Deuteronomy 29:7

KJV

And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:

KJV (with Strong's)

And when ye came {H935} unto this place {H4725}, Sihon {H5511} the king {H4428} of Heshbon {H2809}, and Og {H5747} the king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316}, came out {H3318} against {H7125} us unto battle {H4421}, and we smote {H5221} them:

Complete Jewish Bible

When you arrived at this place, Sichon the king of Heshbon and 'Og the king of Bashan advanced against us in battle, and we defeated them,

Berean Standard Bible

When you reached this place, Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan came out against us in battle, but we defeated them.

American Standard Version

And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:7 serves as a powerful historical anchor within Moses' final covenant address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab. This verse succinctly recounts God's decisive intervention and the Israelites' victory over the formidable Amorite kings, Sihon of Heshbon and Og of Bashan, as they journeyed towards the Promised Land. Moses uses this vivid memory of divine protection and triumph to reinforce the covenant, instill confidence in the new generation, and underscore God's unwavering faithfulness as they prepared to enter Canaan and face new challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 29:7 is embedded within Moses' third major discourse to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into Canaan. This discourse (Deuteronomy 29-30) functions as a solemn covenant renewal ceremony, re-affirming the Mosaic covenant with the new generation. Moses meticulously recounts significant events from their wilderness journey, not merely as historical anecdotes, but as profound theological lessons. This specific verse recalls a pivotal moment of divine deliverance and conquest, serving as a foundational reminder of God's power and faithfulness. It is designed to motivate obedience and warn against apostasy as the people stood on the precipice of their inheritance, setting the stage for the blessings promised for obedience and the curses threatened for disobedience that follow in the subsequent chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events recalled in Deuteronomy 29:7 occurred as the Israelites were approaching the eastern side of the Jordan River, having completed much of their wilderness wandering. Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, were powerful Amorite rulers who controlled strategically vital territories. Heshbon was a significant city, and Bashan was renowned for its fertile lands and strong cattle, making their defeat a major military and economic triumph for Israel. Their unprovoked aggression, as implied by "came out against us unto battle," provided the divine justification for Israel's conquest of their lands. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, such decisive victories were universally attributed to the patron deity of the victorious nation. For Israel, this meant Yahweh, their covenant God, was actively fighting on their behalf, demonstrating His supremacy over the gods of the surrounding nations and His unwavering commitment to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights **Divine Protection and Victory**, demonstrating that Israel's triumphs were not due to their own military might but to God's active intervention. The defeat of powerful kings like [Sihon and Og](/numbers/21-21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - The Defeat of Sihon and Og") serves as a tangible example of God fighting for His people, a theme reiterated throughout the book (e.g., [Deuteronomy 1:30](/deuteronomy/1-30 "Deuteronomy 1:30 - The LORD Your God Fights for You")). Secondly, it underscores God's **Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**. The conquest of these lands was a concrete step towards the fulfillment of the promise of land given to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")). Finally, it emphasizes the **Importance of Remembering God's Past Acts**. Moses continually calls the people to "remember" what the Lord has done (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - Remember How the LORD Led You")), using these historical accounts to build faith, reinforce national identity, and instruct the new generation on the nature of their unique relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **came out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications." In this context, it describes the aggressive, confrontational movement of Sihon and Og, indicating that they initiated hostilities against Israel. This action was a deliberate move to engage in battle, not a casual encounter, underscoring the hostile intent of these Amorite kings.
* **battle (Hebrew, _milchâmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to fight," this noun refers specifically to an engagement or a state of warfare. Its use here emphasizes that the encounter was a full-scale military conflict, not a minor skirmish. The kings "came out... unto battle," signifying their intention to decisively defeat Israel and prevent their passage.
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This primitive root means "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In military contexts, as here, it denotes a decisive and often devastating blow, implying not just a skirmish but a thorough defeat or slaying. "We smote them" signifies the completeness of the victory over Sihon and Og, indicating that their armies were routed and their kings killed, often carrying the connotation of divine empowerment or judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when ye came unto this place":** This opening clause grounds the historical recollection in the present reality of the Israelites gathered in the plains of Moab. Moses is speaking directly to them at their current location, reminding them of events that transpired on their journey to this very spot, emphasizing the continuity of God's leading and provision throughout their wilderness trek.
* **"Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan":** These specific names identify the formidable adversaries Israel faced. Sihon and Og were powerful Amorite kings, controlling significant and fertile territories east of the Jordan River. Naming them highlights the magnitude of the threat Israel faced and, by extension, the greatness of God's power in overcoming such formidable enemies.
* **"came out against us unto battle":** This phrase underscores the hostile and aggressive intent of Sihon and Og. They were not merely encountered passively; they actively initiated conflict, seeking to prevent Israel's passage into the land. This detail emphasizes that Israel's subsequent victory was not an act of unprovoked aggression on their part, but a divinely sanctioned response to an enemy's challenge.
* **"and we smote them":** This final clause declares the decisive outcome of the confrontation. The "we" is crucial, acknowledging both the Israelites' direct participation in the battle and, implicitly, God's empowering presence that enabled their victory. It signifies a complete and overwhelming defeat of these kings and their armies, resulting in Israel's occupation of their lands.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Recapitulation** is central, as Moses frequently recounts past events throughout Deuteronomy to instruct and inspire the new generation. This verse specifically uses **Historical Narrative** to convey profound theological truth, transforming a past military engagement into a vital lesson about divine faithfulness and power. There is an implicit **Contrast** between the formidable strength and aggressive posture of Sihon and Og ("came out against us unto battle") and the ultimate, decisive victory of Israel ("we smote them"), which serves to magnify God's superior power over all earthly opposition. The verse also functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Appeal**, as Moses uses this past triumph to build confidence and reinforce the covenant, urging the people to trust in God's continued protection as they face future challenges in Canaan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:7 profoundly illustrates God's active role as the Divine Warrior who fights for His people, fulfilling His covenant promises. The defeat of Sihon and Og was not merely a military conquest but a tangible demonstration of Yahweh's power and faithfulness, confirming that He was indeed leading Israel into the promised land. This historical event served as a concrete reminder that Israel's success depended not on their own strength or wisdom, but on their obedience to God and His sovereign intervention on their behalf. It underscores the principle that victory belongs to the Lord, and He empowers His people to achieve what is humanly impossible, establishing His divine authority and commitment to His covenant people.

