Deuteronomy 29:7-8
And when you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle, but we defeated them. We took their land and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just recounting a military victory; it's highlighting God's active, powerful intervention on Israel's behalf. By "we defeated them," Moses is emphasizing that this wasn't merely Israel's strength, but God bringing them into a place of rest by first vanquishing their powerful enemies.
Moses is reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness, recounting His mighty acts from Egypt to their current position on the border of the Promised Land. He’s underscoring how God protected them and gave them victory, specifically mentioning how He allowed them to defeat Sihon and Og, two formidable kings who stood in their way. This powerful reminder serves as a prelude to the covenant being renewed in Moab, setting the stage for their inheritance.
Ever feel like you're facing giants in your own life? Moses reminds the Israelites of past victories, not just to celebrate, but to motivate them.
In Deuteronomy 29, Moses is preparing the Israelites to enter the Promised Land and to solidify their covenant with God. He revisits their journey, highlighting key moments. Verse 7 specifically calls to mind the defeat of Sihon and Og, powerful kings who stood in their way.
From Battle to Blessing
This wasn't just a military report. Moses uses these victories as proof of God's active protection and power. Think about it: these were nations that had to be overcome for Israel to even reach the territory they were now standing in. God didn't just bring them out of Egypt; He fought for them, clearing the path.
Why Remember?
The purpose behind recalling these battles is crucial. It's a reminder that God's faithfulness in the past is a powerful predictor of His faithfulness in the future. These triumphs serve as a foundation for the covenant Moses is about to re-establish, emphasizing that obedience is the proper response to such a mighty God.
Did Israel defeat Sihon and Og all by themselves? This verse highlights that victory wasn't just their effort, but a demonstration of God's power on their behalf.
The wording in Deuteronomy 29:7 is direct: 'we defeated them.' However, the broader narrative in Deuteronomy and Numbers makes it clear that this victory was initiated and empowered by God.
Divine Intervention
When Israel encountered Sihon, the text in Numbers 21:23-24 states, 'But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Sihon gathered all his people and went out against Israel in the wilderness, and he came to Jahaz and fought against Israel. And the LORD, the God of Israel, gave him into the hand of Israel, and they defeated him...' The same pattern is seen with Og. God actively gave these kings and their armies into Israel's hands.
A Precursor to Promise
Understand the original words
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
An allotted portion of land or blessing given by God to His people as a permanent possession. It signifies God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs.
The victory over Sihon and Og was a critical, divinely-aided military success that secured Israel's path into the land east of the Jordan, a foundational event Moses uses to remind the people of God's power and their obligation to obey His covenant.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Begin Wilderness Wanderings
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, a period marked by God's provision and their frequent disobedience.
c. 1380 BC
Conquest of Sihon's Kingdom
The Israelites, denied passage through Moab, attacked and defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, seizing his land east of the Jordan River.
c. 1380 BC— this verse
Conquest of Og's Kingdom
Immediately after defeating Sihon, the Israelites also conquered the territory of Og, king of Bashan, further expanding their holdings east of the Jordan.
c. 1380 BC
Settlement East of the Jordan
The tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half of Manasseh, were granted land in the conquered territories east of the Jordan River, paving the way for the remaining tribes' future settlement.
This passage provides the detailed historical account of Israel's victory over Sihon and Og, directly supporting the brief mention in Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 2:30-37This earlier account in Deuteronomy also recounts Sihon's refusal to let Israel pass and the subsequent conquest, highlighting God's faithfulness in giving them victory.
Deuteronomy 1:4This verse directly precedes the narrative of encountering Sihon and Og, showing that their defeat was a pivotal event in Israel's journey towards the Promised Land.
Joshua 24:11-12In Joshua's farewell address, he reminds Israel of these very victories over Sihon and Og as demonstrations of God's power on their behalf, reinforcing the significance of these events.
calvinDeuteronomy 29:2-9: "And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land;"
- And Moses called unto all Israel. This passage also may be fitly referred to the preface of the Law, since its tendency is to recommend it, and to instruct and prepare the people's minds to be teachable. It takes its commencement from the divine blessings, which they had experienced…
cambridgeDeuteronomy 29:7: "And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:"
7 . came unto this place ] Deuteronomy 1:31 , Deuteronomy 9:7 . Sihon … and Og …] Deuteronomy 2:32 ff., Deuteronomy 3:1 ff.
This verse isn't just recounting a military victory; it's highlighting God's active, powerful intervention on Israel's behalf. By "we defeated them," Moses is emphasizing that this wasn't merely Israel's strength, but God bringing them into a place of rest by first vanquishing their powerful enemies.
Moses is reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness, recounting His mighty acts from Egypt to their current position on the border of the Promised Land. He’s underscoring how God protected them and gave them victory, specifically mentioning how He allowed them to defeat Sihon and Og, two formidable kings who stood in their way. This powerful reminder serves as a prelude to the covenant being renewed in Moab, setting the stage for their inheritance.
Moses is reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness, recounting His mighty acts from Egypt to their current position on the border of the Promised Land. He’s underscoring how God protected them and gave them victory, specifically mentioning how He allowed them to defeat Sihon and Og, two formidable kings who stood in their way. This powerful reminder serves as a prelude to the covenant being renewed in Moab, setting the stage for their inheritance.
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These victories were not arbitrary. They were essential steps in securing the land God had promised. By defeating these formidable kings, God was clearing the way and demonstrating His power to fulfill His promises to Israel. It shows that God's covenant faithfulness often involves Him actively confronting and overcoming the obstacles that stand between His people and His blessings.
c. 1380 BC
Moses Addresses Israel at Moab
Before entering the Promised Land, Moses recounts Israel's history and reiterates God's covenant demands, preparing them for the challenges ahead.
"And when you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle, but we defeated them. We took their land and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe…" — This verse isn't just recounting a military victory; it's highlighting God's active, powerful intervention on Israel's behalf. By "we defeated them," Moses is emphasizing that this wasn't merely Isra…
