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Deuteronomy 3

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‹ Chapter 2 Deuteronomy — All Chapters Chapter 4 ›

1 Then we turned and went up the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan and his whole army came out to meet us in battle at Edrei. 2 But the LORD said to me, “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon." 3 So the LORD our God also delivered Og king of Bashan and his whole army into our hands. We struck them down until no survivor was left. 4 At that time we captured all sixty of his cities. There was not a single city we failed to take—the entire region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 5 All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages. 6 We devoted them to destruction, as we had done to Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children of every city. 7 But all the livestock and plunder of the cities we carried off for ourselves. 8 At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites the land across the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon— 9 which the Sidonians call Sirion but the Amorites call Senir— 10 all the cities of the plateau, all of Gilead, and all of Bashan as far as the cities of Salecah and Edrei in the kingdom of Og. 11 (For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.) 12 So at that time we took possession of this land. To the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the land beyond Aroer along the Arnon Valley, and half the hill country of Gilead, along with its cities. 13 To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead and all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og. (The entire region of Argob, the whole territory of Bashan, used to be called the land of the Rephaim.) 14 Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites. He renamed Bashan after himself, Havvoth-jair, by which it is called to this day. 15 To Machir I gave Gilead, 16 and to the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory from Gilead to the Arnon Valley (the middle of the valley was the border) and up to the Jabbok River, the border of the Ammonites. 17 The Jordan River in the Arabah bordered it from Chinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) with the slopes of Pisgah to the east. 18 At that time I commanded you: “The LORD your God has given you this land to possess. All your men of valor are to cross over, armed for battle, ahead of your brothers, the Israelites. 19 But your wives, your children, and your livestock—I know that you have much livestock—may remain in the cities I have given you, 20 until the LORD gives rest to your brothers as He has to you, and they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them across the Jordan. Then each of you may return to the possession I have given you." 21 And at that time I commanded Joshua: “Your own eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings. The LORD will do the same to all the kingdoms you are about to enter. 22 Do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God Himself will fight for you." 23 At that time I also pleaded with the LORD: 24 “O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your greatness and power to Your servant. For what god in heaven or on earth can perform such works and mighty acts as Yours? 25 Please let me cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that pleasant hill country as well as Lebanon!" 26 But the LORD was angry with me on account of you, and He would not listen to me. “That is enough,” the LORD said to me. “Do not speak to Me again about this matter. 27 Go to the top of Pisgah and look to the west and north and south and east. See the land with your own eyes, for you will not cross this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see." 29 So we stayed in the valley opposite Beth-peor.

‹ Chapter 2 Deuteronomy — All Chapters Chapter 4 ›

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 3

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Chapter Summary

Deuteronomy chapter 3 begins with the account of the Israelites' victory over King Og of Bashan, a powerful and feared leader in the region. The chapter then describes the distribution of the conquered lands to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Moses also recalls the time when he requested to see the land beyond the Jordan but was denied by God. Instead, God allowed him to view the land from a distance, and Moses was instructed to encourage and strengthen Joshua, who would succeed him as leader. The chapter concludes with a reminder to the Israelites of their covenant with God and the importance of obeying His commands. Key verses, such as Deuteronomy 3:22, emphasize the role of faith and trust in God's power and provision.

