John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 3:12

"And this land we took in possession at that time: from Aroer, which is by the valley of the Arnon, and half the hill-country of Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites:" — Deuteronomy 3:12 (ASV)

And this land, which we possessed at that time. In this passage, Moses confirms his decision that the possession of the country beyond the Jordan should be secured for the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh. Because it had fallen to them exceptionally, the matter might have become a point of controversy for posterity. Therefore, so that no one would disturb them, he again declares that they were the rightful possessors of that district. Moreover, since the very gift of it might be questioned—as it was situated outside the boundaries of the inheritance promised by God—Moses also anticipates this objection, asserting that God had not given it to His people to possess in vain. From this it follows that the right to inhabit it was conferred upon them. Therefore, so that such an unequal partition would not become a subject of contention, he marks out their boundaries on every side, as if he were setting up God's authority as a wall and rampart against anyone who might presume to invade it.

Regarding the names of the places, the Dead Sea is called the Sea of Salt, and the Lake of Gennesaret is also called Chinnereth. Concerning the phrase “outpourings of the hill,” translators do not agree, for some consider Ashdoth-Pisgah to be the proper name of a city.²²⁰ I prefer, however, to understand the word “outpourings” (effusionum) as a common noun, not as referring to fountains and streams, but rather to the base of the hill where the ground, by a gentle slope, seems in a way to spread out. We will soon see that Pisgah was one of the summits of Mount Abarim.

²²⁰ אשדת הפסגה A.V. “Ashdoth-Pisgah;” “Ashdoth-Pisgah;” marg., “The springs of Pisgah, or, of the hill.” The “The springs of Pisgah, or, of the hill.” The LXX. in like manner only substitutes Greek letters for the Hebrew, treating both words as proper names. But when the same words occur at the close of the next chapter, our translators have placed their previous marginal translation in their text, and the . in like manner only substitutes Greek letters for the Hebrew, treating both words as proper names. But when the same words occur at the close of the next chapter, our translators have placed their previous marginal translation in their text, and the LXX. instead of instead of Φασγὰ have have τὴν λαξευτήν, as though , as though פסגה were an appellative, from were an appellative, from פסג to cut. In construing to cut. In construing אשדת as a noun, from as a noun, from אשד and rendering it and rendering it effusions, C. followed followed S.M., as also in putting the as also in putting the hill for Pisgah. Our translators and Luther have agreed in rendering the former word for Pisgah. Our translators and Luther have agreed in rendering the former word springs, when it occurs in when it occurs in Joshua 10:40, and 12:8; whilst the , and 12:8; whilst the LXX. and Diodati have treated it as a proper name in both those texts. —and Diodati have treated it as a proper name in both those texts. — W