Overview:

Deuteronomy 3 recounts the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, and the division of the Transjordan territory among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh. Moses continues his reflection on the journey toward the Promised Land, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and power in giving Israel victory over their enemies. The chapter also describes Moses’ plea to God to allow him to enter the Promised Land, which is denied, though he is allowed to see the land from a distance. God appoints Joshua as Moses’ successor to lead Israel into the land.

Key themes in this chapter include God’s sovereignty in granting victory, the inheritance of the land, the importance of obedience and faith, and the transition of leadership to Joshua. Moses’ interaction with God also highlights the balance between God’s justice and mercy.

Historical and Literary Context:

Deuteronomy 3 is part of Moses’ final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter follows the events of Deuteronomy 2, where Israel defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, and began the process of taking possession of the land. Deuteronomy 3 continues this narrative by recounting the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, another significant victory that demonstrated God’s power and faithfulness.

Moses also prepares the people for his impending death and the transition of leadership to Joshua. The appointment of Joshua as the new leader is a significant moment, as it symbolizes the continuation of God’s plan for Israel despite the passing of one generation of leadership.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

God’s Sovereignty in Granting Victory:

Moses recounts the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, emphasizing that God granted Israel victory over a formidable enemy. Og is described as the last of the Rephaites, a race of giants, and his defeat symbolizes God’s power over even the greatest of foes.

“The Lord said to me, ‘Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands, along with his whole army and his land. Do to him what you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon’” (Deuteronomy 3:2).

This victory, like the defeat of Sihon, was not won by Israel’s strength but by God’s power and His faithfulness to His promises. God’s sovereignty over the nations and His ability to grant victory is a central theme in this chapter, reminding believers that God is in control of every battle and every outcome.

The Division of the Land:

After the defeat of Og, the land of Bashan is divided among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh. This division of the land signifies the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Israel an inheritance.

“So at that time we took from these two kings of the Amorites the territory east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge as far as Mount Hermon… I gave the Gilead to the Reubenites and the Gadites… To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead and all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og” (Deuteronomy 3:8, 12-13).

The division of the land among these tribes reflects God’s faithfulness in providing for His people and granting them the inheritance He promised to their ancestors. This land becomes a tangible sign of God’s covenant with Israel, a foreshadowing of the greater inheritance that awaits believers in Christ (1 Peter 1:4).

Moses’ Denied Entry into the Promised Land:

One of the most poignant moments in Deuteronomy 3 is Moses’ plea to God to allow him to enter the Promised Land. Despite his leadership and faithfulness, Moses is not allowed to enter because of his earlier disobedience (Numbers 20:12). God, however, graciously allows Moses to see the land from a distance.

“At that time I pleaded with the Lord: ‘Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand… Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that fine hill country and Lebanon.’ But because of you the Lord was angry with me and would not listen” (Deuteronomy 3:23-26).

Moses’ request is denied, highlighting the consequences of disobedience even for a great leader like Moses. This event reminds believers that while God is merciful, He is also just. Moses’ exclusion from the land demonstrates the seriousness of sin, but God’s grace is evident in allowing him to see the land and in appointing Joshua as his successor.

Joshua’s Appointment as Leader:

Moses is commanded to commission Joshua as his successor, signaling the transition of leadership as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land.

“But the Lord said to me, ‘That is enough. Do not speak to me anymore about this matter. Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see’” (Deuteronomy 3:27-28).

Joshua’s appointment represents the continuation of God’s plan for Israel. Although Moses will not enter the land, Joshua will lead the people in fulfilling God’s promises. This transition of leadership points to God’s faithfulness in ensuring that His purposes are accomplished, regardless of human limitations or failures.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Deuteronomy 3:1-3:

“Next we turned and went up along the road toward Bashan, and Og king of Bashan with his whole army marched out to meet us in battle at Edrei. The Lord said to me, ‘Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands.’ So the Lord our God also gave into our hands Og king of Bashan and all his army.”

