“All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and it contains the final teachings and instructions of Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is recounting the conquest of the lands of Og, the king of Bashan, and the various cities that were captured by the Israelites.
Historical Background:Prior to this verse, Moses reminds the Israelites of their victories against Sihon, the king of the Amorites, and the capture of his cities (Deuteronomy 2:26-37). Now, they were facing Og, the king of Bashan, who also had fortified cities.
Conquest and God’s Faithfulness:The verse emphasizes the military prowess of the inhabitants of these cities. The mention of high walls, gates, and bars highlights their defensive measures. However, it also underscores God’s faithfulness to the Israelites. Despite the strong fortifications, the Israelites were able to conquer these cities with God’s help.
God’s Promises and Assistance:The conquest of these cities serves as a reminder to the Israelites that God had promised to give them the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 1:8). The fact that they were able to overcome fortified cities demonstrates that God was fulfilling His promise and was with them throughout their journey.
Lessons for Believers Today:
- Trust in God’s Promises: Just as the Israelites trusted in God’s promise to give them the land, believers today should trust in God’s promises. God remains faithful to His Word, and we can have confidence that He will fulfil His promises in our lives.
- Overcoming Obstacles: The fortified cities represent the obstacles and challenges we may face in our lives. They could be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Like the Israelites, we should remember that with God on our side, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way.
- Reliance on God’s Strength: The Israelites’ victory was not due to their own strength or military tactics but rather because of God’s assistance. Similarly, believers should recognise that it is through God’s power and strength that we can conquer challenges and achieve success.
- Perseverance in the Face of Opposition: The fact that there were both fortified and unwalled towns signifies that the Israelites encountered various levels of resistance. This reminds us that our spiritual journey may also involve different levels of opposition. Nevertheless, we are called to persevere and trust in God’s guidance.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 3:5 highlights the conquest of fortified cities by the Israelites, underscoring God’s faithfulness and assistance in fulfilling His promises. This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s promises, rely on His strength, and persevere in the face of obstacles and opposition.
