Deuteronomy 31:4

KJV

And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} shall do {H6213} unto them as he did {H6213} to Sihon {H5511} and to Og {H5747}, kings {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, and unto the land {H776} of them, whom he destroyed {H8045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will do to them what he did to Sichon and 'Og, the kings of the Emori, and to their land -he destroyed them.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD will do to them as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, when He destroyed them along with their land.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah will do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, the kings of the Amorites, and unto their land; whom he destroyed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:4 is a powerful declaration of divine assurance delivered by Moses to the Israelites on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. It serves as a profound reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and His consistent character, promising that He will replicate His past victories against formidable enemies, specifically Sihon and Og, for the new generation as they face the inhabitants of Canaan. This verse is designed to instill courage, bolster faith, and affirm that the God who led them through the wilderness will continue to fight for them, ensuring their triumph and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Deuteronomy, specifically within Moses' final address to the Israelite nation before his death and their entry into Canaan. Following the solemn covenant renewal ceremony and the recitation of blessings and curses in chapters 27-30, Moses transitions to preparing the people for the impending conquest. In Deuteronomy 31:1-3, Moses explicitly states that he will no longer lead them across the Jordan, but that the LORD their God will go before them. He then publicly commissions Joshua as his successor, emphasizing that Joshua will lead the people into the land and distribute it among them. Verse 4, therefore, acts as a crucial word of encouragement and a firm promise of divine assistance, building directly on Moses' declaration that God Himself will lead the charge against their enemies, echoing the theme of divine presence and intervention established earlier in the book, such as in [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The LORD Fights for Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest of Canaan. This generation, having grown up in the wilderness, had not directly experienced the Red Sea crossing or the initial victories of their parents' generation. However, they had recently witnessed God's power in the decisive defeats of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, whose territories they now occupied (as recounted in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Defeat of Sihon and Og")). These were powerful, formidable kings with strong armies and fortified cities, representing significant obstacles. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern warfare often involved psychological intimidation; the reputation of a king and his army was paramount. Moses' reference to Sihon and Og serves to counter any fear among the Israelites by reminding them that God had already overcome such mighty foes, demonstrating His superior power over any earthly kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 31:4 powerfully reinforces several core themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Consistency and Faithfulness**, asserting that God's character and His methods of delivering His people remain unwavering. His past actions are presented as a guarantee of His future ones, emphasizing that the God who acted decisively yesterday will act decisively tomorrow. Secondly, the verse highlights the importance of **Remembering Past Victories** as a source of present and future assurance. Moses intentionally recalls the specific, recent, and undeniable victories over Sihon and Og to build confidence in the face of new challenges, a theme echoed in [Psalm 77:11](/psalm/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Works"). Thirdly, it provides a direct **Assurance of Future Triumph** through divine intervention. The promise that "the LORD shall do unto them as he did" is a crucial prophetic declaration, assuring the Israelites that God will similarly destroy the kings and peoples of Canaan, thereby fulfilling His covenant promise to give them the land, as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - God's Command to Destroy the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Do (Hebrew, _'asah'_):** The verb `עָשָׂה` (`'asah`) is a broad term meaning "to do," "to make," "to act," or "to accomplish." In this context, its repetition ("shall do...as he did") emphasizes the consistency and reliability of God's actions. It conveys not merely a past event, but an active, ongoing, and predictable pattern of divine intervention on behalf of His people. God's character is unchanging, and therefore His actions will be consistent with His nature and His covenant promises.
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, _shamad'_):** The verb `שָׁמַד` (`shamad`) signifies a complete and utter annihilation, to "wipe out," "exterminate," or "utterly destroy." This is a strong term, often used in the context of divine judgment against wicked nations or the command for Israel to completely remove pagan influences from the land. Its use here underscores the thoroughness of God's victory over Sihon and Og, implying that the future conquest of Canaan's inhabitants will be equally decisive and complete, leaving no remnant of the opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD shall do unto them":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine agent of action – YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. The future tense "shall do" is a definitive promise, not a mere possibility. "Them" refers to the inhabitants of Canaan, the formidable nations that Israel is about to confront. This sets the stage for a divine re-enactment of past power.
* **"as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites,":** This clause provides the historical precedent and the specific examples of God's past intervention. Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, were powerful Amorite rulers whose territories were strategically important and whose armies were formidable. Their defeat, recounted in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Israel's Journey and Victories"), was a recent and undeniable demonstration of God's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable human opposition. This direct comparison assures the Israelites that the same divine power that crushed these kings will be unleashed against the kings of Canaan.
* **"and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.":** This final phrase clarifies the scope of God's destructive power. It was not just the kings but also their entire dominion – their armies, their people, and their land – that God utterly destroyed. This comprehensive destruction signifies a complete victory and the clearing of the land for Israel's inheritance. It reinforces the idea that God's intervention is thorough and leaves no lingering threat, ensuring the fulfillment of His promise to give Israel the land.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:4 prominently employs **Analogy** or **Comparison**, drawing a direct parallel between God's past actions and His promised future deeds. By explicitly referencing the defeat of Sihon and Og, Moses uses a known, recent, and powerful example to illustrate the certainty of God's future intervention against the Canaanites. This serves as a powerful rhetorical device to instill confidence and banish fear. The verse also utilizes **Recapitulation** and **Remembrance**, as Moses, through this declaration, compels the Israelites to recall God's mighty acts, transforming historical memory into a source of present assurance. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Divine Assurance** or **Promise**, using declarative language ("the LORD shall do") to convey the absolute certainty of God's commitment to His covenant people. The use of the strong verb "destroyed" (Hebrew `shamad`) also leans into **Emphasis**, highlighting the thoroughness and decisiveness of God's judgment and victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:4 is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering character and His active involvement in the history of His people. It underscores the theme of divine consistency: the God who acted in the past is the same God who will act in the future. This consistency is rooted in His covenant faithfulness; He is bound by His promises to Israel. The verse also speaks to God's sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that no earthly power, however formidable, can stand against His will. The defeat of Sihon and Og was not merely a military victory for Israel, but a divine act of judgment against wicked kingdoms and a demonstration of God clearing the way for His chosen people. It foreshadows the broader theological principle that God fights for His people, not just in physical battles, but against all spiritual opposition. This divine intervention is foundational to Israel's identity and their understanding of their inheritance.

