Deuteronomy Chapter 31 · Verse 4
And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָׂ֗ה
shall do
H6213
עָשָׂ֗ה
shall do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֗ה
shall do
H6213
עָשָׂ֗ה
shall do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֖י
of the Amorites
H567
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֖י
of the Amorites
Strong's:
H567
Word #:
9 of 13
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
וּלְאַרְצָ֑ם
and unto the land
H776
וּלְאַרְצָ֑ם
and unto the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
10 of 13
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Sihon and Og's defeats occurred just months earlier in the fortieth year (Numbers 21, circa 1407 BC). These were Israel's first major military victories since leaving Egypt. Sihon controlled the Transjordan from the Arnon River to the Jabbok; Og ruled Bashan north of the Jabbok with sixty fortified cities. Their kingdoms became the inheritance of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Archaeological evidence confirms destruction layers at several Transjordanian sites dating to the late Bronze Age, consistent with these conquests.
Questions for Reflection
- How do past spiritual victories strengthen your faith for current battles?
- What 'giants' (seemingly invincible obstacles) do you face that God has already proven He can defeat?
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites—Moses references recent history as proof of future victory. Sihon ruled Heshbon, Og ruled Bashan; both attacked Israel and were utterly destroyed (Numbers 21:21-35; Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11). These victories demonstrated Yahweh's power over supposedly invincible foes—Og was a giant of the Rephaim remnant, and both kings had fortified cities and powerful armies. Whom he destroyed (asher hishmadtem)—the verb shamad appears again, emphasizing complete conquest.
This appeal to precedent serves pastoral and theological purposes. Pastorally, it encourages Israel facing the intimidating Canaanite coalition—if God defeated Sihon and Og, He can defeat any enemy. Theologically, it establishes the pattern of divine warfare: God fights for Israel; Israel participates in His victory. The Canaanite conquest isn't human imperialism but divine judgment executed through human agency. Paul applies this principle spiritually in Romans 8:37 and 2 Corinthians 2:14—past victories guarantee future conquest through Christ.