Context for the Chapter

Deuteronomy chapter 3 is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites, where he recounts their history and emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands. This chapter follows the giving of the law and the covenant renewal, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and power in the conquest of the Promised Land. The events described in this chapter occur just before the Israelites are to cross the Jordan River and enter the land, making it a critical moment in their history. The chapter's themes and events are also connected to the broader narrative of the Bible, including the promise of the land to Abraham and the ultimate fulfillment of that promise in Christ.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. It reminds us of the importance of faith and obedience, and the promise of victory through Christ. By reflecting on God's faithfulness to the Israelites, we can deepen our own trust in God and live with greater confidence and courage.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Deuteronomy chapter 3 tells the story of how the Israelites, with God's help, defeated two powerful kings, Og and Sihon, and took their land. This shows how God keeps His promises and fights for His people. The chapter also reminds us to trust God and obey Him, just like the Israelites were supposed to do. By looking at Deuteronomy 3:1-22, we see God's power and faithfulness in action, and we are encouraged to have faith in His power and provision.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord's people have always been a conquering people, and they have conquered solely through the power of God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The victories of the Israelites were not their own, but the Lord's, who fought for them and gave them the spoils.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Conquest of King Og of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:1-11) — The Israelites, with God's power, defeated King Og, a powerful leader in the region, and took his land. This victory is described in Deuteronomy 3:1-7, where God fought on behalf of the Israelites.
  2. The Distribution of the Conquered Lands (Deuteronomy 3:12-17) — The lands conquered from King Og and King Sihon were distributed to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:12-17. This distribution serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land.
  3. Moses' Request to Enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 3:18-22) — Moses requested to see the land beyond the Jordan but was denied by God, who instead allowed him to view the land from a distance. This event is described in Deuteronomy 3:23-29, where Moses is instructed to encourage and strengthen Joshua.
  4. The Encouragement of Joshua (Deuteronomy 3:21-22) — Moses was instructed to encourage and strengthen Joshua, who would succeed him as leader, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:21-22. This serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership and the transfer of authority.
  5. The Reminder of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 3:29) — The chapter concludes with a reminder to the Israelites of their covenant with God and the importance of obeying His commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:29. This reminder serves as a call to faithfulness and obedience for the Israelites and for believers today.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the outcomes of battles and the distribution of lands, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:1-11 and 3:12-17. This sovereignty is evident in God's power and faithfulness to the Israelites.
The Importance of Faith
The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than one's own strength, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:22. This theme is central to the Christian faith and is reflected in the lives of believers today.
The Promise of the Promised Land
The distribution of the conquered lands serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land, foreshadowing the eternal inheritance promised to believers in Christ, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:12-17.
The Transfer of Leadership
The chapter describes the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua, emphasizing the importance of leadership and the need for encouragement and strengthening, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:21-22.

Lessons from Deuteronomy 3

  1. The Power of Faith — The chapter teaches that faith in God's power is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving victory, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:22. This lesson can be applied to our own lives by trusting in God's power and provision.
  2. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:29. This lesson can be applied to our own lives by prioritizing obedience to God's will and commands.
  3. The Significance of Leadership — The transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua highlights the importance of leadership and the need for encouragement and strengthening, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:21-22. This lesson can be applied to our own lives by recognizing the importance of leadership and the need for support and encouragement.
  4. The Promise of Eternal Inheritance — The distribution of the conquered lands serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land, foreshadowing the eternal inheritance promised to believers in Christ, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:12-17. This lesson can be applied to our own lives by trusting in God's promises and looking forward to our eternal inheritance.
  5. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the outcomes of battles and the distribution of lands, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:1-11 and 3:12-17. This lesson can be applied to our own lives by trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.

Themes from Deuteronomy 3

  1. Conquest and Victory — The chapter describes the Israelites' victories over King Og and King Sihon, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:1-11. This theme is connected to the broader narrative of the Bible, including the promise of the land to Abraham and the ultimate fulfillment of that promise in Christ.
  2. Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than one's own strength, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:22. This theme is central to the Christian faith and is reflected in the lives of believers today.
  3. The Promise of the Promised Land — The distribution of the conquered lands serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land, foreshadowing the eternal inheritance promised to believers in Christ, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:12-17. This theme is connected to the broader narrative of the Bible, including the promise of the land to Abraham and the ultimate fulfillment of that promise in Christ.
  4. Leadership and Transfer of Authority — The chapter describes the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua, emphasizing the importance of leadership and the need for encouragement and strengthening, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:21-22. This theme is connected to the broader narrative of the Bible, including the transfer of leadership from one generation to the next.
  5. The Covenant and Obedience — The chapter concludes with a reminder to the Israelites of their covenant with God and the importance of obeying His commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:29. This theme is connected to the broader narrative of the Bible, including the covenant between God and the Israelites and the ultimate fulfillment of that covenant in Christ.

Questions for Meditation

  1. How does Deuteronomy chapter 3 encourage you to trust in God's power and provision in your own life? Reflect on specific challenges you are facing and how God's power can help you overcome them.
  2. What role does faith play in the conquests described in this chapter, and how can you apply this to your own life? Consider how faith in God's power can help you face difficulties with confidence and courage.
  3. How does the distribution of the conquered lands to the tribes reflect God's promise to give the Israelites the land, and what does this mean for believers today? Think about how God's promises are fulfilled in the lives of believers and how this can give us hope and confidence.
  4. What lessons can be learned from Moses' request to enter the Promised Land, and how can you apply these to your own life? Reflect on the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even when our desires are not fulfilled.
  5. How does the chapter's emphasis on the covenant and obedience to God's commands apply to the Christian life, and what practical steps can you take to deepen your own obedience? Consider how the themes of faith, trust, and obedience are connected to the Christian life and how you can live out these principles in your daily life.

