Israel defeats King Og

Deuteronomy Chapter 3

Next, Moses told the new generation of Israel about the victory over Og of Bashan. The Lord told the warriors to not be afraid of Og and to treat him as they treated the king of the Amorites. So God handed over Og and his people and they were killed, and we Israelites conquered all sixty of his towns and the entire Argob region in his kingdom of Bashan. These were fortified cities with high walls and barred gates. We (NLT version of the Bible uses "we" throughout this lesson) destroyed all the people but took the livestock and plunder from the towns. Moses told of the boundaries the Israelites now owned in verses 8-11. He also told that King Og was the last of the giant Rephaites. His iron bed was more than 13 feet long and six feet wide.

In verses 12 -17 Moses tells of the possession of the territories and which Israelite tribes were given the countries. He said that he gave the command to the tribes that will live east of the Jordan, although the Lord gave you this land, all your fighting men must cross the Jordan armed and ready to protect your Israelite relatives. Your wives,children and livestock may stay behind in the towns I gave you

At this time, Moses told Joshua that he (Joshua) had seen all that the Lord has done to these two kings and he would do the same to all kingdoms on the west side of the Jordan. He told Joshua to not be afraid, for the Lord would fight for him.

Then Moses pleaded with the Lord to let him cross the Jordan to see the promised land. But the Lord was angry and told him to go to Pisgah Peak and view the land in every direction, but Moses may not cross the Jordan. He told Moses to commission Joshua to lead the people across the river.

BIBLE NOTE SHOW the battle with king Og's men was fierce, they were well trained, but the Lord was on the side of the Israelites.
How encouraging for Joshua to know that God promised to help him win every battle.
Poor Moses, God made it clear that he could not enter the Promised Land. Instead he was to commission Joshua to lead the people.

How does this chapter relate to us today? No matter what battle we are fighting, a daily one at our jobs, a personal battle with our emotions, drink, addictions, family problems,- god can help us win. All we have to do is obey him and he will fight with us.

I felt very sorry that Moses could not cross to see the Promised Land. But God was still angry with him and God meant this lesson to not be taken lightly. God meant what he said! Remember this whenever you are tempted to not obey your Lord.

I thought it a sign of the end of Moses' life when he commissioned Joshua. Kind of like getting ready for retirement, when the old pass the torch to the younger men. I have seen pastors who try to hang on too long and it is sad. Some can barely hold the chalice at the altar and they think that so long as they can serve, they can remain. But life does not work that way and the old must make way for the young. These retirees have a new job - to encourage the young. To lend them their experience.

Yours in Christ,
Mary