Deuteronomy 3
Deuteronomy 3:1 – Sihon and Og Subdued This passage tells how Israel conquered the land of Bashan by defeating King Og. The victories over Sihon and Og are often mentioned together in the Bible to praise God’s power and faithfulness (Psalm 135:11; 136:19-20 a). These events mark the beginning of Israel’s triumphs as they enter the Promised Land. The story shows that God can help His people defeat even the strongest enemies, and that they should trust in Him for victory.v. 1: Israel faced Og, king of Bashan, who came out to fight against them. Og was a very bold leader, not learning from Sihon’s defeat and refusing to seek peace. He trusted his own strength instead . v. 2: God told Moses not to be afraid of Og. God promised to give Og and his people into Israel’s hands. He said Israel would defeat Og just like they defeated Sihon. This message was meant to encourage both Moses and the people to trust in God’s help . v. 3: Even though Og was a giant and very strong, God gave him and his people into Israel’s hands. Israel defeated them all. This shows that God can defeat even the strongest enemies when He fights for His people . v. 4: Israel captured all the cities of Bashan. Not one city was too strong for them. They took control of sixty fortified cities, showing how powerful God’s help was . v. 5: The cities had high walls, gates, and bars. There were also many small towns without walls. Og’s kingdom was strong and well defended, but it was still conquered by Israel (Deuteronomy 3:5 b). – v. 7: Israel took all the spoil from these cities, including the cattle and goods. In this way, God provided for His people as they took possession of the land . v. 8: By defeating Sihon and Og, Israel gained all the land east of the Jordan River, from the Arnon River to Mount Hermon (Deuteronomy 3:8 c). – v. 10: Israel made all these cities and lands their own. They now controlled all the fruitful country of Bashan . v. 11: Og was one of the last of the giants. His bed was made of iron and was very large, nine cubits long and four cubits wide. This shows how big and strong he was, but even he could not stand against God’s power .Application: These victories were meant to encourage Israel in future battles and to give Moses a taste of God’s promise, even though he would not enter the land himself. For believers, this reminds us that God’s Spirit is a guarantee of the full inheritance to come, as in the earnest of their inheritance (Ephesians 1:14 d). Deuteronomy 3:12 – Allotment of the Conquered Lands In this section, Moses explains how the land east of the Jordan, which Israel had conquered, was given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. This repeats the story first told in Numbers 32 e. Moses describes the exact parts of the land each group received and highlights how the tribe of Manasseh was divided in a special way. He also reminds the people of the agreement that those tribes must help the rest of Israel conquer Canaan before settling fully in their new land. This passage teaches that God’s people should care for each other and not just think about their own comfort (Philippians 2:4 f).v. 12: Moses gave part of the conquered land, from Aroer by the Arnon River to half of Mount Gilead, to the tribes of Reuben and Gad . v. 13: The rest of Gilead and all of Bashan, which was called the land of the giants, was given to half the tribe of Manasseh . v. 14: Jair, a leader from Manasseh, took the villages in Bashan and named them after himself, Havoth Jair . v. 15: Moses gave Gilead to Machir, another important family in Manasseh. This shows how the tribe was divided into different groups (Deuteronomy 3:15 g). – – v. 18-20: Moses reminded these tribes that they had agreed to send their fighting men to help the other Israelites conquer the land of Canaan. They could not return to settle in their new land until all the tribes had received their share. This shows the importance of unity and caring for others in the community (Deuteronomy 3:18-20 h).Application: This passage teaches that God wants His people to support each other and not be selfish. When God gives us blessings, we should want others to be blessed too. True happiness comes when we see peace and good things for everyone, not just for ourselves (Psalm 128:6 i). – – Deuteronomy 3:21 – Joshua Named as Moses's Successor In this passage, Moses encourages Joshua, who will become the new leader of Israel after Moses. Moses reminds Joshua of all that God has done and promises that God will continue to help them. Moses also shares his personal prayer to enter the Promised Land, and God’s answer to that prayer. This section teaches about passing on leadership, trusting God’s promises, and accepting God’s will, even when it is not what we hoped for.v. 21-22: Moses tells Joshua not to be afraid as he leads Israel. He reminds Joshua that he has seen how God defeated the two powerful kings, Sihon and Og. Moses says, “So shall the Lord do to all the kingdoms.” He wants Joshua to remember that God will fight for Israel in every battle, just as He has already done (Deuteronomy 3:21-22 j). – v. 23-24: Moses shares that he prayed to God, asking if he could cross the Jordan and see the Promised Land. He praises God for His greatness, saying no other god can do what God does. Moses wants to see more of God’s wonderful works (Deuteronomy 3:23-24; Exodus 15:11 k; Psalm 86:8 l). – v. 25: Moses begs God, “Let me go over and see the good land.” He is not asking to be the leader, but only to see the land and God’s blessings for Israel. He calls Canaan “that goodly mountain,” showing how much he values what God has promised (Deuteronomy 3:25; Psalm 78:54 m). v. 26: God answers Moses’ prayer with both mercy and judgment. God is angry with Moses because of the people’s sin and tells him he cannot enter the land. Sometimes, even faithful people do not get everything they ask for, and God’s anger can still affect His children in this life (Deuteronomy 3:26; Psalm 106:32-33 n). v. 27: God shows kindness to Moses by letting him see the Promised Land from the top of Mount Pisgah. Moses will not enter the land, but he can look at it and know that God’s promise will be fulfilled . v. 28: God tells Moses to encourage Joshua and give him the responsibility to lead Israel into Canaan. Joshua will finish the work Moses started. This comforts Moses because he knows God’s plan will continue, even after he is gone (Deuteronomy 3:28 o).Application: This passage teaches us to encourage new leaders, trust God’s promises, and accept His decisions. Even when God says “no” to our prayers, He still cares for us and will keep His promises in His own way.
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