Deuteronomy 3:2
But the LORD said to me, "Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon."
But the LORD said to me,

Moses received God’s direction in the face of a powerful enemy, showing that Israel’s advance was governed by the Lord’s command rather than human ambition. The Lord who had spoken with Moses throughout the wilderness journey now gave clear assurance for the conflict east of the Jordan.

Num 21:34 But the LORD said to Moses, “Do not fear him,”…
Deu 2:24 Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley.…

“Do not fear him,

Og ruled Bashan, a fertile and strongly defended region, and his size and military strength could have intimidated Israel. God called His people to remember His presence and power rather than measure the battle by Og’s reputation. The same God later commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous as Israel entered Canaan.

Deu 1:29-30 So I said to you: “Do not be terrified or afraid of them!…
Jos 10:8 The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them.”…
Isa 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid…

for I have delivered him into your hand,

God declared the outcome before Israel entered battle. Victory belonged to the Lord, who had already determined to judge Og and give his territory to Israel. Israel still had to obey and fight, but their confidence rested in God’s promise, not in their own numbers or weapons.

Deu 2:31 Then the LORD said to me, “See, I have begun…
Jos 6:2 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Behold, I have delivered…
Jos 8:1 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid…

along with all his people and his land.

Og’s defeat would bring the complete collapse of his kingdom. Bashan became part of the inheritance given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, displaying God’s faithfulness to give Israel the land He had promised.

Deu 2:33-34 And the LORD our God delivered him over to us,…
Num 21:35 So they struck down Og, along with his whole army…

Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites,

The earlier defeat of Sihon had demonstrated that no king could resist the Lord’s purpose. God directed Moses to let that remembered deliverance strengthen Israel for the present battle. Past acts of God’s faithfulness were meant to sustain present obedience.

Num 21:23-24 But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory.…
Deu 2:32 So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle…
Jos 12:2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.…

who lived in Heshbon.”

Heshbon had been Sihon’s royal city and the center of his Amorite rule. Its conquest marked Israel’s first major victory over a settled kingdom, and Og’s defeat confirmed that the Lord was opening the way for His people according to His covenant promise.

Num 21:25-26 Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites…
Jos 13:10 and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites…
Jer 48:2 There is no longer praise for Moab; in Heshbon…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who guides and commands His people.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who receives God's instructions.

3. Og, King of Bashan
A formidable enemy king whom God assures Moses will be defeated.

4. Sihon, King of the Amorites
Previously defeated by the Israelites, serving as a precedent for God's promise.

5. Bashan
The region ruled by Og, known for its strongholds and giants.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Promises
Just as God assured Moses of victory over Og, believers can trust in God's promises for their lives.

Fear Not
The command to not fear is a recurring theme in Scripture, reminding us that God is in control.

Past Victories as Faith Builders
Reflecting on past victories, like the defeat of Sihon, can strengthen our faith for current challenges.

God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers, and His plans will prevail.

Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' obedience to God's instructions is a model for us to follow God's guidance without hesitation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the assurance given to Moses in Deuteronomy 3:2 apply to challenges you face today?

2. In what ways can reflecting on past victories in your life strengthen your faith for current struggles?

3. How can the command "Do not fear" be practically applied in your daily walk with God?

4. What are some areas in your life where you need to trust in God's sovereignty and promises?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to rely on God's strength and not their own when facing difficulties?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 1:9
This verse echoes the command to be strong and courageous, reinforcing God's promise of victory.

Psalm 27:1
Highlights the theme of God as a source of strength and fearlessness.

Romans 8:31
Connects to the assurance that if God is for us, no one can stand against us.

Hebrews 13:6
Encourages believers to confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid."
King Og's BedsteadT. De Witt Talmage.Deuteronomy 3:1-11
Mastery of Formidable EnemiesHenry, MatthewDeuteronomy 3:1-11
Review and ProspectJ. Parker, D. D.Deuteronomy 3:1-11
The Last of the GiantsS. B. James, M. A.Deuteronomy 3:1-11
The Conquest of OgJ. Orr Deuteronomy 3:1-12
The Destruction of Og, King of BashanR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 3:1-17
Self-Propagating ConquestD. Davies Deuteronomy 3:1-20
People
Ammonites, Amorites, Argob, Gadites, Geshurites, Israelites, Jair, Jehoshua, Joshua, Maacathites, Maachathites, Machir, Manasseh, Moses, Og, Rephaites, Reubenites, Sidonians, Sihon
Places
Arabah, Argob, Aroer, Bashan, Beth-baal-peor, Chinnereth, Edrei, Gilead, Havvoth-jair, Hermon, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jordan River, Lebanon, Mount Hermon, Pisgah, Rabbah, Rephaim, Salecah, Salt Sea, Sea of the Arabah, Senir, Sirion, Valley of the Arnon
Topics
Amorite, Amorites, Army, Deliver, Delivered, Dwelling, Dwelt, Fear, Handed, Hands, Hast, Heshbon, Reigned, Ruling, Sihon
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 3:1

     5336   highway

Library
A Model of Intercession
"And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and shall say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come unto me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him; and he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: I cannot rise and give thee? I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needeth."--LUKE xi. 5-8.
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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