The term "Two Kings of the Amorites" refers to Sihon and Og, two prominent monarchs who ruled over Amorite territories east of the Jordan River during the time of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. These kings are significant figures in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of Israel's conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Moses.

Sihon, King of Heshbon

Sihon was the king of the Amorite city-state of Heshbon. His kingdom was located in the region that is now part of modern-day Jordan. The biblical account of Sihon is primarily found in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy. When the Israelites, led by Moses, requested passage through Sihon's territory, he refused and instead mobilized his army to confront them. This encounter is detailed in Numbers 21:21-23 : "Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, 'Let us pass through your land; we will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, nor drink water from any well. We will stay on the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory.' But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and marched out to the wilderness to confront Israel. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel."

The Israelites, empowered by God, defeated Sihon and took possession of his land, as recorded in Numbers 21:24 : "And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified." This victory was significant as it marked the beginning of Israel's conquest of the Transjordan region.

Og, King of Bashan

Og was the king of Bashan, another Amorite kingdom located to the north of Sihon's territory. Og is described as one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants, which added to his formidable reputation. The Israelites encountered Og after their victory over Sihon, and the narrative of this encounter is found in Numbers 21:33-35 : "Then they turned and went up along the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan came out against them with his whole army to fight at Edrei. 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.' So they struck down Og, his sons, and his whole army until no remnant was left, and they took possession of his land."

The defeat of Og was another crucial victory for the Israelites, as it secured their control over the northern part of the Transjordan. Deuteronomy 3:11 provides additional insight into Og's stature and the significance of his defeat: "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed was made of iron; it is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites. It is nine cubits long and four cubits wide, according to the standard cubit."

Theological Significance

The victories over Sihon and Og are often cited as evidence of God's faithfulness and power in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. These conquests demonstrated God's ability to deliver His people from formidable foes and provided a foretaste of the victories that would follow in the conquest of Canaan. The defeat of these two kings is frequently referenced in later biblical texts as a testament to God's might and as a reminder of His covenant with Israel. For instance, Psalm 135:10-12 states: "He struck down many nations and slaughtered mighty kings—Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan—and He gave their land as an inheritance, a heritage to His people Israel."

The accounts of Sihon and Og serve as enduring reminders of the divine intervention and guidance that characterized Israel's journey to the Promised Land, reinforcing the theme of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises throughout the biblical narrative.