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Conquest of King Og of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:1-11)

Deuteronomy 3:1 The Israelites defeated King Og of Bashan, a powerful leader in the region, with God's power, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:1-7. This victory demonstrates God's faithfulness and power on behalf of the Israelites.
Deuteronomy 3:2 God fought on behalf of the Israelites, giving them victory over King Og, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:2. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision.
Deuteronomy 3:3 The Israelites took the land of King Og, including his cities and villages, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:3-7. This serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land.
Deuteronomy 3:4 The Israelites destroyed the cities and villages of King Og, leaving no survivors, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:4-7. This demonstrates God's power and faithfulness in the conquest.
Deuteronomy 3:5 The cities of King Og were fortified with high walls and gates, but God gave the Israelites victory over them, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:5. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision.
Deuteronomy 3:6 The Israelites destroyed the cities and villages of King Og, including the people and the cattle, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:6. This serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land.
Deuteronomy 3:7 The Israelites took the spoil of King Og, including the gold, silver, and bronze, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:7. This demonstrates God's power and faithfulness in the conquest.
Deuteronomy 3:8 The Israelites also defeated King Sihon of Heshbon, taking his land and cities, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:8-11. This serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land.
Deuteronomy 3:9 The land of King Sihon was fertile and productive, with many cities and villages, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:9. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision.
Deuteronomy 3:10 The Israelites took the land of King Sihon, including the cities and villages, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:10. This demonstrates God's power and faithfulness in the conquest.
Deuteronomy 3:11 The Israelites destroyed the cities and villages of King Sihon, leaving no survivors, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:11. This serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land.

2. The Distribution of the Conquered Lands (Deuteronomy 3:12-17)

Deuteronomy 3:12 The lands conquered from King Og and King Sihon were distributed to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:12-17. This serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land.
Deuteronomy 3:13 The tribe of Reuben received the land of King Sihon, including the cities and villages, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:13. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision.
Deuteronomy 3:14 The tribe of Gad received the land of King Og, including the cities and villages, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:14. This demonstrates God's power and faithfulness in the conquest.
Deuteronomy 3:15 The half-tribe of Manasseh received the land of King Sihon, including the cities and villages, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:15. This serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land.
Deuteronomy 3:16 The Israelites also gave the land of Gilead to the tribe of Reuben and the tribe of Gad, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:16. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision.
Deuteronomy 3:17 The Israelites gave the land of Bashan to the half-tribe of Manasseh, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:17. This demonstrates God's power and faithfulness in the conquest.

3. Moses' Request to Enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 3:18-22)

Deuteronomy 3:18 Moses commanded the Israelites to be strong and courageous, and to help their brothers take possession of the land, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:18. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision.
Deuteronomy 3:19 Moses also commanded the Israelites to give the land of Gilead to the tribe of Reuben and the tribe of Gad, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:19. This serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land.
Deuteronomy 3:20 Moses said that the Israelites would take possession of the land, and that God would give them rest from their enemies, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:20. This demonstrates God's power and faithfulness in the conquest.
Deuteronomy 3:21 Moses also encouraged Joshua, saying that God would be with him and give him victory over the Canaanites, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:21. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision.
Deuteronomy 3:22 Moses said that the Israelites should not be afraid, because God would fight for them, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:22. This serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land and to fight on their behalf.

4. The Encouragement of Joshua (Deuteronomy 3:21-22)

Deuteronomy 3:21 Moses encouraged Joshua, saying that God would be with him and give him victory over the Canaanites, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:21. This emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision.
Deuteronomy 3:22 Moses said that the Israelites should not be afraid, because God would fight for them, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:22. This serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land and to fight on their behalf.

5. The Reminder of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 3:29)

Deuteronomy 3:29 Moses reminded the Israelites of their covenant with God, and the importance of obeying His commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:29. This serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land and to bless them if they obey His commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Deuteronomy chapter 3?

The main theme of Deuteronomy chapter 3 is the conquest and victory of the Israelites over King Og and King Sihon, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:1-11 and 3:12-17.

Why did God deny Moses' request to enter the Promised Land?

God denied Moses' request to enter the Promised Land because of his disobedience, as seen in Numbers 20:12, but allowed him to view the land from a distance, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:23-29.

What is the significance of the distribution of the conquered lands to the tribes?

