Numbers 21:34
But the LORD said to Moses, "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 Moses
This phrase emphasizes the direct communication between God and Moses, a recurring theme in the Pentateuch. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, signifying His eternal presence and covenant faithfulness. This divine assurance highlights God's active role in guiding and protecting His people. Historically, Moses is seen as a prophet and leader, chosen to mediate God's will to Israel, underscoring the importance of obedience to divine instruction.

Do not fear him
The command "Do not fear" is a common biblical exhortation, often given when God is about to act powerfully on behalf of His people. The Hebrew word for "fear" is "yare," which can mean to be afraid or to stand in awe. Here, it reassures Moses and the Israelites of God's sovereignty and protection. In a broader scriptural context, this phrase encourages believers to trust in God's promises and not be intimidated by earthly challenges.

for I have delivered him into your hand
This phrase signifies God's predetermined victory over the enemy. The Hebrew verb "nathan," translated as "delivered," implies a decisive action by God, ensuring the outcome. It reflects the biblical theme of divine providence, where God orchestrates events for His purposes. Historically, this assurance would bolster the Israelites' confidence as they faced formidable foes, reminding them that success comes from God's intervention, not human strength.

along with all his people and his land
This part of the verse highlights the totality of God's promise. The enemy, his people, and his territory are all included in the divine deliverance. The comprehensive nature of this promise reflects God's complete control over the situation. In the historical context of ancient Near Eastern warfare, conquering a king, his people, and his land signified total victory and the transfer of power and resources, reinforcing the idea of God's complete provision for Israel.

Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites
This phrase refers to a previous victory over Sihon, which is recounted earlier in Numbers 21. The mention of Sihon serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness and power. The historical context here is crucial; Sihon was a significant adversary, and his defeat demonstrated God's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This reference encourages the Israelites to remember and rely on God's past deliverances as they face new challenges.

who lived in Heshbon
Heshbon was the capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites. Mentioning Heshbon provides a geographical and historical anchor, reminding the Israelites of their journey and the tangible evidence of God's intervention. Archaeologically, Heshbon's ruins testify to its historical significance and the reality of the biblical narrative. This detail reinforces the authenticity of the biblical account and God's ongoing involvement in the history of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is reassured by God as he faces a new challenge.

2. Og, King of Bashan
A formidable enemy king who ruled over Bashan, known for his strength and the size of his kingdom. He represents a significant threat to the Israelites.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people, journeying to the Promised Land. They are often faced with challenges and enemies along their journey.

4. Bashan
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its fertile land and strong cities. It is the territory ruled by King Og.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who provides guidance, protection, and assurance to His people.
Teaching Points
God's Assurance in the Face of Fear
Just as God reassured Moses, He reassures us today. When facing daunting challenges, we can trust in God's promise to be with us and deliver us.

The Importance of Obedience
Moses' obedience to God's command led to victory. Our obedience to God's Word is crucial in overcoming life's battles.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The defeat of Og demonstrates God's control over all nations and powers. We can find peace knowing that God is sovereign over the affairs of the world.

Faith in God's Promises
The Israelites' victory over Og is a testament to God's faithfulness. We are called to have faith in God's promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Spiritual Warfare
The physical battles of the Old Testament often mirror our spiritual battles. We are reminded to put on the full armor of God and trust in His strength.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does God's reassurance to Moses in Numbers 21:34 encourage you in your current challenges?

2. In what ways can we see the sovereignty of God in the defeat of Og, and how does this apply to our understanding of God's control in our lives?

3. Reflect on a time when obedience to God's Word led to a personal victory. How can this experience strengthen your faith?

4. How do the victories over kings like Og in the Old Testament foreshadow the ultimate victory we have in Christ?

5. What practical steps can you take to trust in God's promises when facing "giants" in your life, similar to the Israelites' encounter with Og?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 3:1-11
This passage provides a detailed account of the battle against Og, King of Bashan, and highlights God's faithfulness in delivering the Israelites from their enemies.

Joshua 12:4-5
This scripture lists Og among the defeated kings, emphasizing the completeness of Israel's victory and God's promise fulfilled.

Psalm 136:17-22
This psalm praises God for His enduring love and recounts His victories over kings like Og, reinforcing the theme of divine deliverance.
A Period of Unbroken ProgressD. Young Numbers 21:10-35
The King's HighwayHomilistNumbers 21:21-35
The Wicked Hate and Persecute the Godly Without Any Just CauseW. Attersoll.Numbers 21:21-35
War with the King of BashanC. Ness.Numbers 21:32-35
People
Ammonites, Amon, Amorites, Arad, Canaanites, Chemosh, Israelites, Moses, Og, Sihon
Places
Ar, Arad, Arnon, Bamoth, Bashan, Beer, Dedan, Dibon, Edom, Edrei, Egypt, Heshbon, Hormah, Iye-abarim, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jazer, King's Highway, Mattanah, Medeba, Moab, Mount Hor, Nahaliel, Negeb, Nophah, Oboth, Pisgah, Red Sea, Suphah, Valley of Zered, Waheb
Topics
Amorite, Amorites, Army, Delivered, Dwelling, Dwelt, Fear, Handed, Hands, Hast, Heshbon, Reigned, Sihon
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 21:24-35

     5572   sword

Library
The Poison and the Antidote
'And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compare the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 5. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. 6. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. 7. Therefore
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Man's Ruin and God's Remedy
Man has very many wants, and he should be grateful whenever the least of them is supplied. But he has one want which overtops every other: it is the want of bread. Give him raiment, house him well, decorate and adorn him, yet if you give him not bread, his body faints, he dies of hunger. Hence it is that while the earth when it is tilled is made to bring forth many things that minister unto the comfort and luxury of men, yet man is wise enough to understand that since bread is his chief want, he
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

The Disciple, -- Master, in These Days Some Learned Men and their Followers Regard Thy...
The Disciple,--Master, in these days some learned men and their followers regard Thy atonement and the redemption by blood as meaningless and futile, and say that Christ was only a great teacher and example for our spiritual life, and that salvation and eternal happiness depend on our own efforts and good deeds. The Master,--1. Never forget that spiritual and religious ideas are connected less with the head than with the heart, which is the temple of God, and when the heart is filled with the presence
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: ..... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. W hen our Lord was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and conversed with Him. Had we been informed of the interview only, we should probably have desired to know the subject of their conversation, as we might reasonably suppose it turned upon very interesting and important
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Nations of the South-East
Israel was cut in two by the Jordan. The districts east of the Jordan were those that had first been conquered; it was from thence that the followers of Joshua had gone forth to possess themselves of Canaan. But this division of the territory was a source of weakness. The interests of the tribes on the two sides of the river were never quite the same; at times indeed they were violently antagonistic. When the disruption of the monarchy came after the death of Solomon, Judah was the stronger for the
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations

The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! G reat and marvellous are the works of the LORD God almighty! We live in the midst of them, and the little impression they make upon us, sufficiently proves our depravity. He is great in the very smallest; and there is not a plant, flower, or insect, but bears the signature of infinite wisdom and power. How sensibly then should we be affected by the consideration of the Whole , if sin had not blinded our understandings, and hardened
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation,
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

The Two Classes.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray."--Luke xvii. 10. I now want to speak of two classes: First, those who do not feel their need of a Saviour who have not been convinced of sin by the Spirit; and Second, those who are convinced of sin and cry, "What must I do to be saved?" All inquirers can be ranged under two heads: they have either the spirit of the Pharisee, or the spirit of the publican. If a man having the spirit of the Pharisee comes into an after-meeting, I know of no better portion
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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