What lessons can we learn from Israel's victory over Sihon and Og? Setting the Scene Deuteronomy 1:4 notes that Moses addressed Israel “after he had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites … and Og king of Bashan.” These two victories, first recorded in Numbers 21:21-35 and reviewed in Deuteronomy 2–3, became a landmark reminder of God’s power for the new generation about to enter Canaan. Key Lessons from the Victories • God’s promises are historically reliable – Genesis 15:18-21 promised this very territory; the conquest shows the pledge fulfilled in time and space. – Joshua 2:10 records even the Canaanites acknowledging, “We heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea … and what you did to Sihon and Og,” underscoring that fulfilled prophecy strengthens testimony. • No enemy is too great when the LORD fights – Og ruled “sixty cities … fortified with high walls” (Deuteronomy 3:4-5). His bed measured over thirteen feet (3:11), a literal giant. Yet Numbers 21:34: “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand.’” – Psalm 136:17-22 praises God “who struck down mighty kings … Sihon … Og,” teaching that divine power, not human strength, decides the outcome. • Obedience unlocks divine intervention – Israel first asked peaceful passage (Numbers 21:22). When Sihon attacked, Israel “struck him with the edge of the sword” (21:24), following God’s immediate command. – Deuteronomy 2:36 declares, “There was not a city too high for us; the LORD our God gave all into our hand,” showing that complete obedience leads to complete victory. • God turns past failure into present training – The earlier generation had feared “giants” (Numbers 13:33). Facing literal giants in Sihon and Og, their children now trusted and triumphed, proving that God can rewrite a family or nation’s story when faith replaces fear. • Victories today build faith for battles tomorrow – Deuteronomy 3:21-22: “Your eyes have seen … the LORD will do the same to all the kingdoms into which you are crossing.” Remembered victories are meant to fuel courage for future obedience. – Psalm 78:4-7 calls parents to recount God’s works “so that the next generation would know … and put their trust in God.” • Mercy and judgment stand side by side – God spared Edom, Moab, and Ammon earlier (Deuteronomy 2:4-19) but judged Sihon and Og. The distinction highlights divine sovereignty and righteousness: mercy is never owed; judgment is never unjust. • God provides tangible foretaste of inheritance – The conquered lands east of the Jordan became Reuben’s, Gad’s, and half-Manasseh’s territory (Numbers 32). Their settled cities testified that the unseen promise west of the Jordan would soon become visible too. Putting It into Practice • Remember specific times God intervened; rehearse them aloud as Israel rehearsed Sihon and Og. • Face present giants with the certainty that the LORD “Himself will fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22). • Obey promptly, even when the command involves confrontation—God’s power accompanies faith-filled action. |
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