Deuteronomy 4:47

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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—

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:47 serves as a concise recapitulation of Israel's initial, divinely-empowered conquests east of the Jordan River, specifically highlighting the defeat and territorial possession of the lands belonging to Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, providing a tangible demonstration of His power and commitment to His people as they stood poised to enter the main Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:47 concludes a significant historical overview within Moses's second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab. This verse, along with the preceding verses (Deuteronomy 4:44-46), acts as a transitional statement, setting the stage for Moses's profound exposition of the Law, beginning explicitly with the Ten Commandments in [Deuteronomy 5](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5 - The Ten Commandments Rehearsed"). It serves as a final historical anchor, reminding the people of God's mighty acts on their behalf before Moses launches into the detailed covenant stipulations and exhortations to obedience that form the core of the book. The verse's placement at the end of this historical preamble emphasizes that their past successes were a direct result of God's intervention, providing a compelling motivation for future obedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this discourse, the Israelites were encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, after forty years of wilderness wandering. They were on the threshold of entering Canaan, the land promised to their ancestors. The conquests of Sihon and Og, two formidable Amorite kings, were relatively recent and highly significant events (detailed in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - The Defeat of Sihon and Og") and [Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11](/deuteronomy/2-26 "Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11 - Conquests of Sihon and Og")). The Amorites were a powerful, indigenous people group in the region, known for their fortified cities and military strength. Their defeat by Israel was not merely a military victory but a profound theological statement: God was fighting for Israel, clearing the way for their inheritance. The "Transjordan" region, though not the primary focus of the Abrahamic land promise, was fertile and strategically important, representing the first tangible portion of the promised inheritance.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 4:47 powerfully reinforces several central themes of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment**. The possession of these lands was a tangible demonstration that God was actively working to fulfill His ancient covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Original Promise of Land to Abraham")) to give Israel a land of their own. Secondly, it emphasizes **Conquest and Inheritance**, showcasing God's enabling power in their successful military campaigns against powerful adversaries. These victories were not achieved by Israel's might but through divine intervention, enabling them to inherit and settle territories even before crossing the Jordan, serving as a foretaste and assurance of God's continued support for their future conquests in Canaan, as later promised to Joshua ([Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - God's Promise of Land to Joshua")). Finally, the verse underscores **Geographical Significance**, with the precise description "on this side Jordan toward the sunrising" emphasizing the specific location of these territories, which would later become the inheritance for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh ([Numbers 32:33](/numbers/32-33 "Numbers 32:33 - Allotment of Land to Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Possessed (Hebrew, _yarash'_):** This verb signifies "to inherit," "to take possession of," "to dispossess" (others). It implies not merely occupying but legally and divinely sanctioned ownership. In the context of Israel, it highlights that their claim to the land was not by conquest alone, but by divine grant, as they were inheriting what God had promised and was now enabling them to take from its previous inhabitants.
* **Amorites (Hebrew, _'Emori'_):** A prominent and powerful pre-Israelite people group inhabiting Canaan and the Transjordan region. Their inclusion here emphasizes the formidable nature of the enemies Israel overcame. The defeat of "two kings of the Amorites" (Sihon and Og) underscored the magnitude of God's power working on Israel's behalf, as these were not minor skirmishes but significant victories against established kingdoms.
* **Toward the sunrising (Hebrew, _mizrach hashshemesh'_):** This phrase is a straightforward geographical indicator, literally "the rising of the sun," meaning "east." It precisely locates the conquered territories relative to the Jordan River, confirming them as being in the Transjordanian region. This specificity grounds the historical account in verifiable geography, reinforcing its reality and importance for the Israelite audience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they possessed his land":** This refers to the land of Sihon, king of Heshbon, whose territory Israel conquered first. The use of "possessed" (from _yarash_) emphasizes the divinely granted right of Israel to take ownership of this land, not merely to occupy it temporarily. This was the initial fulfillment of God's promise of land.
* **"and the land of Og king of Bashan":** This clause adds the second major conquest, that of Og, king of Bashan. Bashan was known for its fertility and strong fortifications, making Og a formidable adversary. The inclusion of both kings highlights the comprehensive nature of Israel's victories in the Transjordan region.
* **"two kings of the Amorites":** This phrase categorizes both Sihon and Og as Amorite kings. This serves to emphasize their shared ethnic identity and, by extension, the unified and powerful opposition Israel faced. It also underscores the miraculous nature of Israel's victories, as they overcame not just one, but two powerful rulers of this dominant people group.
* **"which [were] on this side Jordan toward the sunrising":** This precise geographical descriptor locates the conquered territories from Moses's perspective on the plains of Moab. "On this side Jordan" (Hebrew _me'ever layyarden_) here means "beyond the Jordan" or "across the Jordan" from the perspective of someone in Canaan, but from Moses's vantage point on the eastern bank, it refers to the eastern side. "Toward the sunrising" further clarifies it as the eastern region, firmly establishing the Transjordan as the site of these initial, significant conquests.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Recapitulation** and **Geographical Specificity**. As part of Moses's extended discourse, this verse serves to recap and summarize previous historical events, specifically the victories over Sihon and Og, which were detailed earlier in [Deuteronomy 2](/deuteronomy/2 "Deuteronomy 2 - Journey to the Plains of Moab") and [Deuteronomy 3](/deuteronomy/3 "Deuteronomy 3 - Conquest of Og"). This **Recapitulation** reinforces the narrative for the new generation, reminding them of God's past faithfulness and power. The **Geographical Specificity** of "on this side Jordan toward the sunrising" grounds the narrative in concrete reality, making the conquests tangible and verifiable. This precise location marker emphasizes the literal fulfillment of God's promise of land, highlighting that Israel's inheritance was not a vague concept but a real, physical territory. The mention of "two kings of the Amorites" also functions as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the magnitude of the victories achieved through divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:47 is a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His sovereign power to fulfill His promises. The possession of the lands of Sihon and Og was not merely a territorial gain but a tangible sign that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was actively working on behalf of His people. This initial inheritance served as a "firstfruits" or down payment on the greater promise of the entire land of Canaan, demonstrating God's reliability and building the nation's trust for the challenges ahead. It underscores the principle that God's promises are not contingent on human strength but on His divine will and power, equipping His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This historical precedent becomes a theological anchor, reminding Israel that their future success in the land would similarly depend on their obedience to the God who had already proven Himself faithful.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Land")
* [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - God's Promise to Joshua of Land Possession")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Hand in Israel's Conquests")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:47 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that the same faithful God who empowered ancient Israel to overcome formidable enemies and possess their promised land continues to work in our lives. Just as Israel looked back at the tangible evidence of God's past provision and deliverance, we are called to remember God's faithfulness in our own histories. This reflection builds our trust and confidence for present and future challenges, assuring us that God's promises are reliable and that He will equip us to navigate obstacles and inherit the spiritual blessings He has prepared. Our spiritual inheritance in Christ is secured by the very same God who delivered Israel, empowering us to live in the reality of His kingdom and to overcome spiritual adversaries not by our might, but by His Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness in your life strengthen your trust for future challenges?**
* **What "promised lands" (spiritual blessings, callings, or areas of growth) are you trusting God to help you possess in your life today?**
* **In what ways do you see God equipping you to overcome obstacles, just as He did for Israel in their conquest?**

