How does Deuteronomy 3:3 demonstrate God's power and faithfulness to His people? “So the LORD our God also delivered into our hands Og king of Bashan and all his people, and we struck them down until no survivor was left.” Power on Display: God Did the Fighting - “Delivered into our hands” shifts credit from Israel’s swords to God’s strength. - Og ruled a giant-sized kingdom with sixty fortified cities (Deuteronomy 3:4–5) and a massive iron bed (Deuteronomy 3:11). Overwhelming odds only magnify the Almighty’s might (Psalm 147:5). - The total wipe-out—“no survivor was left”—shows absolute, uncontested victory (Isaiah 43:13). Faithfulness to Earlier Promises - God pledged this territory centuries earlier (Genesis 15:18–21; Deuteronomy 1:8). Og’s defeat checks another promise off the list. - He rescued Israel from Pharaoh (Exodus 14:13–14); He rescues them again here—same God, same covenant loyalty (Malachi 3:6). - Moses records the win so future generations can say, “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed” (Joshua 21:45). Courage for What Comes Next - Israel still must cross the Jordan, yet this triumph shouts, “Do not fear… the LORD your God Himself will fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22). - Obedience + dependence = victory. The pattern in Deuteronomy 3 is meant to be repeated in Jericho, Ai, and beyond. Take-Home Truths • Impossible odds invite God to prove He is incomparable. • Remember yesterday’s deliverances when today’s giants appear (1 Samuel 17:37). • God finishes what He starts; His faithfulness is rock-solid (Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 10:23). |
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