The defeat of Og is a continuation of the conquest begun with the defeat of Sihon. Og was a powerful and formidable king, but God assures Moses and the people that He has already delivered Og into their hands. This victory, like others, is a testimony to God’s power and His commitment to Israel.

Deuteronomy 3:4-7:

“At that time we took all his cities; there was not one of the sixty cities that we did not take from them—the whole region of Argob, Og’s kingdom in Bashan… We completely destroyed them, as we had done with Sihon king of Heshbon, destroying every city—men, women and children.”

The thoroughness of the conquest of Og’s kingdom emphasizes God’s judgment on the Amorites and His provision for Israel. This victory also underscores God’s ability to grant complete victory over Israel’s enemies, ensuring their possession of the land.

Deuteronomy 3:8-11:

“So at that time we took from these two kings of the Amorites the territory east of the Jordan… Og king of Bashan was the last of the Rephaites. His bed was decorated with iron and was more than nine cubits long and four cubits wide.”

Moses highlights the significance of Og’s defeat by noting that Og was the last of the Rephaites, a race of giants. The reference to Og’s massive iron bed underscores his physical power, but even such a formidable foe is no match for God’s power.

Deuteronomy 3:12-17:

“Of the land that we took over at that time, I gave the Reubenites and the Gadites the territory north of Aroer… The rest of Gilead and also all of Bashan… I gave to the half-tribe of Manasseh.”

Moses recounts the division of the land east of the Jordan among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. This distribution of the land represents the fulfillment of God’s promises to provide an inheritance for His people. It also serves as a preview of the greater inheritance that awaits Israel in the land west of the Jordan.

Deuteronomy 3:18-20:

“I commanded you at that time: ‘The Lord your God has given you this land to take possession of it. But all your able-bodied men, armed for battle, must cross over ahead of the other Israelites… until the Lord gives rest to your fellow Israelites as He has to you.’”

Although the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh receive their inheritance east of the Jordan, they are still required to fight alongside their fellow Israelites until all the land is possessed. This command emphasizes the unity of the tribes and the need for mutual support as they work together to fulfill God’s plan.

Deuteronomy 3:21-22:

“At that time I commanded Joshua: ‘You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God Himself will fight for you.’”

Moses encourages Joshua by reminding him of the victories God has already granted over Sihon and Og. This assurance that God will continue to fight for Israel is meant to strengthen Joshua as he prepares to lead the people into the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 3:23-29:

“At that time I pleaded with the Lord: ‘Sovereign Lord… Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan.’ But because of you the Lord was angry with me… The Lord said to me, ‘That is enough… Commission Joshua, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land.’”

Moses recounts his plea to enter the Promised Land, but God’s judgment remains firm. While Moses is not allowed to cross the Jordan, God graciously allows him to see the land and ensures the continuation of the mission through Joshua. This moment reflects God’s justice but also His grace in providing for the next generation.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Deuteronomy 3 highlights God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and justice. The defeat of Og and the division of the land reflect God’s power to grant victory and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua demonstrates God’s continued commitment to His people, ensuring that His purposes are accomplished even as human leaders come and go.

Moses’ exclusion from the Promised Land serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience, but it also points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ. While Moses could only see the Promised Land from a distance, Jesus leads believers into the true Promised Land of eternal life. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus secures the inheritance for all who trust in Him (Hebrews 4:8-11).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

