Deuteronomy 3: Conquering Giants and Preparing for the Promise
Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
So the Lord our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.
And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.
And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city.
But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.
And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;
(Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)
All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.
And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.
And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.
Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashan–havoth–jair, unto this day.
And I gave Gilead unto Machir.
And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;
The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdoth–pisgah eastward.
And I commanded you at that time, saying, The Lord your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war.
But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle, (for I know that ye have much cattle,) shall abide in your cities which I have given you;
Until the Lord have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also possess the land which the Lord your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.
And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.
Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you.
And I besought the Lord at that time, saying,
O Lord God, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?
I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.
But the Lord was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the Lord said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.
Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.
So we abode in the valley over against Beth–peor.
Deuteronomy 3 recounts Israel's continued victories under Moses' leadership, focusing on the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, and the subsequent allocation of land east of the Jordan River. This chapter serves not only as a historical record but also as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and provision, encouraging the Israelites (and us) to trust in His power as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter emphasizes the importance of remembering God's power and provision as we face future challenges.
The Defeat of Og, King of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:1-7)
Following their victory over Sihon, king of Heshbon, the Israelites encountered another formidable foe: Og, king of Bashan. Like Sihon, Og came out with his entire army to meet Israel in battle (Deuteronomy 3:1). However, God had already determined to give Og, his army, and his land into Israel's hands (Deuteronomy 3:2). This divine assurance echoes the promises made earlier and underscores God's sovereign control over the outcome of battles.
The Israelites utterly destroyed Og and his people, capturing all sixty cities in his kingdom. These cities, like those of Sihon, were heavily fortified with high walls (Deuteronomy 3:4-6). The conquest highlights a crucial point: formidable defenses are no match for God's power. The upcoming conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-21) would dramatically illustrate this truth. When God decides to hand an enemy over to His people, no physical barrier can stand in their way.
Remembering God's Power: Og's Size and God's Might (Deuteronomy 3:8-11)
After defeating Sihon and Og, Israel took possession of their extensive lands east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 3:8). Moses then interjects a striking detail about Og: he was the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants. The sheer size of Og is emphasized by the description of his iron bed, which measured approximately 13.5 feet long and 6 feet wide (Deuteronomy 3:11). This detail underscores the seemingly insurmountable odds Israel faced.
However, Og's impressive stature serves to magnify the power of God who delivered him into Israel's hands. The destruction of such a formidable king testifies to the truth that the Lord is no puny god. Israel need not worry about the size of the enemies they would have to face. They needed only to remember the size of their God. When faced with daunting challenges, we too can draw strength from remembering God's limitless power and unwavering faithfulness.
Dividing the Land and Remembering Commitments (Deuteronomy 3:12-20)
Moses then recounts the allocation of the Transjordan territory to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:12-13). These tribes had requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan, preferring the pasturelands for their livestock over entering Canaan with the other tribes (Numbers 32:1-42). However, they committed to sending soldiers to assist their brethren in conquering the Promised Land before returning to their own inheritance (Deuteronomy 3:18-20).
This passage underscores the importance of keeping commitments and working together for the common good. While these tribes chose to settle outside the immediate promise, they recognized their responsibility to support their brothers and sisters in achieving God's ultimate purpose. Jair, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, was singled out for his valiant efforts in taking land for his family (Deuteronomy 3:14).
Encouraging Joshua: A Transfer of Leadership (Deuteronomy 3:21-22)
The chapter then shifts to a crucial moment: the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua. Moses reminds Joshua of the victories they had witnessed over Sihon and Og, emphasizing that God's power was the key to their success. He declares that the Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms they are about to enter (Deuteronomy 3:21).
Moses' words serve as a powerful encouragement to Joshua, who is about to assume the daunting task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. He urges Joshua not to be afraid, for the Lord your God fights for you (Deuteronomy 3:22). This reassurance is a powerful reminder that God's presence and power are the ultimate sources of courage and strength in the face of adversity. We too can be courageous to follow God’s will for our life because he has our back.
Moses' Plea and God's Unwavering Decision (Deuteronomy 3:23-28)
Despite the victories and the impending entry into the Promised Land, Moses is reminded of his own limitations. Because of his disobedience, he was forbidden to enter Canaan (Numbers 20:1-13). Yet, fueled by the recent victories, Moses pleads with God to reconsider, begging to cross over and see the beautiful land (Deuteronomy 3:23-25).
However, God's answer is a firm "no." He instructs Moses, That’s enough! Do not speak to me again about this matter (Deuteronomy 3:26). While this might seem harsh, it underscores the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. God does, however, allow Moses to ascend Mount Pisgah and view the land from afar (Deuteronomy 3:27).
Despite Moses' disappointment, God continues to provide leadership for His people. He commissions Moses to encourage, strengthen, and charge Joshua, who will lead Israel and enable them to inherit the land (Deuteronomy 3:28). This emphasizes that God's plan will not be thwarted, even when individuals face limitations. The work of God moves forward, often through unexpected people and circumstances. To inherit what God was giving them required obedience, and Joshua was the man for the job.
Deuteronomy 3 serves as a testament to God's power, faithfulness, and sovereignty. It reminds us that no obstacle is too great for Him and that He will always provide the strength and leadership we need to fulfill His purposes. As we face our own challenges, we can draw courage from the example of Israel and trust in the God who conquers giants and fulfills His promises.
Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
So the Lord our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.
And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.
And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city.
But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.
And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;
(Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)
All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.
And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.
And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.
Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashan–havoth–jair, unto this day.
And I gave Gilead unto Machir.
And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;
The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdoth–pisgah eastward.
And I commanded you at that time, saying, The Lord your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war.
But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle, (for I know that ye have much cattle,) shall abide in your cities which I have given you;
Until the Lord have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also possess the land which the Lord your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.
And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.
Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you.
And I besought the Lord at that time, saying,
O Lord God, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?
I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.
But the Lord was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the Lord said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.
Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.
So we abode in the valley over against Beth–peor.
Deuteronomy 3 recounts Israel's continued victories under Moses' leadership, focusing on the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, and the subsequent allocation of land east of the Jordan River. This chapter serves not only as a historical record but also as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and provision, encouraging the Israelites (and us) to trust in His power as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter emphasizes the importance of remembering God's power and provision as we face future challenges.
The Defeat of Og, King of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:1-7)
Following their victory over Sihon, king of Heshbon, the Israelites encountered another formidable foe: Og, king of Bashan. Like Sihon, Og came out with his entire army to meet Israel in battle (Deuteronomy 3:1). However, God had already determined to give Og, his army, and his land into Israel's hands (Deuteronomy 3:2). This divine assurance echoes the promises made earlier and underscores God's sovereign control over the outcome of battles.
The Israelites utterly destroyed Og and his people, capturing all sixty cities in his kingdom. These cities, like those of Sihon, were heavily fortified with high walls (Deuteronomy 3:4-6). The conquest highlights a crucial point: formidable defenses are no match for God's power. The upcoming conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-21) would dramatically illustrate this truth. When God decides to hand an enemy over to His people, no physical barrier can stand in their way.
Remembering God's Power: Og's Size and God's Might (Deuteronomy 3:8-11)
After defeating Sihon and Og, Israel took possession of their extensive lands east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 3:8). Moses then interjects a striking detail about Og: he was the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants. The sheer size of Og is emphasized by the description of his iron bed, which measured approximately 13.5 feet long and 6 feet wide (Deuteronomy 3:11). This detail underscores the seemingly insurmountable odds Israel faced.
However, Og's impressive stature serves to magnify the power of God who delivered him into Israel's hands. The destruction of such a formidable king testifies to the truth that the Lord is no puny god. Israel need not worry about the size of the enemies they would have to face. They needed only to remember the size of their God. When faced with daunting challenges, we too can draw strength from remembering God's limitless power and unwavering faithfulness.
Dividing the Land and Remembering Commitments (Deuteronomy 3:12-20)
Moses then recounts the allocation of the Transjordan territory to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:12-13). These tribes had requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan, preferring the pasturelands for their livestock over entering Canaan with the other tribes (Numbers 32:1-42). However, they committed to sending soldiers to assist their brethren in conquering the Promised Land before returning to their own inheritance (Deuteronomy 3:18-20).
This passage underscores the importance of keeping commitments and working together for the common good. While these tribes chose to settle outside the immediate promise, they recognized their responsibility to support their brothers and sisters in achieving God's ultimate purpose. Jair, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, was singled out for his valiant efforts in taking land for his family (Deuteronomy 3:14).
Encouraging Joshua: A Transfer of Leadership (Deuteronomy 3:21-22)
The chapter then shifts to a crucial moment: the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua. Moses reminds Joshua of the victories they had witnessed over Sihon and Og, emphasizing that God's power was the key to their success. He declares that the Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms they are about to enter (Deuteronomy 3:21).
Moses' words serve as a powerful encouragement to Joshua, who is about to assume the daunting task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. He urges Joshua not to be afraid, for the Lord your God fights for you (Deuteronomy 3:22). This reassurance is a powerful reminder that God's presence and power are the ultimate sources of courage and strength in the face of adversity. We too can be courageous to follow God’s will for our life because he has our back.
Moses' Plea and God's Unwavering Decision (Deuteronomy 3:23-28)
Despite the victories and the impending entry into the Promised Land, Moses is reminded of his own limitations. Because of his disobedience, he was forbidden to enter Canaan (Numbers 20:1-13). Yet, fueled by the recent victories, Moses pleads with God to reconsider, begging to cross over and see the beautiful land (Deuteronomy 3:23-25).
However, God's answer is a firm "no." He instructs Moses, That’s enough! Do not speak to me again about this matter (Deuteronomy 3:26). While this might seem harsh, it underscores the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. God does, however, allow Moses to ascend Mount Pisgah and view the land from afar (Deuteronomy 3:27).
Despite Moses' disappointment, God continues to provide leadership for His people. He commissions Moses to encourage, strengthen, and charge Joshua, who will lead Israel and enable them to inherit the land (Deuteronomy 3:28). This emphasizes that God's plan will not be thwarted, even when individuals face limitations. The work of God moves forward, often through unexpected people and circumstances. To inherit what God was giving them required obedience, and Joshua was the man for the job.
Deuteronomy 3 serves as a testament to God's power, faithfulness, and sovereignty. It reminds us that no obstacle is too great for Him and that He will always provide the strength and leadership we need to fulfill His purposes. As we face our own challenges, we can draw courage from the example of Israel and trust in the God who conquers giants and fulfills His promises.