Deuteronomy 3:2

KJV

And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, Fear {H3372} him not: for I will deliver {H5414} him, and all his people {H5971}, and his land {H776}, into thy hand {H3027}; and thou shalt do {H6213} unto him as thou didst {H6213} unto Sihon {H5511} king {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, which dwelt {H3427} at Heshbon {H2809}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to me, 'Don't be afraid of him; for I have handed him, all his people and his territory over to you; you will do to him as you did to Sichon king of the Emori, who lived at Heshbon.'

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto me, Fear him not; for I have delivered him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 3:2 records a pivotal divine assurance given by the LORD to Moses, empowering him and the Israelites for the conquest of Bashan. This verse directly addresses the formidable King Og, commanding Moses not to fear, as God Himself promises to deliver Og, his people, and his land into Israel's hand. It explicitly references the recent, decisive victory over Sihon, King of the Amorites, as a precedent and guarantee of future success, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power in fulfilling His covenant promises to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 3:2 is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, just before they are to enter the Promised Land. This section (Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11) recounts the recent victories over Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, serving as powerful reminders of God's faithfulness and ability to deliver His people. The verse immediately follows the introduction of Og in [Deuteronomy 3:1](/deuteronomy/3-1 "Deuteronomy 3:1 - King Og of Bashan"), setting the stage for the command and promise. These historical recaps are not merely narrative but serve a didactic purpose, strengthening Israel's faith and preparing them for the challenges of conquering Canaan. They reinforce the themes of divine guidance and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described take place around 1406 BC, at the end of the forty years of wilderness wandering. The Israelites are poised to enter Canaan, but formidable enemies stand in their way. Og, king of Bashan, was known for his immense stature, being one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants (cf. [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead")). Bashan itself was a fertile, strategically important region east of the Jordan, known for its strong cities. The defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, which immediately preceded this encounter (recounted in [Deuteronomy 2:26-37](/deuteronomy/2-26 "Deuteronomy 2:26-37 - Defeat of Sihon")), was a significant victory, demonstrating God's power against powerful adversaries. The reference to Sihon in Deuteronomy 3:2 serves as a cultural and military precedent, reminding the Israelites that God had already proven His ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, thus bolstering their confidence for the upcoming, equally daunting battle.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 3:2 encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is **Divine Assurance and the Conquest of Fear**. The LORD's direct command, "Fear him not," directly confronts any apprehension Moses or the people might have felt facing a giant king, emphasizing that courage is found in trusting God's presence and power, not in human might (cf. [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")). This ties into the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Deliverance**, as the LORD explicitly states, "for I will deliver him... into thy hand." This highlights God's active, decisive role as the ultimate strategist and executor of Israel's victories, underscoring that the land is a divine gift, not merely a human conquest (cf. [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Not by Your Righteousness")). The **Remembered Victories as Encouragement** theme is evident in the explicit reference to Sihon, which serves as a powerful reminder of God's past faithfulness and a guarantee of future success (cf. [Psalm 77:11](/psalm/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Deeds")). Finally, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **Covenant Fulfillment**, as the conquest of these lands brings Israel closer to possessing the inheritance promised to Abraham (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** While often translated as "fear," this word can encompass a range of meanings from terror to reverence. Here, in the negative imperative "Fear him not" (אַל־תִּירָא, _al-tira'_), it specifically commands the cessation of dread or apprehension in the face of a perceived threat. It is a divine injunction against allowing fear to paralyze or undermine faith, rooted in the assurance of God's presence and power. This is not a call to recklessness but to trust in divine sovereignty over human might.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _natan'_):** The verb (נָתַן, _natan'_) literally means "to give," "to place," or "to put into." In this context, "I will deliver him... into thy hand" signifies a complete act of divine transfer, where God Himself actively hands over the enemy to Israel. This emphasizes that the victory is not earned by Israel's strength or military prowess, but is a sovereign gift from God. It highlights God's initiative and absolute control over the outcome of the battle, making the conquest a divine act rather than merely a human one.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yad'_):** The term (יָד, _yad_) refers to the physical hand, but it is frequently used idiomatically in Hebrew to denote power, authority, control, or possession. When God promises to deliver Og into Moses' "hand," it signifies granting Moses (and by extension, Israel) full power and control over Og, leading to his defeat and the taking of his territory. It implies a complete subjugation and victory, where the enemy is utterly at the mercy of the victor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not:"** This opening clause establishes the divine origin of the command, emphasizing that it is a direct word from Yahweh to Moses. The imperative "Fear him not" is a powerful divine injunction, directly addressing any potential human apprehension or intimidation felt by Moses and the Israelites concerning Og, a formidable giant. It serves as an immediate antidote to fear, grounded in the authority and character of the speaker.
* **"for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand;"** This clause provides the divine rationale and assurance for the command not to fear. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, _ki_) introduces the reason: God Himself guarantees the victory. The comprehensive nature of the promised deliverance ("him," "all his people," "his land") signifies a total and decisive victory, encompassing the king, his military, and his territory. The phrase "into thy hand" signifies that the complete power and control over the enemy will be granted to Moses, acting as God's instrument. This reinforces God's sovereignty as the true agent of conquest.
* **"and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon."** This final clause provides a concrete, recent, and powerful precedent for the promised victory. By referencing the defeat of Sihon, king of Heshbon, God reminds Moses and Israel of His proven faithfulness and power. The past victory over Sihon (recounted in [Deuteronomy 2:26-37](/deuteronomy/2-26 "Deuteronomy 2:26-37 - Defeat of Sihon")) serves as a tangible example that the seemingly impossible is possible with God. This analogy is designed to instill confidence and eliminate doubt, assuring them that the same divine power that delivered Sihon will deliver Og.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 3:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Divine Mandate**, where God directly issues a command and a promise to Moses, underscoring His absolute authority and active involvement in Israel's history. This is immediately followed by **Assurance/Exhortation**, as the command "Fear him not" is coupled with the explicit promise of deliverance, designed to embolden the recipient. The verse also features a strong **Historical Allusion** by referencing the recent victory over Sihon. This serves as a **Precedent**, drawing a direct parallel between a past triumph and a future one, thereby validating God's promise and building confidence. Furthermore, the comprehensive nature of the promised deliverance ("him, and all his people, and his land") demonstrates **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting or comprehensive parts represent the whole, signifying a complete and utter victory. The structure of the verse, moving from command to promise to historical proof, creates a powerful rhetorical appeal, reinforcing faith and obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 3:2 is a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in the lives of His people and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. It underscores that the conquest of the Promised Land was fundamentally a divine enterprise, not merely a human military campaign. God's command to "fear not" is consistently linked to His sovereign power to deliver, demonstrating that true courage flows from trust in God's character and His unfailing word. The reference to Sihon highlights the principle of divine faithfulness: God's past actions serve as a guarantee for His future intentions. This verse teaches that God not only gives the command but also provides the means and the assurance for its fulfillment, reminding Israel (and us) that His plans will always prevail, often by overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His determination to bring His purposes to fruition.