* [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - The Detailed Account of the Defeat of Sihon and Og")
* [Deuteronomy 1:30](/deuteronomy/1-30 "Deuteronomy 1:30 - The LORD Your God Fights for You")
* [Joshua 24:12](/joshua/24-12 "Joshua 24:12 - God Sends Hornets Before Them to Drive Out Enemies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:7 offers timeless encouragement for believers today. Just as God delivered Israel from powerful adversaries like Sihon and Og, He remains faithful to help His people overcome obstacles in their lives. This verse reminds us that remembering God's past faithfulness—both in biblical history and in our personal testimonies—can profoundly strengthen our trust and courage when facing new, seemingly insurmountable challenges. It encourages us to recognize that even when formidable "kings" or problems "come out against us," we can confidently rely on God's power to grant us victory. Our battles, whether spiritual, emotional, or practical, are ultimately fought and won by His strength. This historical account calls us to recall God's track record, to step forward in faith, and to live in the assurance that He continues to fight for us, enabling us to overcome and possess the spiritual inheritance He has promised. This remembrance cultivates a deep sense of gratitude and dependence, fostering a life of courageous obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recalling God's past faithfulness in your life strengthen your trust for future challenges?**
* **What "Sihons" or "Ogs" (formidable obstacles) are you facing today, and how does this verse encourage you to rely on God's power?**
* **In what ways can remembering God's victories in the past help you to walk in greater obedience and courage in your present circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why does Moses recount these specific battles here?**

Answer: Moses recounts the battles against Sihon and Og at this critical juncture for several profound reasons. First, it serves as a powerful reminder to the new generation, who did not witness the Exodus or the initial wilderness events, of God's unwavering power and faithfulness. These victories were concrete evidence that God was actively fighting for Israel and fulfilling His promise to give them the land. Second, these conquests established Israel's initial territorial claims east of the Jordan, providing a tangible foretaste of the greater inheritance to come in Canaan. By recalling these triumphs, Moses aims to build their confidence in God's ability to overcome even greater enemies, preparing them psychologically and spiritually for the challenges ahead. Finally, it reinforces the covenant, reminding the people that their success is contingent upon God's favor, which is tied to their obedience as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**What is the significance of "we smote them" rather than "God smote them"?**

Answer: The phrase "we smote them" is significant because it highlights the divine-human partnership in the conquest. While the victory was undeniably a result of God's power and strategic guidance (as seen in [Deuteronomy 2:30](/deuteronomy/2-30 "Deuteronomy 2:30 - God Hardens Sihon's Heart") where God hardened Sihon's heart), the Israelites were the empowered agents through whom God's will was executed. This emphasizes human responsibility and participation in God's redemptive plan. It teaches that God empowers His people to act, to fight, and to take possession of what He has promised. It’s not a passive reception of blessings, but an active engagement, knowing that the ultimate power and victory come from Him. This balance between divine sovereignty and human agency is a recurring and vital theme throughout Scripture, from the initial call of [Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham") to the Great Commission in the New Testament ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical victories of Israel over kings like Sihon and Og, empowered by God, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate spiritual victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as God fought for Israel to secure their earthly inheritance, so Jesus, the true "Captain of the Lord's Host" ([Joshua 5:14](/joshua/5-14 "Joshua 5:14 - The Commander of the LORD's Army")), came to defeat far more formidable enemies: sin, death, and the devil. The Old Testament battles were but shadows of the cosmic warfare waged and won by Christ on the cross. He "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus "destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")), liberating those who were held in bondage. Our victory over spiritual adversaries is not achieved by our own strength but is found solely in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ")). Believers are now called to engage in spiritual warfare ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")), not with physical weapons, but by standing firm in the victory Christ has already secured, awaiting His glorious return as the conquering King ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Victorious Warrior")).

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

Deuteronomy 2:24

¶ Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess [it], and contend with him in battle.

Deuteronomy 3:17

The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.

Psalms 135:10

Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;

Psalms 135:12

And gave their land [for] an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.

Psalms 136:17

To him which smote great kings: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

Psalms 136:22

[Even] an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Numbers 21:21

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