Deuteronomy 4:47

And they possessed his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, which [were] on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

And they possessed {H3423} his land {H776}, and the land {H776} of Og {H5747} king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316}, two {H8147} kings {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, which were on this side {H5676} Jordan {H3383} toward the sunrising {H4217}{H8121};

and they took possession of his land and the land of 'Og king of Bashan, the two kings of the Emori, who were beyond the Yarden toward the sunrise;

They took possession of the land belonging to Sihon and to Og king of Bashan—the two Amorite kings across the Jordan to the east—

And they took his land in possession, and the land of Og king of Bashan, the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan toward the sunrising;

Commentary

Context of Deuteronomy 4:47

Deuteronomy 4:47 concludes a significant historical summary within Moses's grand discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab. This verse serves as a concise recap of Israel's initial victories and possession of territory east of the Jordan River, specifically the lands of Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan. These conquests, detailed earlier in Deuteronomy chapter 3 and Numbers 21:21-35, were critical milestones proving God's faithfulness and power before the nation entered the main Promised Land west of the Jordan. Moses uses these past successes to encourage and remind the new generation of Israel of God's covenant promises and their responsibility to obey His laws.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Fulfillment of Promise: This verse powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The possession of these lands was a tangible demonstration that God was actively working to fulfill His promise to give Israel a land of their own (Genesis 12:7). It solidified their claim to the broader Promised Land.
  • Conquest and Inheritance: The verse highlights the successful military campaigns against powerful Amorite kings, Sihon and Og. These victories were not achieved by Israel's might alone but through divine intervention, enabling them to inherit and settle territories even before crossing the Jordan. This initial inheritance served as a foretaste and assurance of God's continued support for their future conquests in Canaan (Joshua 1:3).
  • Geographical Significance: The precise description "on this side Jordan toward the sunrising" (referring to the eastern bank, or Transjordan region) emphasizes the specific location of these conquered territories. This area would later become the inheritance for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, who chose to settle there (Numbers 32:33).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "on this side Jordan toward the sunrising" is a key geographical marker. In Hebrew, "on this side Jordan" is מֵעֵבֶר לַיַּרְדֵּן (me'ever layyarden), which literally means "beyond the Jordan." From Moses's perspective on the plains of Moab, this refers to the eastern bank of the Jordan River. "Toward the sunrising" (מִזְרַח הַשָּׁמֶשׁ - mizrach hashshemesh) simply denotes the eastern direction. This specific phrasing helps to orient the reader to the exact location of these significant historical events, emphasizing the Transjordan region which was the first part of the Promised Land to be subdued by Israel.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 4:47 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and sovereign power. Just as He empowered Israel to overcome formidable enemies and possess their promised land, He continues to work in the lives of believers today. This verse encourages us to remember God's past acts of deliverance and provision, building our trust for future challenges. It teaches us that God's promises are reliable, and He will equip us to overcome obstacles and inherit the spiritual blessings He has prepared for us. Our spiritual inheritance is assured by the same faithful God who delivered Israel.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 29:7

    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:

  • Deuteronomy 29:8

    And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.

  • Numbers 21:33

    And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.

  • 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 3:1

    ¶ Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.

  • Deuteronomy 3:14

    Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair, unto this day.
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