Berean Study Bible The Defeat of AradArad was a Canaanite city in the southern region of the land, ruled by a local king who viewed Israel’s approach as a threat. Jos 12:14 the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; who lived in the Negev, The Negev formed the dry southern borderland of Canaan, where travel routes from the wilderness entered settled territory. 1Sa 27:10 Who would ask him, “What have you raided today?”… heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, News of Israel’s movement reached Arad, and the king acted before the people could advance farther into the land. Num 13:17-21 When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan… he attacked Israel and captured some prisoners. The Canaanites won an initial engagement and took Israelites captive, leading Israel to seek the Lord’s help for deliverance. Deu 1:44 Then the Amorites who lived in the hills came out… So Israel made a vow to the LORD: Facing a Canaanite attack, Israel appealed to the LORD rather than relying on its own strength. The vow bound the nation to act in obedience if God granted victory. Jdg 11:30-31 Jephthah made this vow to the LORD: “If indeed You will… “If You will deliver this people into our hands, Israel acknowledged that success against the Canaanites depended on the LORD’s intervention. The enemy occupied territory Israel was approaching on its journey toward the promised land. 1Sa 14:10 But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up… we will devote their cities to destruction.” Israel promised to devote the captured cities to destruction (Hebrew herem), consecrating them to God by completely destroying them rather than taking them for personal gain. Their destruction would carry out God’s judgment on Canaanite wickedness and prevent Israel from settling among their idolatrous practices. Deu 20:17 For you must devote them to complete destruction… And the LORD heard Israel’s plea Israel’s vow and appeal came as the Canaanite king of Arad attacked from the Negev and took captives. The LORD answered by granting Israel victory over an enemy that had previously defeated them in this region. Psa 106:44-45 Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note… and delivered up the Canaanites. Their success was not credited to Israel’s military strength but to God’s intervention and His continuing purpose to bring His people into the promised land. Jdg 1:4-5 When Judah attacked, the LORD delivered the Canaanites… Israel devoted them and their cities to destruction; In fulfillment of their vow, Israel gave the captured cities over to destruction (Hebrew: herem, complete consecration to God) rather than taking them for personal gain. The judgment removed a hostile Canaanite presence and marked the victory as belonging to the LORD. Jos 6:21 With the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction… so they named the place Hormah. The name Hormah, meaning destruction, preserved the memory of God’s judgment on the Canaanites and Israel’s reversal of its earlier defeat in the same general area. Jdg 1:17 Then the men of Judah went with their brothers…
The Bronze SerpentAaron had died and been buried at Mount Hor, marking the end of his priestly service and a significant transition for Israel’s leadership. The nation continued its wilderness journey under God’s direction. Num 33:41 And the Israelites set out from Mount Hor… along the route to the Red Sea, Israel turned south toward the Red Sea to avoid conflict after Edom refused them passage. The route recalled the waters through which God had delivered them from Egypt. Deu 1:40 But you are to turn back and head for the wilderness… in order to bypass the land of Edom. Edom, the descendants of Esau, would not permit Israel to cross its territory. Israel therefore took the longer route rather than force their way through the land. Num 20:17-21 Please let us pass through your land. We will not… But the people grew impatient on the journey The difficult detour and length of the journey stirred renewed discontent among the people. Their impatience revealed a continuing failure to trust God’s provision and direction. Exo 16:2-3 And there in the desert the whole congregation of Israel… and spoke against God and against Moses: Israel again rejected the authority of the Lord and the leadership of Moses, treating God’s appointed servant as the cause of their hardship. Exo 16:2 And there in the desert the whole congregation of Israel… “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? They viewed the wilderness as a place of death rather than the route God had chosen to bring them into the land He promised. Exo 17:3 But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled… There is no bread or water, Their complaint ignored God’s continued provision of manna and the water He had supplied throughout their journey. Deu 8:15 He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness… and we detest this wretched food!” The food they despised was manna, the daily provision God had given them. Their contempt revealed deep ingratitude and