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Deuteronomy 1:42

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 1:42 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jehovah said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jehovah said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.
Deuteronomy 1:42 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
39Moreover your little ones, that ye said should be a prey, and your children, that this day have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.
40But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea.
41Then ye answered and said unto me, We have sinned against Jehovah, we will go up and fight, according to all that Jehovah our God commanded us. And ye girded on every man his weapons of war, and were forward to go up into the hill-country.
42And Jehovah said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.
43So I spake unto you, and ye hearkened not; but ye rebelled against the commandment of Jehovah, and were presumptuous, and went up into the hill-country.
44And the Amorites, that dwelt in that hill-country, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and beat you down in Seir, even unto Hormah.
45And ye returned and wept before Jehovah; but Jehovah hearkened not to your voice, nor gave ear unto you.
← Deuteronomy 1:41Deuteronomy 1:43 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the Lord said unto me, etc.] When the people had armed themselves, and were in motion, or ready to set forward to ascend the hill: say unto them, go not up, neither fight; neither go up the hill, and if they did, contrary to this order, and should meet with enemies, not fight them, but retreat: for I am not among you: the ark of the covenant, the symbol of his presence, was then among them, but it did not go with them, it continued in the camp, (<041444>Numbers 14:44) nor did the Lord exert his power, or show himself present with them, or to be on their side, but left them to themselves, and to their enemies: lest ye be smitten before your enemies; God not being with them to fight for…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Go not up: Num 14:41, Num 14:42 for I am not: Lev 26:17; Jos 7:8-13; Sa1 4:2, Sa1 4:10; Isa 30:17, Isa 59:1, Isa 59:2; Hos 9:12 Deuteronomy 1:43”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification