Deuteronomy 3:5
All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides very many unwalled villages.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that even the most fortified cities, with their high walls, gates, and bars, were still vulnerable. It contrasts these strongholds with numerous unwalled villages, reminding us that strength isn't always about imposing defenses, and sometimes the most exposed places can remain untouched.
After defeating Sihon, king of the Amorites, Israel turns north to confront Og, the powerful king of Bashan, God assures Moses that Og and his people will also fall into Israel's hands. Following this victory, Israel takes possession of sixty well-fortified cities in Og's kingdom, along with numerous smaller villages.
The cities of Bashan weren't just ordinary towns; they were heavily fortified, built by a people whose very stature was legendary. How does this reflect God's power?
In Deuteronomy 3:5, we're told that the cities conquered from Og, king of Bashan, were 'fortified with high walls, gates, and bars.' This description, along with the mention of Og being the last of the giants, highlights the incredible might of the people God was leading.
A Land of Giants
The ancient land of Bashan was known for its giants. Og himself was of such immense size that his iron bedstead was over 13 feet long! The cities were built on a scale that suggested their inhabitants possessed extraordinary strength and stature. This wasn't just a military challenge; it was a confrontation with a formidable, almost legendary people.
God's Ultimate Authority
Yet, the narrative emphasizes that Israel was commanded not to fear. God delivered these giants and their fortified cities into their hands. The high walls, strong gates, and heavy bars were no match for God's power. This demonstrates a core truth: no matter how imposing or powerful the enemy appears, God's strength is supreme. The conquest wasn't just about land; it was a powerful display that God's people, with Him, could overcome any obstacle.
While the text emphasizes fortified cities, it also mentions 'unwalled villages.' What does this contrast reveal about God's care and the scope of His promises?
Deuteronomy 3:5 presents a clear picture of the conquered territory: 'All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides very many unwalled villages.' This detail is more than just geographical description; it speaks volumes about God's comprehensive provision and the reality of His kingdom.
Strength and Vulnerability
The heavily fortified cities represented the power and defenses of the Amorites. They were built to withstand any siege. However, alongside these mighty strongholds were 'very many unwalled villages.' These represented the less defended, more open areas of the land.
Understand the original words
betsuroth · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to architectural defenses intended to protect a city from invaders. In Scripture, these symbolize human security, which is often contrasted with the ultimate protection found only in God.
The description of the fortified cities in Bashan highlights God's power in enabling the Israelites to conquer a well-defended land, encouraging them as they prepare to face the fortified cities of Canaan.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Prepare to Enter Canaan
After 40 years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites are poised to enter the Promised Land. Moses recounts their recent victories and preparations.
c. 1400 BC
Defeat of King Sihon
The Israelites decisively defeat Sihon, king of the Amorites, and take control of his territory east of the Jordan River.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Conquest of Bashan
Following the victory over Sihon, the Israelites march north and conquer the kingdom of Bashan, led by King Og.
c. 1400 BC
Taking Og's Cities
The Israelites capture all sixty cities belonging to King Og in Bashan, noted for their strong fortifications, including high walls, gates, and bars.
c. 1400 BC
This passage lists the cities of Bashan, including those with high walls and gates, directly echoing the description in Deuteronomy 3:5 and showing the extent of the land conquered.
Judges 1:27This verse highlights a failure to drive out inhabitants from a similarly fortified region, contrasting with Israel's success in Bashan and serving as a cautionary parallel.
Nehemiah 3:3This chapter describes the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, gates, and bars, showing the ongoing importance and defensive nature of such fortifications throughout Israel's history.
Jeremiah 5:17This verse speaks of enemies coming to devour the land and its fortified cities, illustrating the vulnerability of even the strongest defenses when God permits.
Psalm 127:1This psalm states that unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain, providing a spiritual perspective on the ultimate security and effectiveness of any city or defense.
gillDeuteronomy 3:5: "All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many."
All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars,.... That is, all the cities in the kingdom of Bashan; and though they were, it hindered not their falling into the hands of the Israelites; and this might serve to encourage them against those fears they were possessed of by the spies, with respect to the cities in the land of Canaan; see Numbers 13:28 . besides unwa…
calvinDeuteronomy 3:1-11: "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.
Et dixit Jehova ad me, ne timeas illum, nam in manu tua dedi eum, et universum populum ejus, ac terram ejus: faeiesque ei…
This verse highlights that even the most fortified cities, with their high walls, gates, and bars, were still vulnerable. It contrasts these strongholds with numerous unwalled villages, reminding us that strength isn't always about imposing defenses, and sometimes the most exposed places can remain untouched.
After defeating Sihon, king of the Amorites, Israel turns north to confront Og, the powerful king of Bashan, God assures Moses that Og and his people will also fall into Israel's hands. Following this victory, Israel takes possession of sixty well-fortified cities in Og's kingdom, along with numerous smaller villages.
After defeating Sihon, king of the Amorites, Israel turns north to confront Og, the powerful king of Bashan, God assures Moses that Og and his people will also fall into Israel's hands. Following this victory, Israel takes possession of sixty well-fortified cities in Og's kingdom, along with numerous smaller villages.
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God's Complete Possession
When God promised the land to Israel, He didn't just mean the heavily guarded cities. He meant the entire territory, from the most imposing fortifications to the most humble villages. The conquest of both the walled cities and the unwalled towns signified God's complete victory and His faithful fulfillment of His promise to give them the land in its entirety. It shows that God's provision and protection extend to all aspects of life, not just the easily accessible parts.
Destruction of Cities
The Israelite forces utterly destroy the cities of Og, killing all inhabitants, men, women, and children, and taking the cattle and spoils.
c. 1400 BC
Territory East of Jordan Settled
The conquered lands east of the Jordan River, including the territory of Bashan, are given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh.
"All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides very many unwalled villages." — This verse highlights that even the most fortified cities, with their high walls, gates, and bars, were still vulnerable. It contrasts these strongholds with numerous unwalled villages, reminding us…
