“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.”
Historical Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and contains the farewell speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. It recounts the journey of the Israelites from Egypt and provides instructions for their new life in Canaan.
Geographical Context:Bashan was a region located east of the Jordan River, known for its fertile land and prosperous cities. Og was the king of Bashan, and Edrei was one of the cities in the region.
The Journey to Bashan:In this verse, Moses is reflecting on the Israelites’ journey after leaving Mount Horeb (Sinai) and traveling to the land of Bashan. The Israelites had recently defeated Sihon, the king of the Amorites, and taken possession of his land. Now, Og, the king of Bashan, comes out to fight against them.
Og, the King of Bashan:Og was a powerful king who ruled over a significant portion of land. He was known for his great stature, as his bed was described as being made of iron and measuring about 13.5 feet long (Deuteronomy 3:11). Despite his intimidating presence, the Israelites faced Og in battle.
Trusting God’s Promises:This verse demonstrates the Israelites’ trust in God’s promises. Despite facing formidable enemies like Og, they continued on their journey with the confidence that God would be with them, just as He had been in their previous victories.
Lessons for us:
- Trusting in God’s promises:Just as the Israelites trusted in God’s promises, we should trust in God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives. He is with us in our battles, and His promises never fail.
- Facing challenges:Og’s opposition reminds us that we will face challenges and obstacles on our journey of faith. However, with God’s strength and guidance, we can overcome any adversity.
- Obedience to God’s commands:The Israelites’ victories were a result of their obedience to God’s commands. Similarly, as followers of Christ, our obedience to God’s Word is essential for experiencing His blessings and overcoming trials.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 3:1 recounts the Israelites’ journey to Bashan, where Og, the king of Bashan, came out to fight against them. This verse teaches us about trusting in God’s promises, facing challenges with faith, and the importance of obedience to God’s commands.
