From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:

DEUTERONOMY 2:36KJV
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Deuteronomy 2:36 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 2:36 mean?

Deuteronomy 2:36 describes how the Israelites, under God’s guidance, captured every city from Aroer by the Arnon River up to Gilead, with none being too strong for them because the LORD their God delivered all these cities into their hands. This verse emphasizes that their victories were not due to their own strength, but because God gave them success over every city in that region.

In this verse, Moses is recounting to the Israelites how, during their journey toward the Promised Land, they encountered and conquered cities in the territory east of the Jordan River. The verse names specific places—Aroer, the Arnon River, and Gilead—to mark the full extent of their conquest. The focus is on God’s active role in their victories, highlighting that no city could withstand them because God delivered each one to them.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 2:36

  • יְהוָה (YHWH, transliterated "Yahweh" or "the LORD"): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, used here to stress that it was their covenant God who gave them victory, not just a generic deity.
  • נָתַן (nathan, "delivered"): This verb means "to give" or "to deliver." The verse uses it to show that God actively handed over these cities to Israel, underlining that their success was a gift, not something they achieved alone.
  • עִיר (ʿir, "city") and עָצוּם (ʿatsum, "strong"): The word for "strong" carries the idea of being mighty or fortified. The verse stresses that even the most fortified cities were not too strong for Israel when God was delivering them.

Why Deuteronomy 2:36 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s military success was not due to their own power or strategy, but entirely because God delivered the cities to them, which corrects any misunderstanding that they won by their own might.
  • By naming the boundaries from Aroer to Gilead, the verse sets a clear historical record of the territory conquered, which helps readers understand the geography and scope of Israel’s journey.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Deuteronomy of remembering God’s faithfulness and power in the past, encouraging the Israelites to trust Him as they prepare to enter the rest of the Promised Land.

Where else these words appear

“Aroer” Hebrew H6177 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 32:34 And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,
  • Joshua 13:16 And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;
  • 2 Samuel 24:5 And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:

“strong” Hebrew H7682 · used in 20 verses

  • Job 5:11 To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.
  • Psalms 107:41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
  • Isaiah 2:11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

“Arnon” Hebrew H769 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 21:13 From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.
  • Deuteronomy 3:8 And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;
  • Joshua 13:16 And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

“city” Hebrew H7151 · used in 31 verses

  • Numbers 21:28 For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.
  • Proverbs 18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
  • Isaiah 29:1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.