Deuteronomy 29:7
And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:
Original Language Analysis
וַתָּבֹ֖אוּ
And when ye came
H935
וַתָּבֹ֖אוּ
And when ye came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַמָּק֣וֹם
unto this place
H4725
הַמָּק֣וֹם
unto this place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וַיֵּצֵ֣א
came out
H3318
וַיֵּצֵ֣א
came out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
הַבָּשָׁ֧ן
of Bashan
H1316
הַבָּשָׁ֧ן
of Bashan
Strong's:
H1316
Word #:
11 of 14
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
לִקְרָאתֵ֛נוּ
against
H7125
לִקְרָאתֵ֛נוּ
against
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
12 of 14
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
Historical Context
Sihon and Og ruled Amorite kingdoms east of Jordan. Their defeat gave Israel territory for Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh.
Og's massive bed (Deuteronomy 3:11) testified to his great size, making his defeat even more impressive as demonstration of divine power.
Questions for Reflection
- What purpose did Transjordan victories serve in preparing Israel for Canaan conquest?
- How does enemy-initiated aggression justify their destruction?
- What does the partnership (God provides victory, Israel fights) teach about covenant relationship?
- How do past victories build faith for future challenges?
- Why does God allow giants and formidable obstacles to test His people's faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them. Victory over Sihon and Og demonstrated God's power in military conquest, preparing Israel psychologically for Canaan conquest. These Transjordan victories proved God could defeat formidable enemies on Israel's behalf.
The phrase came out against us unto battle indicates these kings initiated hostilities. Israel sought peaceful passage; the kings chose war. Their aggression brought their destruction, demonstrating that those who oppose God's people oppose God Himself.
The statement we smote them includes Israel as active participants, yet Moses elsewhere clarifies God gave the victory. This partnership illustrates covenant relationship - God works through His people's obedient action while providing power for success.
These victories over giant peoples (Og was last of the Rephaim) encouraged Israel that God could defeat the giant Anakim in Canaan. Past victories build faith for future battles.