unbelief, rejecting the very means by which He sustained them. Num 11:4-6 Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving… So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, After Israel complained against God and Moses, the LORD brought judgment into the camp through poisonous serpents in the wilderness. Their bites caused great suffering, exposing the deadly seriousness of the people’s rebellion and their dependence on God’s mercy. Jer 8:17 “For behold, I will send snakes among you,”… and many of the Israelites were bitten and died. The widespread deaths showed that sin brought real consequences upon the nation, symbolizing the spiritual death that results from sin. Unable to save themselves, the people were driven to acknowledge their guilt and seek the LORD’s provision for deliverance and redemption. 1Co 10:9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did,… Then the people came to Moses and said, Under the pressure of judgment, the Israelites recognized their rebellion and turned to the leader God had appointed. Their approach to Moses showed that they understood his role in bringing their need before the LORD. Jer 42:1-3 Then all the commanders of the forces, along with Johanan… “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. They openly admitted that their complaints against Moses were also complaints against God, who had chosen and guided him. Their confession marked a change from defiance to acknowledgment of guilt. Exo 10:16 Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said,… Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.” The fiery serpents had exposed the deadly consequence of their sin. The people sought Moses’ prayer because they knew relief could come only from the LORD. Exo 8:8 Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD… So Moses interceded for the people. Though they had repeatedly opposed him, Moses prayed for them. His response reflected faithful leadership and foreshadowed the greater mediation of Christ, who brings sinners before God. Exo 32:11-14 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying,… Then the LORD said to Moses, God continued to direct Moses, Israel’s appointed leader, even after the people had complained and rebelled in the wilderness. Exo 6:1 But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do… “Make a fiery serpent Moses was to make an image resembling the fiery serpents through which God had brought judgment on the camp; “fiery” can also mean “burning,” possibly describing the bites or the bronze. Deu 8:15 He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness… and mount it on a pole. Raised above the people, the serpent could be seen by all who had been bitten. God provided this visible means of deliverance, requiring the people to respond to His command. Jhn 3:14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness… When anyone who is bitten looks at it, Those suffering from the bites were to look to the serpent in obedient faith, trusting God’s promise rather than any human remedy. Isa 45:22 Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth;… he will live.” God granted physical healing to those who looked as He commanded. The lifted serpent also foreshadows Christ being lifted up, through whom believers receive salvation. Jhn 3:15 that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. So Moses made a bronze snake Moses obeyed God’s command and fashioned the image of the very creature through which judgment had come upon Israel. The bronze serpent, with bronze signifying judgment and endurance, stood as a visible reminder of the people’s sin, God’s judgment, and His merciful provision. 2Ki 18:4 He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars… and mounted it on a pole. Raised above the camp, it could be seen by all who had been bitten. God appointed this means of deliverance, calling the afflicted to respond in faith to His word. Jhn 3:14-15 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness… If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze snake, Those suffering from the deadly bites were not healed by the object itself, but by trusting God’s promise and doing what He commanded. Their look acknowledged both their need and God’s provision. Jhn 6:40 For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks… he would live. God spared those who looked in faith, delivering them from physical death. The lifted serpent foreshadowed Christ lifted up on the cross, through whom those who believe are rescued from sin and given eternal life. Jhn 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.”…
