Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version All these cities were fortified with high walls and with gates and bars, and there were also a great many unwalled villages. New Living Translation These towns were all fortified with high walls and barred gates. We also took many unwalled villages at the same time. English Standard Version All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides very many unwalled villages. Berean Standard Bible All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages. Berean Literal Bible All these cities were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides very many unwalled villages. King James Bible All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. New King James Version All these cities were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides a great many rural towns. New American Standard Bible All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides a great many unwalled towns. NASB 1995 “All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates and bars, besides a great many unwalled towns. NASB 1977 “All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates and bars, besides a great many unwalled towns. Legacy Standard Bible All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates and bars, besides a great many unwalled towns. Amplified Bible All these cities were fortified and unassailable with their high walls, gates, and bars; in addition, [there were] a very great number of unwalled villages. Berean Annotated Bible All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages. Christian Standard Bible All these were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides a large number of rural villages. Holman Christian Standard Bible All these were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides a large number of rural villages. American Standard Version All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars; besides the unwalled towns a great many. English Revised Version All these were cities fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside the unwalled towns a great many. GOD'S WORD® Translation All of these cities were fortified with high walls and double-door gates with bars across the gates. We also captured a large number of unwalled villages. Good News Translation All these towns were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars to lock the gates, and there were also many villages without walls. International Standard Version All of these cities were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars. Furthermore, there were very many unwalled regions. NET Bible All of these cities were fortified by high walls, gates, and locking bars; in addition there were a great many open villages. New Heart English Bible All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars; besides the unwalled towns a great many. Webster's Bible Translation All these cities were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars; besides unwalled towns a great number. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAll these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages. World English Bible All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, in addition to a great many villages without walls. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAll these [are] cities fortified with high walls, double gates, and bar, apart from very many cities of the open place; Berean Literal Bible All these cities were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides very many unwalled villages. Young's Literal Translation All these are cities fenced with high walls, two-leaved doors and bar, apart from cities of villages very many; Smith's Literal Translation All these cities fortified with high walls, doors and bars; besides of cities of the open country exceedingly many. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAll the cities were fenced with very high walls, and with gates and bars, be- sides innumerable towns that had no walls. Catholic Public Domain Version All the cities were fortified with very high walls, and with gates and bars, in addition to innumerable villages which had no walls. New American Bible all these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars—besides a great number of unwalled towns. New Revised Standard Version All these were fortress towns with high walls, double gates, and bars, besides a great many villages. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAll these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; besides the suburban towns a great many. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated All these cities whose walls are fortified and their gates and their bars raised, apart from very many towns of open spaces. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917All these were fortified cities, with high walls, gates, and bars; beside the unwalled towns a great many. Brenton Septuagint Translation all strong cities, lofty walls, gates and bars; besides the very many cities of the Pherezites. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Defeat of King Og…4At that time we captured all sixty of his cities. There was not a single city we failed to take—the entire region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 5All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages. 6We devoted them to destruction, as we had done to Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children of every city.