“And the Lord shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is part of the Torah, which contains the laws and instructions given by God to the Israelites. It is written by Moses and records his final words to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land.
Historical background: The verse refers to the victories that the Israelites experienced under the leadership of Moses. Sihon and Og were powerful kings of the Amorites, and the Israelites had defeated them in battle, taking possession of their lands.
God’s faithfulness: The verse emphasizes God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. In the previous verses, Moses assures the Israelites that God will go before them and will do to the Canaanite nations what He did to Sihon and Og. This reminds the Israelites that they can trust in God’s guidance and power as they face future challenges.
Consequences of disobedience: The context of this verse is a reminder to the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience. Earlier in Deuteronomy, Moses recounted their wilderness journey and highlighted how their disobedience and lack of trust in God had delayed their entry into the Promised Land. By mentioning the destruction of Sihon, Og, and their lands, Moses warns the Israelites of the fate that awaits them if they turn away from God’s commands.
Lessons for believers today:
- Trust in God’s faithfulness: Just as God was faithful to the Israelites in the past, He remains faithful to His promises today. We can trust in His guidance and provision in our lives.
- Consequences of disobedience: The verse serves as a reminder that there are consequences to our actions. Disobedience to God’s commands can lead to negative outcomes. It is important for believers to walk in obedience and align their lives with God’s will.
- God’s power over enemies: The victories over Sihon and Og demonstrate God’s power over the enemies of His people. As believers, we can find comfort in knowing that God is greater than any opposition or challenge we may face.
In summary, Deuteronomy 31:4 reminds us of God’s faithfulness, the consequences of disobedience, and God’s power over our enemies. It encourages us to trust in God, obey His commands, and rely on His strength in our lives.
