Read Deuteronomy 2 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraph divisions:
2:2-8a {s} Pass by the possession of Esau
2:8b-16 {s} Pass by the possession of Moab
2:17-30 {s} Pass by the possession of Ammon, but possess the possession of Sihon
2:31-3:22 {s} …
Deu 2:2-30 {sx3} makes its own Chiastic Structure:
Notice the Repeating Pattern in chapter 2:
Pass by the possession of Esau;
Pass by the possession of Moab;
Pass by the possession of Ammon;
Possess the possession of Sihon.
It is YHVH who had given Esau, Moab, and Ammon their land, so that even though giants formerly lived there, the giants were not able to withstand–not Esau, not Moab, not Ammon–but YHVH. Giants may be able to withstand Esau, Moab, or Ammon, and even you and me, but giants are not able to withstand YHVH.
Then the pattern of “Do not possess” is broken, and instead, Israel is commanded to possess the possession of Sihon.
Another way to say it: Do not fear as the unbelieving generation did, but be believing; for YHVH is able to bring you in.
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