And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.

DEUTERONOMY 3:21KJV
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Deuteronomy 3:21 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 3:21 mean?

Deuteronomy 3:21 describes Moses instructing Joshua, reminding him that he has personally witnessed everything the LORD has done to two kings, and assuring him that the LORD will do the same to all the kingdoms Joshua will face. The verse is meant to encourage Joshua as he prepares to lead the Israelites into new battles.

In this verse, Moses is speaking directly to Joshua, who will soon take over leadership of Israel. The setting is just after the Israelites have defeated two kings east of the Jordan River. Moses uses Joshua’s own experience as proof that God will continue to help them, building Joshua’s confidence for the challenges ahead.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 3:21

  • "Commanded" (צִוֵּיתִי, tsivvêti): This word means to give a direct order or instruction. Moses is not just suggesting but firmly instructing Joshua, showing the seriousness of the moment.
  • "Eyes" (עֵינֶיךָ, ‘einecha): This word highlights that Joshua is an eyewitness, not just hearing stories. Joshua’s personal experience is meant to strengthen his trust in God’s help.
  • "Done" (עָשָׂה, ‘asah): This verb means to do, make, or accomplish. It points to God’s active involvement in the victories, not just passive support.
  • "Kings" (מְלָכִים, melachim) and "kingdoms" (מַמְלָכוֹת, mamlakhot): The shift from “kings” to “kingdoms” shows that what God did before was just the beginning; Joshua can expect even greater victories ahead.

Why Deuteronomy 3:21 matters

  • Deuteronomy 3:21 clears up any idea that Joshua is being sent out with only vague hope; he is given concrete evidence from his own experience that God will act again.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of remembering past help from God as a source of courage for future challenges.
  • This instruction connects to the larger theme in Deuteronomy of preparing the next generation of leaders and reminding them to trust in God’s faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“kingdoms” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 15:19 And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;