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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 3:1–11. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here another brave country delivered into the hand of Israel, that of Bashan; the conquest of Sihon is often mentioned together with that of Og, to the praise of God, the rather because in these Israel's triumphs began, Psa 135:11; Psa 136:19, Psa 136:20. See,
I.How they got the mastery of Og, a very formidable prince,
1.Very strong, for he was of the remnant of the giants (Deu 3:11); his personal strength was extraordinary, a monument of which was preserved by the Ammonites in his bedstead, which was shown as a rarity in their chief city. You might guess at his weight by the materials of his bedstead; it was iron, as if a bedstead of wood were too weak for him to trust to: and you might guess at his stature by the dimensions of it; it was nine cubits long and four cubits broad, which, supposing a cubit to be but half a yard (and some learned men have made it appear to be somewhat more), was four yards and a half long, and two yards broad; and if we allow his bedstead to be two cubits longer than himself, and that is as much as we need allow, he was three yards and a half high, double the stature of an ordinary man, and every way proportionable, yet they smote him, Deu 3:3. Note, when God pleads his people's cause he can deal with giants as with grasshoppers. No man's might can secure him against the Almighty. The army of Og was very powerful, for he had the command of sixty fortified cities, besides the unwalled towns, Deu 3:5. Yet all this was nothing before God's Israel, when they came with commission to destroy him.
2.He was very bold and daring: He came out against Israel to battle, Deu 3:1. It was wonderful that he did not take warning by the ruin of Sihon, and send to desire conditions of peace; but he trusted to his own strength, and so was hardened to his destruction. Note, Those that are not awakened by the judgments of God upon others, but persist in their defiance of heaven, are ripening apace for the like judgments upon themselves, Jer 3:8. God bade Moses not fear him, Deu 3:2. If Moses himself was so strong in faith as not to need the caution, yet it is probable that the people needed it, and for them these fresh assurances are designed; "I will deliver him into thy hand; not only deliver thee out of his hand, that he shall not be thy ruin, but deliver him into thy hand, that thou shalt be his ruin, and make him pay dearly for his attempt." He adds, Thou shalt do to him as thou didst to Sihon, intimating that they ought to be encouraged by their former victory to trust in God for another victory, for he is God, and changeth not.
II.How they got possession of Bashan, a very desirable country.
They took all the cities (Deu 3:4), and all the spoil of them, Deu 3:7. They made them all their own, Deu 3:10. So that now they had in their hands all that fruitful country which lay east of Jordan, from the river Arnon unto Hermon, Deu 3:8. Their conquering and possessing these countries was intended, not only for the encouragement of Israel in the wars of Canaan, but for the satisfaction of Moses before his death. Since he must not live to see the completing of their victory and settlement, God thus gives him a specimen of it. Thus the Spirit is given to those that believe as the earnest of their inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 3:4 records a monumental moment in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing the comprehensive and divinely orchestrated conquest of King Og of Bashan. This verse emphasizes the sheer scale and totality of the victory, specifying that all sixty of Og's fortified cities, including the strategically vital region of Argob, were captured without exception. This decisive triumph, occurring east of the Jordan River, served as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, His empowering presence with His people, and a significant step in the tangible fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the land of inheritance.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 3:4 is embedded within Moses' second major address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, delivered just before they are to enter the Promised Land. Chapters 1-3 of Deuteronomy serve as a retrospective account, where Moses recounts the journey from Horeb to their current position, highlighting God's faithfulness and Israel's experiences. Specifically, this verse follows the detailed narrative of the defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, in Deuteronomy 2:26-37. The conquest of Og, a formidable king, is presented as the second major victory east of the Jordan, reinforcing the theme of God's power and His commitment to delivering the land into Israel's hands, as promised in Deuteronomy 3:1-3.