* [Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "Genesis 15:1 - God's Assurance to Abram")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Strengthen and Help")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 3:2 offers timeless encouragement and profound practical application for believers navigating the challenges of life. Just as Moses and Israel faced a formidable giant in Og, we too encounter "giants" in our lives—whether they are overwhelming circumstances, persistent fears, seemingly impossible tasks, or spiritual battles. This verse reminds us that the command "Fear him not" is not a call to self-reliance or naive optimism, but a summons to place our trust entirely in the sovereign power of God. Our past experiences of God's faithfulness, like Israel's victory over Sihon, should serve as powerful anchors for our faith, reminding us that the God who delivered us before is the same God who will deliver us again. When God gives a command or reveals a path, He simultaneously provides the assurance and the means for its fulfillment. Our role is to obey in faith, knowing that the battle truly belongs to the Lord, and He will indeed deliver. This verse encourages us to confront our fears with divine promises, leaning not on our own strength but on the unfailing power of the One who has already secured our victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing that evoke fear or discouragement?**
* **How can remembering God's past faithfulness in your life (or in biblical history) strengthen your faith for present and future battles?**
* **In what specific ways does God's command "Fear him not" challenge your natural inclination to worry or rely on your own strength?**
* **How does the understanding that God "delivers" the victory, rather than us earning it, change your perspective on approaching difficult situations?**

### FAQ
**Who was King Og, and why was he so formidable?**

Answer: King Og was the Amorite king of Bashan, a fertile region east of the Jordan River. He was particularly formidable because he was one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants (Deuteronomy 3:11 describes his iron bedstead as over 13 feet long, suggesting his immense stature). His size and the strength of his fortified cities made him a terrifying opponent, representing a significant obstacle to Israel's entry into the Promised Land. God's explicit command not to fear him underscores the magnitude of the threat he posed.

**Why did God specifically mention Sihon, King of the Amorites, in this verse?**

Answer: God mentioned Sihon as a powerful and recent precedent. The Israelites had just decisively defeated Sihon, who also reigned over a strong kingdom in Heshbon, immediately south of Bashan (recounted in [Deuteronomy 2:26-37](/deuteronomy/2-26 "Deuteronomy 2:26-37 - The Defeat of Sihon")). By referencing this fresh victory, God provided a tangible, recent, and undeniable example of His power to deliver seemingly unconquerable enemies. It served as a powerful reminder to Moses and the people that the same divine power and faithfulness that secured the victory over Sihon would also secure the victory over Og, thus bolstering their confidence and eliminating any doubt.

**Does "Fear him not" mean we should never feel fear?**

Answer: The command "Fear him not" (אַל־תִּירָא, _al-tira'_) is not an admonition against the natural human emotion of fear, but rather a prohibition against allowing that fear to dominate, paralyze, or cause a lack of trust in God. It's a call to courage rooted in divine assurance. God understands human weakness, but He commands us not to allow fear to dictate our actions or undermine our faith when He has given a promise or a command. It's about trusting in God's presence and power to overcome the object of fear, rather than succumbing to it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 3:2, with its powerful declaration of divine deliverance and the conquest of a formidable enemy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered Og and his land into Israel's hand, Christ, the greater Moses, has delivered us from far more imposing adversaries: sin, death, and the dominion of Satan. The command "Fear him not" echoes throughout the New Testament in Christ's own words, assuring His disciples not to fear the storms of life or the powers of darkness, for He has overcome the world (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). The victory over Og, a physical giant, foreshadows Christ's spiritual triumph over the "prince of this world" (cf. [John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Judgment of This World")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The inheritance of the Promised Land, secured by God's deliverance, points to the greater spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ—eternal life, reconciliation with God, and a place in His eternal kingdom (cf. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Thus, Deuteronomy 3:2 is not merely a historical account of a past victory, but a prophetic whisper of the ultimate, decisive victory achieved by the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), enabling us to "fear not" because our greatest enemy has been conquered.

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

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Numbers 21:23

And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

Numbers 21:25

And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.

2 Chronicles 20:17

Ye shall not [need] to fight in this [battle]: set yourselves, stand ye [still], and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD [will be] with you.

Acts 27:24

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Numbers 21:34

And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.

Numbers 14:9

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not.