Deuteronomy 1:4

KJV

After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:

KJV (with Strong's)

After {H310} he had slain {H5221} Sihon {H5511} the king {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, which dwelt {H3427} in Heshbon {H2809}, and Og {H5747} the king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316}, which dwelt {H3427} at Astaroth {H6252} in Edrei {H154}:

Complete Jewish Bible

This was after he had defeated Sichon, king of the Emori, who lived in Heshbon, and 'Og, king of Bashan, who lived in 'Ashtarot, at Edre'i.

Berean Standard Bible

This was after he had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and then at Edrei had defeated Og king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth.

American Standard Version

after he had smitten Sihon the king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, who dwelt in Ashtaroth, at Edrei.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:4 serves as a pivotal historical marker within Moses's opening address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab. This concise verse immediately recalls two monumental victories granted by God: the defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, whose capital was Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, who ruled from Astaroth and Edrei. By highlighting these recent and significant conquests east of the Jordan, Moses establishes God's unwavering power and faithfulness, setting a foundational tone of divine enablement and covenant fulfillment for the ensuing exhortations, laws, and warnings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 1:4 is embedded within the expansive opening monologue of Moses, which spans the first four chapters of the book. Moses is addressing a new generation of Israelites, many of whom were born in the wilderness and did not personally experience the Exodus or the initial wilderness wanderings. Having reached the plains of Moab, on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, Moses strategically begins his discourse by recounting their journey from Horeb (Mount Sinai). This verse, appearing early in his historical review, serves as a powerful reminder of God's recent and decisive interventions, immediately establishing a precedent of divine victory and preparing the people for the challenges and commands that follow. It acts as a concise summary of the successful conclusion of a major phase of their journey before the final push into Canaan, emphasizing God's active role in their past successes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The victories over Sihon and Og were not mere skirmishes but decisive battles against formidable, established kings who controlled strategically vital territories east of the Jordan River. These conquests, occurring shortly before Israel's arrival at Moab, secured crucial land for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Sihon, king of the Amorites, ruled from Heshbon, a well-fortified and strategically important city. His refusal to grant Israel passage and subsequent attack led to his decisive defeat, recounted in detail in [Numbers 21:21-31](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-31 - Defeat of Sihon") and later by Moses in [Deuteronomy 2:26-37](/deuteronomy/2-26 "Deuteronomy 2:26-37 - Moses recounts Sihon's defeat"). Og, king of Bashan, controlled a fertile region known for its strong cities and large cattle, with Astaroth as his capital and Edrei as another significant stronghold. Og was a formidable opponent, notably described as a giant in [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead and Stature"). His defeat, also recounted by Moses in [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-1 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Moses recounts Og's defeat") and initially in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - Defeat of Og"), further solidified Israel's control over the Transjordan region. These conquests served as tangible demonstrations of God's direct intervention and His faithfulness in fulfilling the promise to give Israel land, even before they crossed into Canaan proper.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 1:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Victory and Provision**. The verse underscores that these triumphs were not merely human military achievements but were divinely orchestrated, with God enabling Israel to overcome seemingly insurmountable foes. This reinforces the consistent biblical portrayal of God as the ultimate warrior who fights for His people, as seen in [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord will fight for you"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Remembering God's Faithfulness**. Moses intentionally reminds the new generation of these past successes to instill faith and confidence for the impending challenges of conquering Canaan. This act of remembrance serves as a crucial pedagogical tool, anchoring their present and future obedience in God's proven track record. Finally, the defeat of Sihon and Og represents a significant step in the **Fulfillment of God's Covenant Promise** to grant Israel the land. The acquisition of the Transjordan territory, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 3:12-17](/deuteronomy/3-12 "Deuteronomy 3:12-17 - Division of the Transjordan Land"), was a tangible down payment on the larger promise, demonstrating God's commitment to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slain (Hebrew, נָכָה, _nakah'_):** This verb, often translated as "strike," "smite," or "kill," carries a strong connotation of a decisive, forceful blow, often resulting in death or defeat. In military contexts, as here, it signifies a complete and utter routing of the enemy. The use of _nakah_ emphasizes the totality of the victory over Sihon and Og, indicating that they were not merely repelled but utterly destroyed, along with their armies and cities. This highlights the overwhelming power of God at work through Israel.