### FAQ
**Why is "on this side Jordan" important in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "on this side Jordan toward the sunrising" is crucial because it precisely locates the conquered territories (Sihon's and Og's lands) in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River. From Moses's perspective on the plains of Moab, this was the first portion of the promised land that Israel physically possessed. It highlights that even before crossing into Canaan proper, God had begun to fulfill His promise, providing a tangible down payment of their inheritance. This geographical specificity also sets the stage for the later division of this land among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh ([Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Tribes Settle East of the Jordan")).

**Who were Sihon and Og, and why were their conquests significant?**

Answer: Sihon was the king of the Amorites in Heshbon, and Og was the king of Bashan, also an Amorite. Both were powerful and formidable rulers whose kingdoms controlled strategic territories east of the Jordan. Their conquests, detailed in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - The Defeat of Sihon and Og") and [Deuteronomy 2-3](/deuteronomy/2 "Deuteronomy 2-3 - Conquests of Sihon and Og"), were highly significant for several reasons: they demonstrated God's power and faithfulness to fight for Israel, serving as the first major victories that allowed Israel to possess land; they provided a vital logistical pathway for Israel to approach Canaan; and they served as a clear sign to the surrounding nations that the God of Israel was mighty.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Deuteronomy?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 4:47 strongly reinforces the central themes of Deuteronomy, particularly God's covenant faithfulness and the importance of obedience. By summarizing the initial conquests, Moses reminds the new generation that God has already proven Himself faithful to His promises. This historical precedent then serves as a powerful motivation for them to obey the laws and commands that Moses is about to expound. The possession of the land is directly tied to their covenant relationship with God; therefore, remembering God's past acts of power and provision is essential for cultivating a heart of obedience and trust for their future in the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:47, recounting Israel's physical possession of land east of the Jordan, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and victory secured for believers in Christ. Just as Israel received a tangible down payment on their promised land, believers in Jesus receive a spiritual inheritance that is infinitely richer and eternal. Christ, the ultimate fulfiller of God's promises, has secured our "possession" not of earthly territory, but of eternal life, reconciliation with God, and citizenship in His heavenly kingdom ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has defeated the spiritual "kings" of sin, death, and Satan, dispossessing them of their power over us and transferring us from the domain of darkness into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Our inheritance is not merely a future hope but a present reality, as we already participate in the "rest" that God provides through faith ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - Entering God's Rest")). The physical land was a type and shadow of the spiritual dwelling place Jesus prepares for us ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")), ensuring that through Him, we possess an eternal, unshakeable inheritance.

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 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.