities Cross Crossing Dispossess Ear Enter Hear Heaven Heritage High Israel Jordan Large Mightier Nations Passing Possess Size Sky Stronger Thyself Today To-Day Towns Walled Walls Yourselves
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Cities Cross Crossing Dispossess Ear Enter Hear Heaven Heritage High Israel Jordan Large Mightier Nations Passing Possess Size Sky Stronger Thyself Today To-Day Towns Walled Walls Yourselves
Deuteronomy 9
1. Moses dissuades them from the opinion of their own righteousness
7. Moses reminds them of the golden calf














Hear, O Israel:
This phrase serves as a call to attention, emphasizing the importance of the message. It echoes the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4, a central declaration of faith in Judaism. The address to "Israel" signifies the collective identity of the twelve tribes, reminding them of their covenant relationship with God.

Today you are about to cross the Jordan:
The Jordan River represents a significant geographical and spiritual boundary. Crossing it marks the transition from the wilderness wanderings to entering the Promised Land. This moment is pivotal in Israel's history, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 15:18. The immediacy of "today" underscores the urgency and divine timing of God's plan.

to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you:
This highlights the miraculous nature of Israel's conquest, as they are not relying on their own strength but on God's power. The nations mentioned are the Canaanites, known for their advanced military capabilities and fortified cities. This scenario sets the stage for God to demonstrate His sovereignty and faithfulness, as seen in battles like Jericho (Joshua 6).

with large cities fortified to the heavens:
The description of cities "fortified to the heavens" emphasizes their formidable defenses, likely referring to high walls and strong fortifications. Archaeological evidence from sites like Jericho and Hazor supports the existence of such fortified cities. This hyperbolic language underscores the human impossibility of the task, pointing to the necessity of divine intervention.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are about to enter the Promised Land.

2. Jordan River
The boundary that the Israelites must cross to enter Canaan, symbolizing a transition from the wilderness to the Promised Land.

3. Nations Greater and Stronger
Refers to the Canaanite nations inhabiting the land, known for their strength and fortified cities.

4. Fortified Cities
Cities with strong defenses, representing the formidable challenges Israel will face.

5. Moses
The leader of Israel, delivering God's message and preparing the people for the conquest of Canaan.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Promises
Despite the daunting task ahead, Israel is reminded to trust in God's promise to give them the land. We, too, must trust in God's promises, even when facing overwhelming challenges.

God's Sovereignty and Power
The description of nations "greater and stronger" underscores God's sovereignty. He is able to overcome any obstacle, and we should rely on His power rather than our own.

Obedience and Faith
Israel's success depends on their obedience to God's commands. Our spiritual victories also hinge on our willingness to follow God's guidance faithfully.

Facing Giants with Courage
The fortified cities symbolize the "giants" in our lives. With God's help, we can face and overcome these challenges with courage and faith.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
Just as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, we must prepare for spiritual battles through prayer, study, and reliance on God's Word.IX.

EXHORTATION TO REMEMBER THE SINS OF THE EXODUS.

(1) Hear, O Israel.--A fresh portion of the exhortation begins here. The cause of Israel's conquest of Canaan is not to be sought in their own merit, but in the choice of Jehovah.

Thou art to pass.--Literally, thou art passing: i.e., just about to pass.

Nations greater and mightier than thyself.--If this is true (and there is no reason to doubt it), the responsibility of the conquest does not rest with Israel; they were the Divine executioners. (See Note on Joshua 5:13-14.)

Cities . . . fenced up to heaven.--Comp. the expression in Genesis 11:4, "a city and a tower whose top may reach unto (literally, is in) heaven." So here, "cities great and fortified in the heavens." Was St. Paul thinking of this expression when he said, "We wrestle against spiritual wickedness in the heavenly regions?" (Ephesians 6:12). . . .

Verse 1. - This day; at this time, very soon. Nations, etc. (cf. Deuteronomy 7:1). Cities (cf. Deuteronomy 1:28).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Hear,
שְׁמַ֣ע (šə·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

O Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

Today
הַיּוֹם֙ (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

you
אַתָּ֨ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are about to cross
עֹבֵ֤ר (‘ō·ḇêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

the Jordan
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

to go in
לָבֹא֙ (lā·ḇō)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and dispossess
לָרֶ֣שֶׁת (lā·re·šeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin

nations
גּוֹיִ֔ם (gō·w·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

greater
גְּדֹלִ֥ים (gə·ḏō·lîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

and stronger
וַעֲצֻמִ֖ים (wa·‘ă·ṣu·mîm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6099: Powerful, numerous

than you,
מִמֶּ֑ךָּ (mim·me·kā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

with large
גְּדֹלֹ֥ת (gə·ḏō·lōṯ)
Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

cities
עָרִ֛ים (‘ā·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

fortified
וּבְצֻרֹ֖ת (ū·ḇə·ṣu·rōṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 1219: To cut off, make inaccessible, enclose

to the heavens.
בַּשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ (baš·šā·mā·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 9:1 Hear Israel: you are to pass over (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 8:20
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