* [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Accounts of the Defeat of Sihon and Og")
* [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Hand, Not Israel's Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 31:4 offers timeless encouragement for believers facing daunting challenges today. Just as God demonstrated His power and faithfulness to Israel by decisively defeating Sihon and Og, He remains faithful and consistent in His character and actions towards His people in every generation. When we encounter new "giants" or "fortified cities" in our lives—whether they be personal struggles, professional obstacles, spiritual battles, or societal pressures—this verse calls us to remember God's past deliverances. His track record of faithfulness in our own lives, in the history of the church, and as recorded in Scripture, serves as a powerful assurance that He is able and willing to lead us through present difficulties and grant us triumph. It encourages us to trust in His consistent character and divine strength, knowing that the God who has overcome in the past will surely overcome again. This truth empowers us to step into new territories, literal or metaphorical, with courage and faith, confident that the Lord goes before us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Sihons" and "Ogs" (formidable challenges) are you currently facing in your life?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness, both in Scripture and in your personal experience, strengthen your faith for present and future challenges?**
* **In what specific ways can you actively trust God to "do unto them as He did" in your current circumstances?**
* **How does the certainty of God's presence and action (the LORD shall do) impact your courage and willingness to step out in faith?**

### FAQ

**Why are Sihon and Og specifically mentioned here, out of all of Israel's past victories?**

Answer: Sihon and Og are specifically mentioned because their defeat was a very recent and tangible demonstration of God's power for the generation about to enter Canaan. Unlike the crossing of the Red Sea, which the older generation experienced, the victories over Sihon and Og occurred just prior to Moses' address, on the east side of the Jordan. These kings were renowned for their strength and the strategic importance of their territories. By referencing these specific, recent, and significant victories, Moses provides concrete, undeniable proof of God's ability to overcome formidable enemies, thereby instilling immediate confidence in the Israelites as they prepared to face even greater challenges in Canaan. It served as a powerful psychological and spiritual anchor for a nation on the brink of a monumental task, reminding them that the same God who conquered these powerful Amorite kings would conquer the Canaanites for them, as detailed in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - The Defeat of Sihon and Og").

**Does this verse promote violence or an aggressive worldview for believers today?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promote indiscriminate violence for believers today. It must be understood within its specific historical and theological context. This was a unique period in redemptive history where God, as the sovereign Lord of all creation, was executing judgment on exceedingly wicked nations (the Canaanites) whose iniquity was full ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")). Simultaneously, He was fulfilling His covenant promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land. The "holy war" in the Old Testament was a divinely commanded, limited, and specific act of judgment and land acquisition, not a general pattern for all human conflict. For New Testament believers, our warfare is primarily spiritual, against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Spiritual Warfare")). Our weapons are not carnal but spiritual ([2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Spiritual Weapons")), and our mission is to make disciples of all nations, not to conquer them physically.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:4, while rooted in historical Israel's conquest, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The consistency of God's character, so central to this verse, culminates in the person and work of Christ. Just as God "did" for Israel in defeating physical enemies, He "did" for all humanity in Christ by decisively conquering the ultimate spiritual enemies: sin, death, and the devil. The "destruction" of Sihon and Og foreshadows Christ's complete triumph over the powers of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed and made a public spectacle of the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He rendered powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). For believers today, the assurance of Deuteronomy 31:4 is not merely a historical anecdote but a living reality: the same God who delivered Israel delivers us from the dominion of darkness and transfers us into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Our "Promised Land" is not a geographical territory, but the spiritual inheritance and eternal life found in Christ, secured by His decisive victory, ensuring that in all things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")).

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

Exodus 23:28

And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee.

Exodus 23:31

And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

Deuteronomy 3:21

¶ And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.

Numbers 21:24

And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.

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.

Deuteronomy 3:3

So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.

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.