The distribution of the conquered lands to the tribes serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land, foreshadowing the eternal inheritance promised to believers in Christ, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:12-17.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Deuteronomy 3:1 → Numbers 21:33-35 The conquest of King Og of Bashan is also described in Numbers 21:33-35, where God fought on behalf of the Israelites and gave them victory.
2 Deuteronomy 3:8 → Joshua 12:1-6 The conquest of King Sihon of Heshbon is also described in Joshua 12:1-6, where God gave the Israelites victory over the Canaanites.
3 Deuteronomy 3:12 → Joshua 13:8-12 The distribution of the conquered lands to the tribes is also described in Joshua 13:8-12, where the Israelites took possession of the land and divided it among the tribes.
4 Deuteronomy 3:18 → Joshua 1:6-9 Moses' command to the Israelites to be strong and courageous is also seen in Joshua 1:6-9, where God encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.
5 Deuteronomy 3:21 → Joshua 1:1-5 Moses' encouragement of Joshua is also seen in Joshua 1:1-5, where God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land and promises to be with him.
6 Deuteronomy 3:22 → Hebrews 13:5-6 The promise that God will fight for the Israelites is also seen in Hebrews 13:5-6, where God promises to never leave or forsake His people.
7 Deuteronomy 3:1 → Psalm 44:1-3 The conquest of King Og of Bashan is also celebrated in Psalm 44:1-3, where the psalmist praises God for His power and faithfulness in giving the Israelites victory over their enemies.
8 Deuteronomy 3:8 → Psalm 135:10-12 The conquest of King Sihon of Heshbon is also celebrated in Psalm 135:10-12, where the psalmist praises God for His power and faithfulness in giving the Israelites victory over the Canaanites.
9 Deuteronomy 3:12 → Ezekiel 47:13-23 The distribution of the conquered lands to the tribes is also described in Ezekiel 47:13-23, where God promises to divide the land among the tribes in the future.
10 Deuteronomy 3:21 → Matthew 28:20 Moses' encouragement of Joshua is also seen in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, promising to be with them always.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 3

SermonDescription
Jackie Pullinger Ministry to the Poor by Jackie Pullinger This sermon shares a personal encounter with Jackie Koninja, a woman of faith, and the journey of inviting her to minister. It emphasizes the importance of stepping into the promis
Charles Ryrie The Holy God by Charles Ryrie In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and his disobedience to God. Despite Moses' plea to enter the promised land, God tells him that he will not be able to cros
Willie Mullan (Men God Made) Moses by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Moses and his journey with God. He highlights how Moses initially felt inadequate and unsure of his ability to lead God's people
Walter Wilson The Letter O by Walter Wilson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different types of belief in relation to faith in God. The first type is the belief of faith, which brings us closer to God. The second ty
David Ravenhill The Death of Moses by David Ravenhill David Ravenhill discusses the significance of Moses' death and the transition to Joshua's leadership, emphasizing that God often raises new leaders during times of change. He refle
C.H. Spurgeon God's Hornets by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God sends His own forces, likened to 'hornets', to prepare the way for His people, ensuring their victory over adversaries without direct confrontatio
David Wilkerson Standing Strong in Deceptive Times by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the urgency for believers to stand strong against the deceptions infiltrating the church as Christ's return approaches. He warns that the devil is unleas
F.B. Meyer "Go, Return!" by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the grave consequences of sin, illustrating how it can permanently hinder one's usefulness to God through the examples of Moses, Saul, and Elijah. He highligh
Mary Wilder Tileston Fighting Our Battles by Mary Wilder Tileston Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the assurance of victory in God's battles, emphasizing the presence of the Lord as our fighter and captain. She highlights the importance of tru

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Deuteronomy 3

Matthew Henry's commentary on Deuteronomy 3 emphasizes the significance of the conquests of King Og and King Sihon, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to the Israelites. Henry notes that the distribution of the conquered lands to the tribes serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land, foreshadowing the eternal inheritance promised to believers in Christ. Henry also highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's power and provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 3:22, and encourages believers to apply this lesson to their own lives. Furthermore, Henry emphasizes the significance of Moses' encouragement of Joshua, noting that God's presence and promise of victory are essential for success in any endeavor. Henry's commentary provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the chapter, emphasizing the themes of conquest, faith, and the promise of the Promised Land. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Power and Faithfulness

The chapter highlights God's active role in the conquests, demonstrating His power and commitment to His people. This is evident in the victories over King Og and King Sihon, where God fought on behalf of the Israelites.

The Importance of Faith

The Israelites are encouraged to trust in God's strength rather than their own, a theme that is central to the Christian faith as well. This is seen in Deuteronomy 3:22, where God assures the Israelites that He will fight for them.

The Significance of the Promised Land

The distribution of the conquered lands to the tribes serves as a reminder of God's promise to give the Israelites the land, foreshadowing the eternal inheritance promised to believers in Christ.

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