The Journey to MoabIsrael continued its wilderness journey under God’s direction after the judgment that condemned the unbelieving generation to die in the desert. Each movement brought the new generation closer to the land promised to their fathers. Num 9:17-18 Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent,… and camped at Oboth. Oboth was a temporary encampment east of the Dead Sea, likely near the borders of Edom and Moab. Though its precise location is unknown, the stop belongs to the recorded route by which God sustained and led Israel toward the Promised Land. Num 33:43 They set out from Punon and camped at Oboth. They journeyed from Oboth Israel continued northward through the wilderness, following the route God appointed during the final stages of the forty years of wandering. Each movement brought the new generation nearer to the land promised to their fathers. Num 33:43 They set out from Punon and camped at Oboth. and camped at Iye-abarim Their camp at Iye-abarim, meaning “ruins of the regions beyond,” placed them in the highlands east of the Jordan, near the borderlands of Moab. From this region, Israel would soon face the nations occupying the approaches to Canaan. Num 33:44 They set out from Oboth and camped at Iye-abarim… in the wilderness opposite Moab Israel’s presence near Moab prepared the setting for the events involving Balak and Balaam. Though Moab viewed the advancing nation with fear, Israel remained under God’s protection and direction. Deu 4:46 while they were in the valley across the Jordan… to the east. They were positioned east of Moab and the Jordan River, approaching the land from the eastern side before crossing into Canaan. Deu 4:47-49 They took possession of the land belonging to Sihon… From there they set out Israel continued its wilderness journey under the Lord’s direction, moving steadily toward the land He had promised. Their travels marked the closing stages of the forty years of wandering and the approach of a new generation prepared to enter Canaan. Num 33:44 They set out from Oboth and camped at Iye-abarim… and camped in the Valley of Zered. The Valley of Zered lay along Moab’s southeastern boundary and marked an important transition in Israel’s journey. By this point, the generation that had rebelled in the wilderness had passed away, and Israel was nearing the territory east of the Jordan. Deu 2:13 “Now arise and cross over the Brook of Zered.”… From there they moved on Israel continued its wilderness journey under God’s direction, drawing nearer to the lands east of the Jordan. Deu 2:1-3 Then we turned back and headed for the wilderness… and camped on the other side of the Arnon, Their camp lay near a major river gorge east of the Dead Sea, placing them at an important boundary between neighboring kingdoms. Jdg 11:18 Then Israel traveled through the wilderness… in the wilderness that extends into the Amorite territory. The area bordered Amorite lands, whose rulers controlled fortified cities and territory north of the Arnon. Israel’s arrival marked the beginning of its approach toward the lands it would soon confront and occupy. Deu 3:8-10 At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites… Now the Arnon is the border between the Moabites and the Amorites. The river formed the recognized boundary between Moab to the south and Amorite territory to the north, clarifying why Israel’s movement brought it into contact with the Amorite kingdom. Jos 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.… Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: Israel’s victories and journeys were also preserved in ancient records outside Scripture. This lost book apparently commemorated the LORD’s acts on behalf of His people, placing the events of Numbers within the larger history of Israel’s wilderness deliverance. Exo 17:14-16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll… “Waheb in Suphah Waheb and Suphah are no longer identifiable with certainty; Suphah may mean “storm” or “whirlwind.” The citation likely recalls a particular event or location associated with Israel’s advance through the wilderness. Exo 14:21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea,… and the wadis of the Arnon, The ravines of the Arnon marked the region near Moab’s northern boundary and lay along Israel’s route toward the land east of the Jordan. Their inclusion recalls the difficult terrain through which the LORD led Israel as the nation approached the land He had promised. Deu 2:24-25 Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley.… even the slopes of the wadis These dry ravines and valleys could become channels of rushing water during seasonal rains. Their steep, rugged sides marked the difficult terrain east of the Dead Sea through which Israel traveled. Jos 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.