Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down Deuteronomy 2:30. It’s a really important verse about God’s power and how He chooses to protect His people. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Sihon, a powerful king of the city Heshbon (which was near modern-day Lebanon), didn't want us to pass through his territory . God then made Sihon’s spirit and heart stubborn – resistant to anything good – so that He could ultimately defeat him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him…” This is the initial problem - Sihon was actively preventing our passage. “…for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit…” This means God gave Sihon a powerful, almost divine, ability to make it difficult for us to move forward. It’s like giving him a shield or a determined stance. "...and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand…” This is the crucial part. God specifically made Sihon's heart resistant to anything beneficial – he became stubborn and unwilling to yield. “…as [appeareth] this day.” This is a little more poetic. "As this day" suggests that this situation has been happening for a long time, and it’s now being repeated with the same intensity. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to God's power to overcome evil and protect His people. It’s about: Divine Protection: God is actively intervening to defend us from harm. Resilience: God doesn’t simply allow bad things to happen; He actively fights against them . The Battle of the Spirit: The verse suggests a spiritual battle – our own resistance and stubbornness are also being tested by God. In short, Deuteronomy 2:30 tells us that God is determined to protect His people, even when they try to resist Him. It’s a reminder of God's strength and faithfulness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss its significance in a particular context (like Israel’s history)?