How does Deuteronomy 3:9 connect to God's sovereignty over all nations? Setting the Scene “Mount Hermon is called Sirion by the Sidonians; the Amorites call it Senir.” (Deuteronomy 3:9) Why the Different Names Matter • The Sidonians, seafaring Phoenicians to the northwest, use “Sirion.” • The Amorites, long-standing inhabitants east of the Jordan, use “Senir.” • Moses records both names, showing that God knows—and wants His people to know—the languages, cultures, and boundaries of every nation. What This Reveals about God’s Sovereignty • Omniscient over all peoples – “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3) – By noting each nation’s vocabulary, the text underscores that not a single cultural detail escapes His notice. • Ruler over territorial boundaries – “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” (Psalm 24:1) – Earlier, Moses recounts that God granted Israel victory over Og of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:3-7), illustrating His authority to give or remove land at will. • Architect of the nations’ existence – “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He separated the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples.” (Deuteronomy 32:8) – “From one man He made every nation of men to inhabit the whole earth, and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” (Acts 17:26) Connecting Deuteronomy 3:9 to the Bigger Biblical Picture • The reference to Sidonians and Amorites anticipates Israel’s future interactions with these peoples, reminding Israel that God already rules the stage on which history will unfold. • Daniel echoes this truth centuries later: “He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can restrain His hand.” (Daniel 4:35) Living in Light of God’s Sovereignty over All Nations • Confidence: Nations may rise and fall, but the Lord remains in control of every border and every leader. • Humility: Cultural differences are known and permitted by God; believers submit to His global plan rather than exalting one culture over another. • Mission: Because God governs every people group, the call to proclaim His kingdom message is certain to reach its appointed hearers (Matthew 28:18-19). Summary By recording that Mount Hermon bears multiple Gentile names, Deuteronomy 3:9 quietly—but powerfully—testifies that the Lord is not merely Israel’s God; He is the sovereign Lord who knows, rules, and directs every nation under heaven. |
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