… that extend to the site of Ar Ar was an important Moabite city near the Arnon region. Israel’s approach brought them near Moab’s territory, but God had commanded them not to seize land He had assigned to the descendants of Lot. Isa 15:1 This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined… and lie along the border of Moab.” The wadis formed part of Moab’s natural boundary. Israel’s route reflected God’s careful direction: He brought His people toward the land promised to them while preserving the boundaries He had established for neighboring nations. Deu 2:18 “Today you are going to cross the border of Moab at Ar. From there they went on to Beer, Israel continued its wilderness journey toward the land God had promised. Beer, meaning “well,” marked a place where the Lord supplied water for the people in the desert. Jdg 9:21 Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there… the well where the LORD said to Moses, The well was provided by God’s direct instruction through Moses, whom He appointed to lead Israel. In a dry and difficult region, water was essential for the nation’s survival. Exo 17:5-6 And the LORD said to Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people”… “Gather the people so that I may give them water.” God commanded the people to assemble so that they would receive the water He provided. Though Israel had often complained during the journey, the Lord continued to sustain them according to His covenant faithfulness. Deu 31:12 Assemble the people—men, women, children… Then Israel sang this song: Israel responded to God’s provision of water in the wilderness with public thanksgiving. The song preserved the memory of His care for the nation during its journey toward the Promised Land. Exo 15:1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD:… “Spring up, O well, God had gathered the people at Beer and supplied water where it was urgently needed. The well testified that Israel’s survival in the desert depended on the Lord’s direct provision. Jhn 4:14 But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.… all of you sing to it! The whole congregation joined in acknowledging God’s faithfulness. Their united song turned a necessary source of water into a lasting memorial of His care for His people. Psa 96:1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD… The princes dug the well; Israel’s leaders took part in securing water for the people during their wilderness journey. In a dry land, a well meant life and stability, and their labor showed responsible leadership on behalf of the whole camp. Gen 26:18 Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug… the nobles of the people hollowed it out with their scepters and with their staffs.” Those who held authority used it for the good of the nation, joining in a work that benefited all. The well became a visible expression of Israel’s shared dependence on the Lord’s provision. Gen 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff… From the wilderness the Israelites went on to Mattanah, Their progress from the wilderness continued under God’s guidance and provision. Mattanah, meaning “gift,” marked another stage in the journey toward the land promised to their fathers. Deu 1:19 And just as the LORD our God had commanded us,… and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, Israel continued its wilderness journey through a series of recorded stopping places. Mattanah, meaning “gift,” and Nahaliel, meaning “valley of God,” marked stages in the route that brought the nation northward through the territory east of the Jordan. Their exact locations are uncertain, but the itinerary emphasizes that God directed Israel’s progress toward the land He had promised. Num 33:41-47 And the Israelites set out from Mount Hor… and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, From Nahaliel, Israel traveled to Bamoth, meaning “high places,” a location of elevated ground in the region of Moab, possibly used for worship or as a lookout point. The route moved the people closer to the heights overlooking the Jordan Valley, where the events leading to Israel’s entrance into Canaan would soon unfold. Jos 13:17 Heshbon and all its cities on the plateau, including Dibon… and from Bamoth Israel continued from Bamoth, meaning “high places,” elevated sites often used for worship, toward the plains of Moab, drawing nearer to the land God had promised them. Num 22:41 The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought… to the valley in Moab Moab lay east of the Dead Sea and became the setting for Israel’s final encampments before entering Canaan. Deu 3:29 So we stayed in the valley opposite Beth-peor. where the top of Pisgah Pisgah was a prominent height in Moab, associated with the mountain from which Moses would later view the Promised Land. Deu 34:1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo,… overlooks the wasteland. From this elevated place, the wilderness stretched below, recalling Israel’s long journey and the generation that had passed through it. Num 23:28 And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor…
