“And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. Deuteronomy contains Moses’ farewell addresses to the Israelites, as they are about to enter the Promised Land after their wilderness wanderings. In this verse, Moses recounts God’s instructions regarding the conquest of the land of Sihon.
Historical Background:Sihon was the king of the Amorites, a powerful Canaanite nation residing in the area east of the Jordan River. The Israelites had requested peaceful passage through Sihon’s land, but he refused and engaged them in battle. However, God assured Moses that He had given Sihon and his land into their hands.
God’s Promise:In this verse, God tells Moses that He has already initiated the process of giving Sihon and his land to the Israelites. The Lord encourages them to take possession of the land and inherit it. This serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and His commitment to give the Israelites the land He had promised to their forefathers.
Application:
- Trusting in God’s Promises:Just as God promised to give the land of Sihon to the Israelites, He has made promises to believers today. We can trust in His faithfulness to fulfil those promises in His perfect timing. God’s promises are reliable, and we can find assurance and hope in them.
- Taking Initiative:The Israelites were instructed to begin possessing the land. This implies the importance of taking action and stepping out in faith when God provides an opportunity. Similarly, in our lives, God may lead us to opportunities, blessings, or challenges, and it is important to trust Him and take appropriate action.
- Inheriting God’s Blessings:The Israelites were called to inherit the land that God had promised. As Christians, we have received the promise of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. We are called to inherit God’s blessings by living in obedience to His Word and walking in His ways.
- Courage in the Face of Opposition:The Israelites faced opposition from Sihon and his army, but God assured them of victory. This reminds us that, in our journey of faith, we may face challenges and opposition. However, with God on our side, we can be courageous and trust in His strength to overcome any obstacle.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and the entire chapter of Deuteronomy 2 to gain a better understanding of the broader context and implications of this verse. Prayerfully reflect on how these principles can be applied in your own life and walk with God.
