What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 31:4?

And the LORD will do to them

- Moses is speaking to Israel on the verge of entering Canaan (Deuteronomy 31:3). Here he reminds them that victory is God’s action, not theirs.

- The phrase echoes earlier assurance: “The LORD will fight for you” (Exodus 14:14).

- “Them” points to the remaining Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). God Himself guarantees their defeat, removing room for fear or self-reliance (Deuteronomy 20:1-4).

---

as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites

- Israel had just witnessed these two decisive victories east of the Jordan (Numbers 21:21-35; Deuteronomy 2:24-3:11).

- Sihon barred Israel’s passage; God gave Israel both the king and his territory (Numbers 21:24).

- Og, renowned for his massive iron bed (Deuteronomy 3:11), fell just as quickly—showing that size, strength, or reputation cannot withstand the Lord (Psalm 135:10-12).

- Joshua later recalls these triumphs to encourage faith (Joshua 2:10; 9:10), underscoring that God’s past faithfulness fuels present courage.

---

when He destroyed them

- “Destroyed” signals total, irreversible judgment (Deuteronomy 7:23-24).

- The power behind the conquest is not Israel’s military skill but God’s sovereign intervention (Psalm 44:3).

- The completeness of the destruction foreshadows the certainty of every promise God makes, including final judgment on evil (Revelation 19:11-21).

---

along with their land

- God’s promise always included land (Genesis 15:18). Defeating the kings without possessing the territory would leave the covenant incomplete.

- By giving Israel the land of Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 3:12-22), God provided a visible “down payment” that the rest of Canaan would follow (Joshua 1:3).

- The transfer of territory illustrates God’s ability to uproot nations and plant His people securely (Psalm 136:17-22).

---

summary

Deuteronomy 31:4 reassures Israel that the Lord who personally crushed Sihon and Og will treat the remaining Canaanite enemies the same way, ensuring both their defeat and Israel’s inheritance of the land. Past victories are presented as proof of future faithfulness, inviting God’s people then—and now—to trust His unchanging power and promises.