“And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country”
Context: The book of Judges records the period of Israel’s history after they had entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. It was a time characterised by cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. During this period, Israel was ruled by a series of judges whom God raised up to lead His people.
“The LORD God of Israel delivered”: This verse highlights that the victory over Sihon and his people was not due to Israel’s military might alone, but it was ultimately God who brought about their deliverance. God often used the enemies of Israel as instruments of judgment when His people turned away from Him, but He also displayed His power by delivering them when they cried out to Him.
“Sihon and all his people”: Sihon was the king of the Amorites, a powerful nation occupying the land on the eastern side of the Jordan River. The Amorites were one of the nations God had commanded Israel to drive out of the land of Canaan.
“Into the hand of Israel”: God gave Israel victory over Sihon and his people by granting them success in battle. This emphasises that Israel’s victories were not a result of their own strength or strategies but because of God’s intervention on their behalf.
“They smote them”: The Israelites defeated the Amorites in battle, implying a complete and decisive victory. This victory enabled Israel to possess the land of the Amorites, fulfilling God’s promise to give them possession of the Promised Land.
“So Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites”: The defeat of Sihon and the Amorites resulted in Israel gaining possession of their territory. This marked a significant milestone in Israel’s conquest of Canaan, bringing them closer to occupying the land God had promised to their ancestors.
