What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 4:47? They took possession of the land Deuteronomy 4:47 opens by stating, “They took possession of the land”. Moses is recalling a specific historical moment when Israel gained concrete territory rather than merely wandering in the wilderness. • This was no symbolic victory; the people literally inherited acreage, towns, and pastureland, fulfilling promises such as Genesis 15:18 and Exodus 23:31. • The conquest confirmed God’s earlier assurance in Deuteronomy 1:8, “See, I have given you this land.” The verb “took” underscores completed action—Israel already held the ground before crossing the Jordan. • Joshua 12:6 later records the same achievement, highlighting continuity between Moses’ leadership and Joshua’s. belonging to Sihon The land first referenced had belonged to Sihon, king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:24). • Sihon’s refusal to allow peaceful passage (Numbers 21:21–23) brought divine judgment. • Deuteronomy 2:31–33 reveals that God Himself “delivered Sihon over” to Israel, turning what looked like an obstacle into gain. • Psalm 136:19 celebrates this event as proof that God’s “steadfast love endures forever,” reminding readers that every plot of soil taken was a token of covenant faithfulness. and to Og king of Bashan Next Moses mentions Og, whose kingdom lay north of Sihon’s (Deuteronomy 3:1). • Og’s enormous stature (Deuteronomy 3:11) symbolized an intimidating enemy, yet Numbers 21:33–35 shows that the Lord’s promise eclipsed physical threats. • Psalm 135:10–12 cites Og’s defeat as a showcase of God’s glory “among all nations,” assuring Israel that no foe—no matter how imposing—could thwart divine purpose. the two Amorite kings By grouping Sihon and Og together, Moses highlights a pattern: God consistently overcomes Amorite opposition. • Genesis 15:16 predicted that Amorite iniquity would ripen for judgment; the conquest meets that timetable. • Deuteronomy 20:17 commands Israel to devote certain nations to destruction; the Amorites are named first, underscoring that these victories were acts of righteous judgment, not random aggression. • Together these two kings controlled a strategic swath east of the Jordan, so their fall signified a decisive shift in regional power. across the Jordan to the east Geography matters. This phrase pinpoints the territory—modern-day Gilead and Bashan—east of the Jordan River. • Numbers 32:33 states that Moses assigned this land to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, expanding Israel’s footprint before the western campaign. • Deuteronomy 3:12 emphasizes that even these eastern holdings were considered part of the promised inheritance. • The location served as a staging ground for crossing the Jordan (Joshua 1:11), proving that each step of obedience paves the way for the next. summary Deuteronomy 4:47 reminds readers that Israel already possessed legitimate, God-given territory taken from Sihon and Og, two Amorite kings east of the Jordan. Their conquests demonstrated God’s faithfulness, executed righteous judgment, and prepared Israel for the larger inheritance ahead. The verse affirms that when God promises land, He delivers—down to real borders and recognizable kings—inviting His people to trust Him for every future step. |
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