… Cross References All these cities were fortified with high walls Numbers 13:28 Nevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there. Deuteronomy 1:28 Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’” Deuteronomy 9:1 Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens. and gates and bars, 2 Chronicles 8:5 He rebuilt Upper and Lower Beth-horon as fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars, 2 Chronicles 14:7 So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered. Lamentations 2:9 Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD. and there were many more unwalled villages. Ezekiel 38:11 You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a quiet people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— Esther 9:19 This is why the rural Jews, who live in the villages, observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting. It is a holiday for sending gifts to one another. Zechariah 2:4 and said to him, “Run and tell that young man: ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the multitude of men and livestock within it. Joshua 11:12 Joshua captured all these kings and their cities and put them to the sword. He devoted them to destruction, as Moses the LORD’s servant had commanded. Joshua 10:20 So Joshua and the Israelites continued to inflict a terrible slaughter until they had finished them off, and the remaining survivors retreated to the fortified cities. 1 Kings 9:19 as well as all the store cities that Solomon had for his chariots and horses—whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion. Joshua 12:1-24 Now these are the kings of the land whom the Israelites struck down and whose lands they took beyond the Jordan to the east, from the Arnon Valley to Mount Hermon, including all the Arabah eastward: / Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon. He ruled from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along the middle of the valley, up to the Jabbok River (the border of the Ammonites), that is, half of Gilead, / as well as the Arabah east of the Sea of Chinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea), eastward through Beth-jeshimoth, and southward below the slopes of Pisgah. … Joshua 13:10 and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the border of the Ammonites; Joshua 21:42 Each of these cities had its own surrounding pasturelands; this was true for all the cities. 1 Samuel 6:18 The number of gold rats also corresponded to the number of Philistine cities belonging to the five rulers—the fortified cities and their outlying villages. And the large rock on which they placed the ark of the LORD stands to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh. Treasury of Scripture All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. Deuteronomy 1:28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. Numbers 13:28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. Jump to Previous Addition Apart Bars Besides Cities Doors High Locks Round Towns Two-Leaved Unwalled Villages WallsJump to Next Addition Apart Bars Besides Cities Doors High Locks Round Towns Two-Leaved Unwalled Villages WallsDeuteronomy 3 1. The conquest of Og, king of Bashan11. This size of his bed 12. The distribution of his lands to the two tribes and half 23. Moses prays to enter into the land 26. He is permitted to see it All these cities were fortified with high walls The phrase refers to the cities in the region of Bashan, which were part of the territory conquered by the Israelites under Moses' leadership. Fortified cities with high walls were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures as a means of defense against invaders. The presence of such fortifications indicates the strength and advanced state of the societies that inhabited these areas. This detail underscores the miraculous nature of Israel's victories, as they were able to conquer well-defended cities despite being a nomadic people without a standing army. The high walls symbolize human strength and security, which are ultimately overcome by God's power, as seen in the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6). and gates and bars and there were many more unwalled villages Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is recounting their journey and victories as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 2. Israelites The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are on the brink of entering the land promised to them by God. 3. Og, King of Bashan The Amorite king defeated by the Israelites, whose territory included the fortified cities mentioned in this verse. 4. Bashan A region east of the Jordan River, known for its fertile land and strong cities, which was conquered by the Israelites. 5. Fortified Cities These cities represent the strength and security of the enemy, yet they were overcome by the Israelites through God's power. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PowerThe fortified cities symbolize human strength and security, yet they fall before God's will. Trust in God's sovereignty over all circumstances. Faith Over Fear The Israelites faced daunting obstacles, yet their faith in God's promises led to victory. In our lives, faith should triumph over fear of the unknown or seemingly impossible challenges. Spiritual Warfare Just as the Israelites faced physical fortified cities, Christians face spiritual strongholds. Rely on God's power and spiritual weapons to overcome these challenges. Preparation and Obedience The Israelites' victory was preceded by preparation and obedience to God's commands. Prepare spiritually and obey God's word to see His promises fulfilled. Community and Support The mention of unwalled villages alongside fortified cities highlights the importance of community. Support and protect one another in faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 3:5?2. How does Deuteronomy 3:5 demonstrate God's provision for Israel's military victories? 3. What can we learn about God's faithfulness from Deuteronomy 3:5's fortified cities? 4. How does Deuteronomy 3:5 connect with God's promises in Deuteronomy 1:8? 5. How can we trust God in overcoming our own "fortified cities" today? 6. What role does obedience play in experiencing God's victories, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:5? 7. How does Deuteronomy 3:5 reflect God's power in conquering fortified cities? 8. What archaeological evidence supports the events described in Deuteronomy 3:5? 9. Why were the cities in Deuteronomy 3:5 completely destroyed? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 3? 11. What is Jerusalem's significance in the Bible? 12. Deuteronomy 3:4 claims Israel took over 60 fortified cities—where is the archaeological evidence for such cities? 13. Jonah 3:3 - How could Nineveh realistically be so large that it required a three-day journey to cross? 