The Defeat of SihonAs Israel traveled toward the Promised Land, they sought peaceful passage through neighboring territory rather than immediate conflict. This followed their earlier attempt to obtain passage through Edom. Deu 2:26 So from the Wilderness of Kedemoth I sent messengers… to Sihon king of the Amorites, Sihon ruled an Amorite kingdom centered at Heshbon, east of the Jordan River. His land stood along Israel’s route and controlled important territory that Israel would later possess. Jos 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.… saying, Israel delivered a formal request explaining their intentions and asking to travel through Sihon’s land without harming its people or taking its resources. Deu 2:27-29 Let us pass through your land; we will stay… “Let us pass through your land. Israel asked Sihon, king of the Amorites, for peaceful passage through his territory east of the Jordan. Having been denied passage by Edom, they again sought to avoid conflict as they traveled toward the land God had promised them. Jdg 11:19 And Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites… We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, They pledged not to trespass on cultivated land or take produce needed by the Amorites. Israel intended to pass through without harming the people or disrupting their livelihood. Num 20:17 Please let us pass through your land. We will not… or drink water from any well. Wells were essential resources in the region, and Israel promised not to draw on the Amorites’ supplies. The people would depend on the provision God had already given them in the wilderness. Deu 2:28 You can sell us food to eat and water to drink… We will stay on the King’s Highway The King’s Highway was a major north-south route east of the Jordan, used by merchants, travelers, and armies. Remaining on it would allow Israel to cross the land without entering towns or private property. Deu 2:27 Let us pass through your land; we will stay… until we have passed through your territory.” The request was limited to a temporary passage. Sihon refused and attacked Israel, leading to the defeat of the Amorite king and Israel’s possession of his land. Deu 2:4 You will pass through the territory of your brothers… But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Sihon, king of the Amorites, rejected Israel’s peaceful request for passage and treated their approach as an invasion. His refusal revealed the hostility of the nations occupying the land east of the Jordan and brought Israel into an unavoidable conflict. Deu 2:27-30 Let us pass through your land; we will stay… Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. Rather than defend his borders, Sihon assembled his forces and marched into the wilderness to attack Israel. The encounter occurred as Israel traveled toward the land God had promised them, making Sihon’s aggression a direct challenge to their advance. Deu 2:31-32 Then the LORD said to me, “See, I have begun… When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. At Jahaz, Sihon initiated battle, but his attack led to the defeat of his kingdom and Israel’s possession of Amorite territory. The victory demonstrated that Israel’s progress did not depend on military strength alone but on the Lord’s faithfulness to give them the land. Jdg 11:21 Then the LORD, the God of Israel, delivered Sihon… And Israel put him to the sword Israel defeated Sihon and his army after he refused them passage through his territory. The victory removed Amorite control east of the Jordan and opened the way for Israel’s advance toward Canaan. Deu 2:32-33 So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle… and took possession of his land, Sihon’s former kingdom became Israelite territory, marking the first substantial acquisition of land by the nation after leaving Egypt. The land was distributed among tribes that would later settle east of the Jordan. Deu 2:34-35 At that time we captured all his cities… from the Arnon to the Jabbok— The conquered region extended northward from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River, encompassing fertile plateau land, cities, and important routes through Transjordan. Deu 3:16-17 and to the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory… but only up to the border of the Ammonites, Israel did not seize Ammonite territory. Though Sihon had previously taken land from Moab, the Ammonites retained their own boundary, which Israel was not commanded to invade. Deu 2:19 But when you get close to the Ammonites, … because it was fortified. Ammon’s frontier was strongly defended, limiting Israel’s advance in that direction and preserving the boundary between the two peoples. Deu 2:36 Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city… Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites Israel’s defeat of the Amorites marked a decisive victory east of the Jordan. Though Sihon’s kingdom had been strong enough to take land from Moab, it could not withstand the Lord’s intervention on Israel’s behalf. The conquest brought Israel into territory God had promised to give them. Jos 13:10 and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites… and occupied them, Israel did not merely defeat Sihon’s army but took possession of his territory. Their settlement in these cities marked an important change from their years of wandering and provided a secure base before they entered Canaan. Jos 24:8 Later, I brought you to the land of the Amorites… including Heshbon Heshbon had been Sihon’s royal city and the center of his rule. Its capture showed the complete collapse of Amorite control in the region and gave Israel a strategically important stronghold. Deu 2:26-30 So from the Wilderness of Kedemoth I sent messengers… and all its villages. Israel gained authority over the surrounding settlements as well as the principal city. The entire region came under Israelite control, removing a major enemy and providing land for the tribes that would later settle east of the Jordan. Jos 21:39 Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all,… Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, Heshbon stood east of the Jordan River as the chief city of Sihon’s Amorite kingdom. Its elevated position and strong defenses made it an important center of power in the region. Sihon ruled a people known for military strength and had established control over territory once held by Moab. Jos 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.