Deuteronomy 3:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 3:1
1 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 3 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, prayer, holiness. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 3:1
1 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
Analysis
The phrase 'we turned, and went up the way to Bashan' marks forward movement toward the Transjordan conquest. Og king of Bashan's aggressive response ('Og came out against us') provoked defensive warfare. Unlike Edom and Moab (which Israel was forbidden to attack), Bashan wasn't under divine protection. God sometimes allows enemies to initiate conflict to justify necessary battles. Og's aggression served God's purposes to give Israel this strategic territory.
Historical Context
Bashan was a fertile plateau region northeast of the Sea of Galilee, known for strong cattle (Psalm 22:12) and oak trees. Og's kingdom included 60 fortified cities (Deuteronomy 3:4-5). This conquest gave Israel control of the entire Transjordan from the Arnon to Mount Hermon.
Reflection
- How do you discern when conflict is initiated by enemies versus when you're inappropriately aggressive?
- What strategic territories in your spiritual life need to be conquered and possessed?
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Deuteronomy 1:4, 29:7, Psalms 136:20