14. Why does the New Testament (James 2:25) commend Rahab's actions when they involved deception and potential betrayal of her city? What Does Deuteronomy 3:5 Mean All these citiesIsrael has just captured the territory of King Og. Moses notes, “All these cities…”—every urban center in Bashan, not a mere handful. This stresses the totality of God’s victory. • Joshua 12:4–6 lists sixty such towns, underscoring completeness. • Psalm 44:3 reminds us that it was not Israel’s sword but God’s favor that won the land. The phrase prompts worship: if He conquered “all,” nothing in our lives is beyond His reach. were fortified These places were not pushovers; they “were fortified,” meaning strongholds prepared for siege. • Deuteronomy 1:28 echoes Israel’s earlier fear of “fortified cities,” yet God overcame what once intimidated them. • 2 Corinthians 10:4 speaks of divine power to demolish strongholds today—whether physical or spiritual. God’s people learn that no human defense outmatches His might. with high walls Walls symbolize separation and security. High ones imply invincibility by human standards, but God leveled them. • Jericho’s walls in Joshua 6 collapse at His command. • Psalm 18:29: “With my God I can scale a wall.” The text invites trust: no obstacle is too high for the Lord who shepherds His flock. and gates Gates controlled access; shut tight, they projected permanence. Yet Isaiah 45:2 predicts God breaking “bronze gates.” • Revelation 3:7 celebrates Christ who “opens and no one will shut.” The mention of gates reminds believers that every entry point of blessing or opposition is ultimately in God’s hands. and bars Bars were the heavy beams locking those gates. Even these failed. • Psalm 147:13 praises Him who “strengthens the bars of your gates,” showing He can just as easily weaken them for His purposes. Our security rests not in metal bars but in the Lord who governs them. and there were many more Beyond the listed cities lay “many more,” hinting at God’s abundance in victory. • Ephesians 3:20 speaks of Him who does “immeasurably more” than we ask. The surplus number reflects overflowing grace—He doesn’t merely meet needs; He exceeds them. unwalled villages Finally, the verse turns from fortress to hamlet—“unwalled villages.” God cares for both the mighty and the modest. • Ezekiel 38:11 pictures peaceful, unwalled settlements under His protection. The detail shows that His deliverance is comprehensive, from the large fortified hub to the smallest open village. summary Deuteronomy 3:5 showcases the total, barrier-breaking power of God. Every level of human defense—city, wall, gate, bar—falls before Him, and His victory extends even to the smallest village. The verse reassures believers that no opponent is too strong, no situation too complex, and no community too small for the Lord who conquers on behalf of His people. Verse 5. - All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; literally, double gates and a bar. These cities, with their marvelous erections, are believed to be still existing in the Hauran. Over that district tire strewn a multitude of towns of various sizes, all constructed after the same remarkable fashion. "The streets are perfect, the walls perfect, and, what seems more astonish. tug, the stone doors are still hanging on their hinges, so little impression has been made during these many centuries on the hard and durable stone of which they are built" (Graham, Cambridge Essays, p. 160). These doors are "formed of slabs of stone, opening on pivots which are projecting parts of the stone itself, and working in sockets in the lintel and threshold." Some of these gates are large enough to admit of a camel passing through them, and the doors are of proportionate dimensions, some of the stones of which they are formed being eighteen inches in thickness. The roofs also are formed of huge stone slabs resting on the massive walls. All betoken the workmanship of a race endowed with powers far exceeding those of ordinary men; and give credibility to the supposition that we have in them the dwellings of the giant race that occupied that district before it was invaded by the Israelites. "We could not help," says Mr. Graham, "being impressed with the belief that had we never known anything of the early portion of Scripture history before visiting this country, we should have been forced to the conclusion that its original inhabitants, the people who had constructed those cities, were not only a powerful and mighty nation, but individuals of greater strength than ourselves." Ver. 6. - (See Deuteronomy 2:34.)Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Allכָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every these אֵ֜לֶּה (’êl·leh) Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those cities עָרִ֧ים (‘ā·rîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5892: Excitement were fortified בְּצֻר֛וֹת (bə·ṣu·rō·wṯ) Adjective - feminine plural Strong's 1219: To cut off, make inaccessible, enclose with high גְבֹהָ֖ה (ḡə·ḇō·hāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 1364: Elevated, powerful, arrogant walls חוֹמָ֥ה (ḥō·w·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2346: A wall of protection and gates דְּלָתַ֣יִם (də·lā·ṯa·yim) Noun - fd Strong's 1817: Something swinging, the valve of a, door and bars, וּבְרִ֑יחַ (ū·ḇə·rî·aḥ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1280: A bolt and there were לְבַ֛ד (lə·ḇaḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of many more הַרְבֵּ֥ה (har·bêh) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great unwalled villages. הַפְּרָזִ֖י (hap·pə·rā·zî) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6521: Hamlet dweller Links Deuteronomy 3:5 NIVDeuteronomy 3:5 NLT Deuteronomy 3:5 ESV Deuteronomy 3:5 NASB Deuteronomy 3:5 KJV Deuteronomy 3:5 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 3:5 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 3:5 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 3:5 French Bible Deuteronomy 3:5 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 3:5 All these were cities fortified with high (Deut. 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