… who had fought against the former king of Moab Before Israel arrived, Sihon had defeated Moab’s former king and taken much of Moabite land. The conflict reflects the frequent struggles among the nations east of the Jordan, where borders and authority were often determined by war. Jdg 11:25-26 Are you now so much better than Balak son of Zippor… and taken all his land as far as the Arnon. Sihon’s conquest reached south to the Arnon River, the natural boundary separating Amorite territory from what remained of Moab. Israel’s later defeat of Sihon at Heshbon brought this strategically important land under Israelite control as they approached the Promised Land. Deu 2:36 Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city… That is why the poets say: An ancient victory song recalls Sihon’s earlier conquest of Moab and now underscores how completely Israel had defeated him. Pro 1:6 by understanding the proverbs and parables,… “Come to Heshbon, Heshbon, east of the Jordan, had become Sihon’s royal city after he seized it from Moab. Jos 13:17 Heshbon and all its cities on the plateau, including Dibon… let it be rebuilt; The song celebrates the securing and strengthening of a city gained through war. Isa 61:4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore… let the city of Sihon be restored. Heshbon was known as Sihon’s city because it served as the center of his Amorite kingdom. Israel’s capture of it marked the fall of his power and the beginning of Israel’s possession of the land. Deu 2:24-25 Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley.… For a fire went out from Heshbon, Heshbon, Sihon’s capital, became the center from which the Amorite king extended his rule. The fire portrays the destructive force of his army as it moved against Moab. Jer 48:45 Those who flee will stand helpless in Heshbon’s shadow… a blaze from the city of Sihon. Sihon had taken territory north of the Arnon River from Moab and established his authority there. His earlier victories made his kingdom a significant power east of the Jordan. Jos 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.… It consumed Ar of Moab, Ar was an important Moabite city near the Arnon River. Its defeat marked the loss of Moabite control over the northern part of its land. Isa 15:1 This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined… the rulers of Arnon’s heights. The highlands around the Arnon were strategic territory, and their rulers represented Moab’s local authority. Sihon’s conquest overthrew these leaders before Israel later defeated Sihon and took possession of his kingdom. Deu 2:36 Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city… Woe to you, O Moab! The lament recalls Moab’s defeat at the hands of the Amorites before Israel entered the land. Isa 15:1 This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined… You are destroyed, O people of Chemosh! Chemosh, Moab’s national god, proved powerless to preserve his people from conquest. Jer 48:46 Woe to you, O Moab! The people of Chemosh… He gave up his sons as refugees, Moabite men were driven from their homes and scattered by the invading army. Isa 16:3-4 “Give us counsel; render a decision. Shelter us…”… and his daughters into captivity The women of Moab were taken as captives, marking the nation’s complete humiliation and loss. Deu 28:41 You will father sons and daughters, but they will not remain… to Sihon king of the Amorites. Sihon had conquered Moab’s territory north of the Arnon River. Israel later defeated Sihon and took the land he had seized from Moab. Deu 2:32-36 So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle… But we have overthrown them; Israel’s defeat of Sihon and the Amorites showed that the Lord had given their territory into Israel’s hand. What had been a powerful Amorite kingdom fell before the advancing Israelites. Deu 2:33 And the LORD our God delivered him over to us,… Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon. Heshbon, Sihon’s capital, was the center of Amorite rule east of the Jordan. The devastation reaching to Dibon marks the breadth of Israel’s conquest across the former Amorite territory. Jer 48:34 There is a cry from Heshbon to Elealeh; … We demolished them as far as Nophah, The victory extended beyond the principal cities, leaving the Amorites unable to resist Israel’s advance. Their military power and fortified settlements were broken. Deu 2:36 Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city… which reaches to Medeba.” Medeba lay on the eastern plateau of the Jordan and later became part of Reuben’s inheritance. The boundary described here shows that Israel had secured a substantial portion of the land once controlled by Sihon. Jos 13:9 The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley,…