1. Introduction: Trusting God’s Sovereignty in Victory and Leadership
   • Set the context for Deuteronomy 3, focusing on the defeat of Og and the transition of leadership to Joshua.
   • Introduce the themes of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and justice.
2. Point 1: God’s Sovereignty in Granting Victory
   • Discuss how God granted Israel victory over Og, a powerful and formidable enemy, emphasizing God’s control over all nations and battles.
   • Application: How can believers trust in God’s sovereignty in their own battles and challenges, knowing that He has the power to grant victory?
3. Point 2: The Division of the Land—Receiving God’s Promises
   • Explore the significance of the division of the land among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, emphasizing God’s faithfulness in providing an inheritance.
   • Application: How can believers trust in God’s promises and look forward to the greater inheritance they have in Christ?
4. Point 3: Moses’ Exclusion from the Promised Land—The Consequences of Disobedience
   • Highlight Moses’ plea to enter the Promised Land and God’s response, emphasizing the seriousness of disobedience but also God’s grace in allowing Moses to see the land.
   • Application: How can believers learn from Moses’ experience and strive to live in faithful obedience to God?
5. Point 4: Joshua’s Appointment—Trusting God’s Plan for the Future
   • Discuss the transition of leadership to Joshua and the assurance that God would continue to fight for Israel, emphasizing God’s faithfulness in providing for the next generation.
   • Application: How can believers trust in God’s plan for the future, even when leadership or circumstances change?

Illustrations and Examples:

• Share a personal story or historical example of someone experiencing God’s faithfulness in the face of a difficult battle or challenge, drawing parallels to Israel’s victory over Og.
• Use a metaphor of passing the baton in a relay race to illustrate the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, emphasizing the continuity of God’s plan.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Deuteronomy 3 challenges believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the face of formidable challenges. Just as God granted Israel victory over Og, He is able to grant victory in the battles believers face today. This chapter also reminds believers of the importance of obedience, as seen in Moses’ exclusion from the Promised Land, but it also points to the grace of God in providing for the next generation through Joshua.

The division of the land among the tribes reflects God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises to them as well, including the promise of eternal life through Christ. The transition of leadership to Joshua serves as a reminder that God’s plan is not dependent on any one leader; His purposes will continue to be accomplished, regardless of human limitations or changes.

Connection to the Father in Deuteronomy 3:

God the Father’s sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness are central to Deuteronomy 3. His power in granting Israel victory over Og and His careful distribution of the land reflect His authority over all creation. The Father’s justice is seen in His decision to deny Moses entry into the Promised Land, but His mercy is also evident in allowing Moses to see the land and in providing Joshua as the new leader. The Father’s unwavering commitment to His covenant promises is a source of comfort and assurance for believers today.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Deuteronomy 3:

Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the themes in Deuteronomy 3. While Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, Christ leads believers into the true Promised Land of eternal life. Through His victory over sin and death, Jesus secures the inheritance that God promised to His people. Just as Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, Jesus is the true and better Joshua who leads His people into the eternal rest promised by God (Hebrews 4:8-11). Christ’s victory ensures that believers can confidently trust in God’s promises, knowing that He will fulfill them in His time.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Deuteronomy 3:

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding believers today, just as God’s presence guided Israel in their conquest of the land. The Spirit empowers believers to trust in God’s promises and to fight the battles they face with confidence, knowing that God is with them. The Spirit also equips believers for leadership and service, just as Joshua was commissioned to lead Israel. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are strengthened and encouraged to fulfill their calling in God’s kingdom.

Connection to God’s Love in Deuteronomy 3:

God’s love is evident in His provision for Israel, even in the face of challenges and opposition. Despite Israel’s earlier disobedience, God continues to lead them to victory and provide them with an inheritance. His love is also seen in His care for Moses, allowing him to see the Promised Land even though he could not enter it. Ultimately, God’s love is fully expressed in Jesus Christ, who secures the eternal inheritance for all who believe in Him. Believers can rest in the assurance of God’s love, knowing that He is faithful to His promises and will lead them into His eternal rest.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does Deuteronomy 3 challenge you to trust in God’s sovereignty over the battles and challenges you face in life?
2. In what ways can you look forward to the inheritance God has promised you, knowing that His promises are fulfilled in Christ?
3. How does Moses’ exclusion from the Promised Land serve as a reminder of the importance of faithful obedience to God’s commands?
4. How can you trust in God’s plan for the future, even when leadership or circumstances change, knowing that God’s purposes will continue to be accomplished?
5. How does the victory over Og and the transition of leadership to Joshua inspire you to trust in God’s faithfulness and provision for the next generation?