* **Amorites (Hebrew, אֱמֹרִי, _'Emori'_):** A prominent Canaanite people group frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often associated with powerful kingdoms and formidable warriors. Their presence in the Transjordan region, particularly under Sihon, made them a significant obstacle to Israel's progress. The defeat of the Amorites was not just a military conquest but a theological statement, demonstrating God's judgment against the inhabitants of the land due to their wickedness, as foreshadowed in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - Iniquity of the Amorites").
* **Bashan (Hebrew, בָּשָׁן, _Bashan'_):** A fertile and strategically important region east of the Jordan, renowned for its rich pastures, strong cities, and large, sturdy cattle (cf. [Psalm 22:12](/psalm/22-12 "Psalm 22:12 - Strong bulls of Bashan")). Its king, Og, was a formidable figure, even described as a giant. Conquering Bashan was a significant military feat, indicating Israel's ability, by God's strength, to overcome even the most robust and well-defended territories. The mention of Astaroth and Edrei, key cities in Bashan, further underscores the extent of this conquest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites,"**: This opening clause immediately sets the historical context by referencing a recent, decisive victory. The "he" refers to God, acting through Israel, underscoring divine agency in the conquest. Sihon, as "king of the Amorites," represents a powerful, established ruler whose defeat was a major triumph, signifying God's power to overcome formidable obstacles. His capital, Heshbon, was a strategic stronghold.
* **"which dwelt in Heshbon,"**: This specifies the geographical seat of Sihon's power. Heshbon was a significant city, strategically located and well-fortified, making its conquest a testament to the overwhelming power that God granted Israel. It also serves as a precise geographical anchor for the historical event.
* **"and Og the king of Bashan,"**: This introduces the second major conquest, paralleling the first. Og, "king of Bashan," was another formidable ruler, whose defeat was equally significant. The conjunction "and" links these two victories, presenting them as a pair of divine acts that cleared the way for Israel's advance.
* **"which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:"**: This clause similarly specifies the key locations associated with Og's kingdom. Astaroth was a major city, likely a cultic center, and Edrei was the site of the decisive battle. The mention of these specific places grounds the historical account, emphasizing the reality and scope of the victories.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:4 employs several effective literary devices to achieve its purpose. The most prominent is **Concise Summary**, where a vast amount of historical detail (the full accounts of the battles are found in Numbers and expanded upon in Deuteronomy 2-3) is distilled into a single, impactful verse. This brevity serves to quickly remind the audience of God's past faithfulness without getting bogged down in specifics, allowing Moses to move swiftly to his main exhortations. There is also an element of **Historical Allusion**, as Moses refers to events the audience would have been familiar with, either through direct experience or oral tradition. This shared historical memory forms a common ground for his subsequent teachings. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the greater conquests to come in Canaan. By recalling these initial victories, Moses builds confidence and faith in God's ability to grant further triumphs. The parallel structure in mentioning "Sihon the king of the Amorites... and Og the king of Bashan" also creates a sense of **Parallelism**, linking these two significant victories together as a unified demonstration of divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:4 is not merely a historical footnote but a profound theological statement. It emphatically declares God's active sovereignty and His role as the divine warrior who clears the path for His people. The victories over Sihon and Og underscore that Israel's success was not due to their military might or strategic genius, but solely to God's power and faithfulness to His covenant promises. This serves as a foundational reminder that God initiates, enables, and completes His purposes, often through seemingly impossible circumstances. The verse also highlights the principle of remembering God's past mercies as a catalyst for present faith and future obedience, preparing the people's hearts to trust Him for the greater challenges of conquering Canaan.

