Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,
Listen, Israel: Today you are going to cross the Jordan River to take possession of nations that are greater and more powerful than you are, with large cities that have walls reaching up to the sky.
God is telling Israel they're about to enter the Promised Land and conquer nations much stronger than themselves, with massive fortified cities.
📚 Historical Context
Moses is speaking to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. They are camped on the east side of the Jordan River, looking across at Canaan, which was occupied by powerful Canaanite nations with well-fortified cities. The phrase 'fenced up to heaven' was a common expression describing walls that seemed impossibly high and strong.
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