What lessons can we learn from God's actions against Sihon and Og? Text for Study “ And the LORD will do to them as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom He destroyed along with their land.” (Deuteronomy 31:4) Background: Who Were Sihon and Og? • Sihon ruled over the Amorite territory east of the Jordan (Numbers 21:21-31). • Og ruled Bashan and was a giant among the Rephaim (Deuteronomy 3:11). • Both refused Israel peaceful passage, chose to fight, and were utterly defeated (Deuteronomy 2:30-33; 3:1-7). • Their lands became Israelite inheritance for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:12-17). Lesson 1: God Fights for His People • Israel did not win by superior numbers or weapons; the LORD Himself “delivered Sihon and all his people into our hand” (Deuteronomy 2:33). • He remains the same Warrior-King today (Exodus 14:14; Romans 8:31). • Confidence flows from His proven track record—past victories guarantee future help (Deuteronomy 31:6). Lesson 2: No Enemy Is Too Large • Og’s bed measured roughly 13 feet long (Deuteronomy 3:11), yet even giants fall before the LORD. • “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand” (Joshua 10:8). • Personal application: mountains that loom large—sin, opposition, persecution—shrink when viewed beside God’s power (Psalm 27:1). Lesson 3: Righteous Judgment • Centuries earlier God foretold judgment when “the iniquity of the Amorites” reached full measure (Genesis 15:16). • Sihon and Og illustrate divine patience followed by decisive justice. • God’s holiness demands judgment on persistent rebellion (Nahum 1:2-3); the cross showcases the same justice satisfied for believers (Romans 3:25-26). Lesson 4: Remember and Retell God’s Deeds • Israel repeatedly rehearsed these victories (Psalm 136:19-22; Joshua 2:10; Nehemiah 9:22). • Remembering fuels worship and fortifies faith for new challenges. • Families and congregations thrive when God’s past faithfulness is regularly celebrated (Deuteronomy 6:20-25). Lesson 5: Obedience Unlocks the Promise • Moses obeyed God’s command to engage Sihon and Og despite human fears (Numbers 21:34). • Victory followed obedience; delay or compromise would have forfeited blessing (Deuteronomy 1:26-32). • John 14:21 echoes this pattern: love expressed in obedience invites divine manifestation. Lesson 6: Foreshadowing Ultimate Triumph • Just as Israel entered Canaan through triumph over Sihon and Og, believers enter eternal rest through Christ’s finished work (Hebrews 4:8-10). • The conquest previews Revelation 19:11-16, when the King returns to subdue all opposition. • “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)—the God who crushed Amorite kings guarantees the final victory of His people. Putting It All Together • Revisit God’s past interventions; let them reshape present fears. • Face today’s “giants” with confidence in His unmatched power. • Walk in obedience, knowing judgment or blessing hinges on response to His word. • Celebrate and proclaim His deeds, fueling faith in your family and church. • Fix hope on Christ’s ultimate conquest, assured by the pattern set with Sihon and Og. |
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