Deuteronomy 3 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter continues Moses’ speech that began in Chapter 1.

1. Moses recounts how the Israelites defeated King Og and took land east of the Jordan River (1–11)
2. Moses allots land east of the Jordan River to Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh (12–20)
3. Yahweh forbids Moses from entering the land (21–29)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Possessing the land

Yahweh promised the Israelites that he will give them the land of Canaan if they obey him. Other people groups live in the land, but Yahweh promises to give the Israelites victory over them. The land belongs to Israel, but they have not yet entered it to possess the land. (See: faithful and promisedland)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

One direct quotation inside another

In this chapter, Moses gives a speech and quotes what others said. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate or format this passage so that there are no quotations within a quotation. (See figs-quotesinquotes)

Time background

In his speech, Moses reminds the Israelites about what happened to their ancestors before they entered the land that Yahweh promised to give to them. Throughout his speech, Moses repeats the phrase “at that time” to refer to events that occurred during that time period. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state this information explicitly. (See: writing-newevent)

“you” and “your” plural

Throughout this chapter, when Moses is speaking to the Israelites, he uses the plural forms of “you” and “your.”