How does Deuteronomy 3:1 connect with God's promises in Joshua 1:5? Setting the Scene in Deuteronomy 3:1 “Then we turned and went up the road to Bashan, and King Og of Bashan and all his people came out to meet us in battle at Edrei.” • Israel is on the east side of the Jordan, under Moses’ leadership. • King Og—giant ruler of Bashan—confronts them with his full army. • The verse introduces a real, historical confrontation that Israel could not win in its own strength. The Promise Stated in Joshua 1:5 “No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Spoken to Joshua as he steps into Moses’ role. • God grounds Joshua’s confidence in what Joshua has already witnessed under Moses. Connecting the Two Passages • Joshua personally fought in the battles of Numbers 21:33-35 and Deuteronomy 3, so he had firsthand proof of God’s power over King Og. • The phrase “As I was with Moses” in Joshua 1:5 points back to events like Deuteronomy 3:1-3, where God gave decisive victory. • The identical divine assurance appears earlier: “Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hand” (Deuteronomy 3:2). God fulfilled that word literally, setting a precedent Joshua could bank on. • Therefore, Deuteronomy 3:1 becomes a concrete illustration of Joshua 1:5—if God already caused a seemingly invincible king to fall, no new enemy could “stand against” Israel under Joshua’s leadership. God’s Track Record of Faithfulness • Exodus 17:8-13 – Joshua’s first battle experience; God wins. • Deuteronomy 2:24-25 – Sihon defeated before Og. • Deuteronomy 31:6-8 – Moses repeats the “He will never leave you” promise to Joshua. • Hebrews 13:5 – The same covenant assurance carries into the New Testament. Takeaways for Today’s Believer • Past victories verify future promises; God’s character never changes (Malachi 3:6). • Remembering specific works of God fuels courage when facing new obstacles. • Just as Joshua inherited Moses’ mandate, each generation can stand on the literal, historical acts God has already performed. |
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