The Defeat of OgIsrael settled in the territory won from Sihon after the Lord gave the Amorite king into their hands. The victory provided a secure place for the people east of the Jordan and marked a transition from wilderness travel to established settlement. Jos 21:43-45 Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn… in the land of the Amorites. This territory included the former kingdom of Heshbon and extended northward toward Bashan. Though Israel would continue toward Canaan, the conquest of the Amorite lands demonstrated that God was giving His people possession of the land He had promised. Jdg 11:21-23 Then the LORD, the God of Israel, delivered Sihon… After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, Moses first had the area surveyed before advancing. Jazer lay east of the Jordan in a fertile region later associated with Gad, making it valuable for settlement and control of the surrounding territory. Num 13:2 Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan… Israel captured its villages Israel took not only the principal city but the smaller settlements under its control, securing the region and expanding its hold east of the Jordan. Num 32:41-42 Jair, a descendant of Manasseh… and drove out the Amorites who were there. The defeat removed the Amorite inhabitants who occupied the land and marked another decisive victory as Israel approached Canaan. Jdg 11:23 Now since the LORD, the God of Israel, has driven out… Then they turned and went up the road to Bashan, Israel moved north into Bashan, a fertile and strongly fortified region east of the Jordan. Their advance brought them into territory ruled by Og, whose kingdom represented a major obstacle before Israel could possess the land. Deu 3:1 Then we turned and went up the road to Bashan… and Og king of Bashan and his whole army came out Og led his forces against Israel rather than yielding passage. As one of the last Rephaim, he was a formidable ruler, and his army presented a serious military threat. Deu 3:11 For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant… to meet them in battle at Edrei. Edrei was a principal city of Bashan and the setting for the decisive conflict. Israel’s victory there secured Og’s kingdom and demonstrated that the land’s strongest rulers could not prevent God from giving it to His people. Deu 3:2 But the LORD said to me, “Do not fear him… But the LORD said to Moses, God directed Moses as Israel faced Og, king of Bashan, whose territory lay east of the Jordan. Exo 14:15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me?… “Do not fear him, Og’s strength and fortified cities presented a serious threat, but Moses was not to be intimidated by human power. Deu 3:2 But the LORD said to me, “Do not fear him… for I have delivered him into your hand, God had already determined the outcome. Israel’s victory would come by His power and according to His promise. Deu 2:24 Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley.… along with all his people and his land. Og’s army, cities, and territory would be brought under Israel’s control, securing the region east of the Jordan. Deu 2:33 And the LORD our God delivered him over to us,… Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, The earlier defeat of Sihon showed how God had given Israel victory over a powerful Amorite kingdom. Deu 29:7 When you reached this place, Sihon king of Heshbon… who lived in Heshbon.” Sihon had ruled from Heshbon, a major city taken by Israel after he refused them passage. Og’s defeat would confirm that the Lord was giving Israel possession of the land promised to them. Jos 13:21 all the cities of the plateau… So they struck down Og, Israel struck down Og, king of Bashan, after defeating him at Edrei. Like Sihon’s earlier defeat, Og’s fall showed that even the fortified cities and feared rulers east of the Jordan could not resist the Lord’s command. Psa 135:10-11 He struck down many nations and slaughtered mighty kings:… along with his sons and his whole army, Israel destroyed Og’s royal house and military strength, removing any power that could challenge their possession of Bashan. Deu 3:6 We devoted them to destruction, as we had done to Sihon… until no remnant was left. The judgment was complete, as God had commanded, leaving no surviving force to reclaim the territory or threaten Israel. Deu 3:3 So the LORD our God also delivered Og king of Bashan… And they took possession of his land. Bashan, known for its rich pastureland and strong cities, became part of Israel’s inheritance and was later assigned to the tribes settling east of the Jordan. Deu 3:8-10 At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
    |