“And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.”
Historical Context:Numbers 21 recounts events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. After their deliverance from Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years as a result of their disobedience and lack of faith. In this particular chapter, they encounter various challenges and enemies along the way.
The Conquest of the Amorite Kings:In Numbers 21:21-35, we read about the conquest of the Amorite kings, Sihon and Og. Sihon was the king of the Amorites who ruled over the city of Heshbon, and Og was the king of Bashan. The Israelites sought permission from Sihon to pass through his land peacefully, but he refused and instead gathered his army to confront them. The Lord instructed Moses not to fear, as He had delivered Sihon and his people into their hands.
God’s Deliverance and Promise:In Numbers 21:34, the Lord reassured Moses by saying, “Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land.” This statement affirmed that God would grant the Israelites victory over their enemies and deliver the Amorite king, his people, and his land into their hands. It was a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His commitment to fulfilling His promises.
Parallel with Previous Victories:The verse also references the previous victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon. This serves as a reminder of God’s power and the successful outcome of their previous battles. It emphasizes the continuity of God’s faithfulness and the assurance that He would grant them victory once again.
Lessons for Us:
- Trusting in God’s Deliverance:This passage teaches us to trust in God’s deliverance in times of challenges and difficulties. Just as God assured Moses that He had delivered the enemy into his hands, we can have confidence that God is with us, fighting on our behalf.
- God’s Faithfulness:The reference to the previous victory over Sihon highlights God’s faithfulness. It reminds us that God keeps His promises and is faithful to His people, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
- Overcoming Fear:The Lord’s command to Moses to “Fear him not” encourages us to overcome fear and rely on God’s strength and guidance in all situations.
In conclusion, Numbers 21:34 demonstrates God’s faithfulness, His promise of victory over enemies, and the importance of trusting in His deliverance. It serves as a reminder that we can find courage and strength in God when faced with challenges.