* [Numbers 21:34](/numbers/21-34 "The Lord said to Moses, 'Do not fear Og'")
* [Deuteronomy 2:36](/deuteronomy/2-36 "No city was too strong for us")
* [Joshua 24:12](/joshua/24-12 "God sent the hornets before you")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:4, though rooted in ancient history, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. Just as Moses strategically reminded Israel of God's recent, powerful interventions, we are called to cultivate a habit of remembering God's faithfulness in our own lives. When facing daunting challenges or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, recalling specific instances where God has intervened, provided, or delivered us can profoundly strengthen our faith and courage. This verse encourages us to view our personal "victories" not as mere coincidences or human achievements, but as tangible evidence of God's ongoing presence and power working on our behalf. It reminds us that the God who defeated mighty kings for Israel is the same God who fights for us today, equipping us to face the "giants" in our spiritual, emotional, and physical landscapes, leading us toward the blessings He has promised.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Sihons" or "Ogs" (major obstacles or challenges) have you faced in your life where you can clearly see God's intervention and victory?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness strengthen your trust in Him for current or future challenges?**
* **In what ways can you intentionally cultivate a practice of recalling and celebrating God's victories in your life, both big and small?**

### FAQ
**Why does Moses begin his address by mentioning these specific victories?**

Answer: Moses begins his address with the defeats of Sihon and Og because these were recent, tangible, and highly significant victories that demonstrated God's power and faithfulness to the generation standing on the plains of Moab. Many in this new generation had not witnessed the Exodus or the early wilderness miracles. By highlighting these specific conquests, which secured vital territory east of the Jordan, Moses immediately establishes God's proven track record as a divine warrior who fights for His people and fulfills His promises. This serves to build their confidence and prepare them to trust God for the impending conquest of Canaan, reminding them that the Lord will continue to fight for them as they enter the Promised Land, just as He did in the Transjordan (cf. [Deuteronomy 3:21-22](/deuteronomy/3-21 "Joshua, do not fear them")).

**What was the significance of Heshbon and Astaroth/Edrei?**

Answer: Heshbon was the capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and a strategically important stronghold east of the Jordan. Its conquest was a major military and psychological victory for Israel, opening up a significant portion of the Transjordan. Astaroth was a major city and likely a cultic center in Bashan, ruled by Og, while Edrei was the specific location of the decisive battle where Og was defeated. These cities were not minor outposts but key centers of power and resistance. Their capture underscored the completeness of Israel's victories and the extent of the territory God was granting them, demonstrating that no stronghold was too mighty for the Lord to overcome (cf. [Deuteronomy 2:36](/deuteronomy/2-36 "No city was too strong for us")).

**How did the defeat of Sihon and Og relate to the promise of the land?**

Answer: The defeat of Sihon and Og was a direct and immediate fulfillment of God's covenant promise to give Israel the land, even before they crossed the Jordan River into the main territory of Canaan. These victories secured the Transjordan region, which was then allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh ([Deuteronomy 3:12-17](/deuteronomy/3-12 "Division of the Transjordan Land")). This tangible acquisition of territory served as a powerful down payment and a clear sign of God's faithfulness, demonstrating that He was actively working to deliver on His promises. It provided concrete evidence that the God who had led them through the wilderness was indeed capable of giving them the entire Promised Land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:4, in its depiction of God's decisive victories over formidable earthly kings, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and complete triumph of Jesus Christ. Just as God cleared the way for Israel to enter the promised land by defeating Sihon and Og, so too has Christ, the greater Moses, utterly vanquished the spiritual enemies that barred humanity from entering God's eternal rest. His death on the cross was the decisive "slaying" of sin's power and the devil's dominion, as [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumphing over principalities and powers") declares, "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." Christ's resurrection is the ultimate victory over death itself, the last enemy to be destroyed ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "The last enemy to be destroyed is death")). Through His finished work, believers are granted access to a greater "promised land"—not merely an earthly inheritance, but the spiritual blessings and eternal life found in the heavenly Canaan ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "A Sabbath rest remains for the people of God")). Jesus is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and the victorious King who has already conquered the "Sihons" and "Ogs" of spiritual darkness, ensuring His people's ultimate inheritance in Him ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "The Rider on the White Horse")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 21:21

¶ And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,

Numbers 21:35

So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

Joshua 13:10

And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;

Joshua 13:12

All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.

Deuteronomy 2:26

And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying,

Deuteronomy 3:11

For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits [was] the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

Nehemiah 9:22

Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.