Historical & Cultural Context
The events described in Deuteronomy 3:4 took place in the region of Bashan, a fertile and strategically important area east of the Jordan River, known for its strong, fortified cities. King Og himself was presented as a formidable foe, being identified as one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants (as noted in Deuteronomy 3:11). The mention of "threescore cities" (sixty cities) and "the region of Argob" underscores the vastness and strength of Og's kingdom. Argob, in particular, was a basaltic region, making it naturally defensible and likely dotted with well-fortified towns, indicating that this was no minor skirmish but a major military undertaking against a powerful adversary. The complete subjugation of such a kingdom would have been a profoundly significant achievement, demonstrating divine intervention rather than mere human military prowess.
Key Themes
The conquest detailed in Deuteronomy 3:4 vividly illustrates several foundational themes. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates Divine Empowerment and Victory, emphasizing that Israel's success was not by their own strength but by God's direct intervention, enabling them to overcome a seemingly insurmountable enemy like Og. Secondly, the repeated phrasing "all his cities," and "not a city which we took not" highlights the Thoroughness of Conquest, signifying God's command for complete eradication of the inhabitants of the land, leaving no stronghold unconquered. This thoroughness was crucial for establishing Israel's secure possession of the territory. Lastly, this victory represents a tangible Fulfillment of God's Covenant Promise to Abraham's descendants (see Genesis 15:18-21), as the acquisition of Bashan and Argob secured significant territory, affirming God's faithfulness to His word and His commitment to providing an inheritance for His people before they even entered the main land of Canaan.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term literally means "sixty." The mention of "sixty cities" is not an exaggeration but a precise detail that conveys the immense scale of King Og's domain and, consequently, the magnitude of Israel's victory. For the ancient world, controlling sixty fortified cities represented a significant regional power. The immediate and complete capture of all of them underscores the overwhelming nature of the divine intervention and the thoroughness of the conquest.
This refers to a specific, well-known region within Bashan. Historically, Argob was characterized by its rugged, basaltic terrain, which naturally lent itself to the construction of numerous fortified towns. Its mention specifies that even the most difficult and strongholds within Og's kingdom were taken. The name itself might be related to a word meaning "clod" or "mound," perhaps referring to the rocky landscape, further emphasizing the challenge and the completeness of the Israelite triumph over such a formidable geographical and military obstacle.
Verse Breakdown
"And we took all his cities at that time"
This opening clause immediately establishes the comprehensive nature of the conquest. The "we" refers to the Israelites under Moses' leadership, but the context of Deuteronomy 3:2 makes it clear that this was a divinely enabled taking. "At that time" indicates the swiftness and decisiveness of the victory, implying a rapid campaign that left no city standing.
"there was not a city which we took not from them"
This phrase employs a strong double negative ("not a city which we took not") to emphatically reiterate the totality of the conquest. It leaves no room for doubt or exception; every single city belonging to Og was captured. This highlights the thoroughness of God's judgment and Israel's obedience in carrying out the divine command for complete subjugation.
"threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan"
This concluding part of the verse provides specific, concrete details that ground the victory in reality and underscore its vastness. Naming "threescore cities" (sixty cities) gives a precise numerical scale. The inclusion of "all the region of Argob" specifies a particularly strong and fortified district within Bashan, indicating that even the most challenging areas were subdued. Finally, "the kingdom of Og in Bashan" serves as a summarizing geographical and political identifier, confirming that the entire domain of this powerful king was brought under Israelite control.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 3:4 effectively employs several literary devices to convey the significance of Israel's victory. Repetition is prominent, particularly through the use of synonymous phrases like "all his cities" and "there was not a city which we took not." This emphatic reiteration serves to underscore the absolute totality and completeness of the conquest, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of the victory. Enumeration is also key, with the precise mention of "threescore cities," which provides a concrete and impressive scale to the achievement. This numerical detail, combined with specific Geographical Naming ("the region of Argob," "Bashan"), grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, allowing the audience to grasp the immense territory and formidable strongholds that were overcome. The overall effect is one of overwhelming success, attributed not merely to Israel's military might but to a divinely empowered campaign.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The profound victory over King Og, as detailed in Deuteronomy 3:4, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness and His active role in securing the inheritance for His people. This was not merely a human military triumph, but a divine conquest, demonstrating that when God commands, He also provides the power to accomplish. The thoroughness of the victory—"not a city which we took not"—underscores God's commitment to delivering His promises completely and His judgment against the wickedness of the nations inhabiting the land. This event instilled confidence in Israel that the same God who delivered Og would continue to fight for them as they entered Canaan, reminding them that their ultimate success depended on His power and their obedience.
