Numbers 21:21-35 – Sihon and Og
Sihon goes out with his forces against Israel in the wilderness, without any provocation given. Moses says that God hardens his spirit, that He might deliver them into the hand of Israel, Deut. 2:30. Sihon’s army is routed, and all his country comes into the possession of Israel. The Amorites are one of the nations whose land God has promised to Abraham and his seed. The Moabites have lost this land to the Amorites, and Israel has no obligation to restore it to them. We see here the uncertainty of worldly possessions, how often they change their owners, and how soon we may be deprived of them. It is wise therefore to hold onto the eternal things that can’t be taken away. This Amorite poem shows that the triumph of the wicked is short. Those that have conquered the Moabites and insulted them, are now themselves conquered and insulted by the Israel of God.
Og, king of Bashan, instead of being warned by the fate of his neighbours to make peace with Israel, makes war with them, which proves to be his destruction. Bashan is very rich and pleasant, famous for the best timber and the best cattle. Wicked men do their utmost to keep themselves and their possessions safe against the judgments of God, but all in vain, when their day comes, on which they must fall. God tells Israel not to fear this threatening force, and promises a complete victory. Giants are but worms before God’s power. Israel is more than a conqueror, not only routs the enemies’ army, but gains the enemies’ country, which afterwards is part of the inheritance. God gives Israel these successes, while Moses is still with them, both for his comfort (that he might see the beginning of that glorious work, which he will not live to see the end of) and for the encouragement of the people in the war of Canaan under Joshua.
Questions
- Who does Israel defeat here?
- Why would this encourage Moses?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God is in control of all things.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.