Deuteronomy 31:4

And the LORD will do to them as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, when He destroyed them along with their land.

Study Bible

And the LORD
The phrase "And the LORD" emphasizes the divine authority and sovereignty of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred tetragrammaton, which signifies God's eternal presence and unchanging nature. This introduction sets the stage for the assurance that follows, reminding the Israelites that their God, who has been faithful throughout their history, will continue to act on their behalf.

will do to them
This phrase indicates a future action, a promise of divine intervention. The Hebrew verb used here suggests a certainty and inevitability in God's actions. It reassures the Israelites that just as God has acted in the past, He will continue to act in the present and future, fulfilling His promises and ensuring their victory over their enemies.

as He did to Sihon and Og
Sihon and Og were formidable kings of the Amorites, whose defeat is recounted in Numbers 21. Their mention here serves as a historical reminder of God's past deliverance and power. The Israelites are encouraged to recall these victories as evidence of God's might and faithfulness. Archaeological findings, such as ancient inscriptions and records, corroborate the existence of these kings, providing historical context to the biblical narrative.

the kings of the Amorites
The Amorites were a significant and powerful group in the ancient Near East. Their mention highlights the magnitude of the victories God granted Israel. Historically, the Amorites were known for their fortified cities and military prowess, making their defeat by Israel under divine guidance all the more remarkable and a testament to God's power.

whom He destroyed
The word "destroyed" underscores the completeness of God's victory over Israel's enemies. In Hebrew, the term conveys a sense of total annihilation, leaving no room for future threat. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to protect and deliver His people from even the most daunting adversaries.

along with their land
The inclusion of "along with their land" signifies not only the defeat of the kings but also the acquisition of their territories. This phrase highlights the tangible blessings and inheritance that come from trusting in God's promises. It reflects the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to give Israel a land of their own, a theme central to the narrative of the Pentateuch.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is faithful to His promises and powerful in His actions.

2. Sihon and Og
Kings of the Amorites who opposed Israel during their journey to the Promised Land. They were defeated by Israel under God's guidance.

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

4. Moses
The leader of Israel who is delivering God's message to the people, preparing them for the transition of leadership to Joshua.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness
God is faithful to His promises. Just as He delivered Israel from powerful enemies, He will be faithful to us in our struggles.

Divine Power Over Adversaries
The defeat of Sihon and Og demonstrates God's power over any adversary. We can trust Him to overcome the challenges we face.

Historical Assurance for Future Challenges
Remembering past victories strengthens our faith for future battles. Reflect on how God has worked in your life and trust Him for what lies ahead.

Leadership Transition
As Moses prepares to pass leadership to Joshua, we learn the importance of trusting God's plan and His chosen leaders in our lives.

God's Sovereignty
God's actions against Sihon and Og remind us of His sovereignty over nations and history. We can rest in His control over our world today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the defeat of Sihon and Og serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness in your life?

2. In what ways can you apply the lessons of God's power over adversaries to your current challenges?

3. How can reflecting on past victories in your life strengthen your faith for future challenges?

4. What can we learn from Moses' leadership transition to Joshua about trusting God's plan and His appointed leaders?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty over history impact your perspective on current world events?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 21
This chapter details the battles against Sihon and Og, providing context for God's promise in Deuteronomy 31:4.

Joshua 12
Lists the defeated kings, including Sihon and Og, emphasizing God's faithfulness in delivering the land to Israel.

Psalm 136
Celebrates God's enduring love and mighty acts, including the defeat of Sihon and Og, as part of His deliverance of Israel.

Hebrews 13:8
Highlights the unchanging nature of God, reinforcing the idea that the same God who delivered Israel is active today.