Reflection and Application
The comprehensive victory of Israel over King Og in Bashan, where not a single city remained unconquered, offers a profound spiritual lesson for believers today. Just as God empowered His people to overcome a physically imposing and strategically fortified enemy, He promises to equip us to conquer the spiritual "giants" and strongholds in our lives. This verse reminds us that no obstacle is too great for God's power, whether it be a persistent sin, a debilitating fear, or a seemingly insurmountable challenge. The thoroughness of the conquest also challenges us to consider the completeness God desires in our own spiritual transformation—a call not to leave any "city" of our heart unconquered by His grace, but to allow Him to bring every area under His Lordship. This historical account serves as an enduring testament to God's ability to provide complete victory for those who trust and obey Him, encouraging us to step out in faith against our own formidable foes, knowing that the battle belongs to the Lord.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the specific mention of "threescore cities" and "the region of Argob" so significant in this verse?
The mention of "threescore cities" (sixty cities) and "the region of Argob" is highly significant because it emphasizes the vastness and strength of King Og's kingdom and, consequently, the magnitude of Israel's divinely enabled victory. Bashan was a fertile and strategically important region, and Argob was known for its numerous, well-fortified towns, often built from basalt rock, making them exceptionally difficult to conquer. By specifying that all sixty cities, including those in the formidable region of Argob, were taken, the text underscores that no stronghold was too strong for the Lord. This detail vividly illustrates the completeness of God's deliverance and the thoroughness of the conquest, leaving no doubt that this was an overwhelming triumph, not a partial one. It served to build Israel's confidence in God's power to fulfill His promises, even against the most formidable foes.
Who was King Og, and why was his defeat so important for the Israelites?
King Og was the Amorite king of Bashan, famously described as one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants (as noted in Deuteronomy 3:11). His defeat was immensely important for several reasons. Firstly, it removed a powerful and formidable enemy who stood in the way of Israel's progress towards the Promised Land. Og's size and the strength of his kingdom made him a significant threat. Secondly, his defeat, following that of Sihon, secured a large and fertile territory east of the Jordan River for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, fulfilling a crucial part of God's covenant promise to give them land (see Deuteronomy 3:12-17). This victory served as a tangible demonstration of God's faithfulness and power, providing a powerful precedent and encouragement for the Israelites as they prepared to enter and conquer the lands west of the Jordan. It solidified their understanding that God was indeed fighting for them.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The thorough and complete victory over King Og in Deuteronomy 3:4, where not a single city remained unconquered, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and decisive triumph of Jesus Christ over the spiritual enemies of humanity. Just as Og represented a formidable and seemingly insurmountable obstacle to Israel's inheritance, so too do sin, death, and the devil stand as the ultimate adversaries preventing humanity from inheriting eternal life. Christ, the greater Moses and the perfect Warrior, did not merely wound these enemies but achieved a complete and total conquest. Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them publicly (as declared in Colossians 2:15). He rendered powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil (as articulated in Hebrews 2:14-15). The "threescore cities" of Og's kingdom, utterly subdued, point to the comprehensive nature of Christ's victory, leaving no stronghold of darkness unconquered. This complete victory ensures that all who are in Christ are delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred into His kingdom (as celebrated in Colossians 1:13-14), securing for them an eternal inheritance far greater than any earthly land.