Deuteronomy 3:8
At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites the land across the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon--
At that time

Moses recalls the victories God gave Israel during the final stage of their wilderness journey, when the nation stood poised to enter Canaan. The timing reveals the Lord’s faithfulness to strengthen His people before the crossing of the Jordan.

Deu 1:9 At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden…
Deu 1:18 And at that time I commanded you all the things…
Deu 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi…

we took from the two kings of the Amorites

Israel defeated Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, rulers whose lands lay east of the Jordan. Their overthrow displayed the Lord’s power over fortified kingdoms and assured Israel that the God who had defeated these rulers would also give victory in Canaan.

Num 21:24-26 And Israel put him to the sword and took possession…
Num 21:33-35 Then they turned and went up the road to Bashan,…
Jos 12:1-6 Now these are the kings of the land whom the Israelites…

the land across the Jordan,

The conquered Transjordan territory became an inheritance for Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Though these tribes settled east of the river, they remained part of Israel and were called to stand with their brothers in the conquest of the land west of the Jordan.

Num 32:33 So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites…
Jos 22:4 And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest…
Deu 4:47-49 They took possession of the land belonging to Sihon…

from the Arnon Valley

The Arnon Valley marked the southern boundary of the territory taken from Sihon. Once a border between Moab and the Amorite kingdom, it became a visible testimony that God had enlarged Israel’s possession.

Num 21:13-15 From there they moved on and camped on the other side…
Jos 13:9-10 The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley,…
Jdg 11:18 Then Israel traveled through the wilderness…

as far as Mount Hermon—

Mount Hermon marked the northern reach of the land taken from Og. Its imposing, fertile heights formed the far boundary of Israel’s new territory, demonstrating that the Lord’s gift extended from the deep valley of the Arnon to the mountains of Bashan.

Deu 4:48-49 extending from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley…
Jos 11:16-17 So Joshua took this entire region: the hill country…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who recounts the victories over the Amorite kings.

2. Amorites
A group of people living in the land east of the Jordan River, known for their opposition to Israel.

3. Arnon Valley
A significant geographical boundary marking the southern extent of the land taken from the Amorites.

4. Mount Hermon
A prominent mountain marking the northern boundary of the conquered territory.

5. Two Kings of the Amorites
Refers to King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan, whose lands were conquered by the Israelites.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The conquest of the Amorite lands demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives, knowing He is faithful to fulfill them.

The Importance of Obedience and Courage
The Israelites' victory required obedience to God's commands and courage to face formidable enemies. Christians are called to obey God's Word and be courageous in their spiritual battles.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The defeat of the Amorite kings illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations and rulers. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control of world events and their personal circumstances.

Spiritual Inheritance and Victory
Just as the Israelites received a physical inheritance, Christians have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. Believers are encouraged to claim their spiritual victories through faith and perseverance.

Remembering God's Past Victories
Recalling past victories, as Moses does here, strengthens faith and encourages believers to trust God for future challenges. Reflecting on God's past faithfulness can inspire confidence in His continued provision.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the conquest of the Amorite lands demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our personal walk with God?

2. In what ways can we apply the courage and obedience of the Israelites in our own spiritual battles today?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and rulers impact our perspective on current world events?

4. What are some spiritual victories or inheritances that we, as believers, can claim through our faith in Christ?

5. How can reflecting on past victories in our lives strengthen our faith and trust in God's future provision?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 21
Provides a detailed account of the battles against King Sihon and King Og, offering context to the victories mentioned in Deuteronomy 3:8.

Joshua 12
Lists the defeated kings and territories, confirming the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land.

Psalm 135
Celebrates God's mighty acts, including the defeat of the Amorite kings, as a testament to His enduring love and faithfulness.
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, Arnon, Beyond, Brook, East, Gorge, Hermon, Jordan, Kings, Mount, River, Territory, Thus, Valley
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 3:8

     4254   mountains

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

Links
Deuteronomy 3:8 NIV
Deuteronomy 3:8 NLT
Deuteronomy 3:8 ESV
Deuteronomy 3:8 NASB
Deuteronomy 3:8 KJV

Deuteronomy 3:8 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Deuteronomy 3:7
Top of Page
Top of Page