Numbers 21:34

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Fear {H3372} him not: for I have delivered {H5414} him into thy hand {H3027}, and all his people {H5971}, and his land {H776}; and thou shalt do {H6213} to 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 Moshe, "Don't be afraid of him, for I have handed him over to you with all his people and his land. You will treat him just as you did Sichon, king of the Emori, who lived at Heshbon."

Berean Standard Bible

But the LORD said to Moses, “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 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, who dwelt at Heshbon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:34 records the LORD's powerful declaration of assurance to Moses, commanding him not to fear Og, the formidable king of Bashan. This divine word guarantees total victory over Og, his people, and his land, explicitly drawing a parallel to Israel's recent, decisive triumph over Sihon, king of the Amorites. This pronouncement serves to instill courage and confidence in Moses and the Israelites, affirming God's active sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness in leading His people to inherit the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after Israel's significant victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites, as detailed in [Numbers 21:21-32](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-32 - Israel's Victory Over Sihon"). Having successfully navigated the wilderness and overcome their first major military challenge in Transjordan, the Israelites are now poised to confront Og, a king renowned for his strength and the formidable region of Bashan. The narrative flow highlights a progression of conquest, where each victory serves as a divine precedent for the next. The LORD's direct address to Moses in [Numbers 21:34](/numbers/21-34 "Numbers 21:34 - God's Assurance to Moses Regarding Og") mirrors similar divine assurances given before daunting tasks, reinforcing the idea that Israel's success is not by their own might but by God's decree and intervention. This immediate context sets the stage for the battle against Og, which is recounted in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - The Defeat of Og, King of Bashan").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amorites and Bashanites were powerful kingdoms in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River. Sihon's capital, Heshbon, was a strategic city, and his defeat signaled Israel's growing military prowess, albeit divinely enabled. Og, king of Bashan, was particularly formidable, described in later texts as one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants ([Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead")). His territory, Bashan, was known for its fertile pastures, strong cities, and strategic location. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the defeat of such powerful kings and the capture of their land were monumental achievements, often attributed to the patron deity of the conquering nation. The fear Moses and Israel might have felt facing Og was understandable given his reputation, making the LORD's "Fear him not" a crucial divine intervention against human apprehension and a clear declaration of divine agency in the impending conflict.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 21:34 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, **Divine Assurance and Sovereignty** is paramount; God's command "Fear him not" coupled with "I have delivered him into thy hand" underscores His absolute control over human kings and nations, and His active role in Israel's destiny. This is not a mere prediction but a declaration of a divinely accomplished reality. Secondly, **God's Faithfulness and Consistency** is highlighted by the instruction "thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites." This reminds Moses and the people that God's past acts of deliverance are a firm basis for future trust, demonstrating His unchanging character and commitment to His covenant promises. The victory over Sihon ([Numbers 21:21-32](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-32 - Israel's Victory Over Sihon")) serves as a tangible pledge for the victory over Og. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Conquest as Divine Mandate**. The military campaigns of Israel were not arbitrary acts of aggression but divinely ordained steps in the process of inheriting the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")). The defeat of Og secured the vital Transjordanian territory, paving the way for Israel's entry into Canaan proper.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear him not (Hebrew, _ʾal-tîrāʾ_):** This is a common and profoundly significant divine imperative found throughout the Old Testament. It is a direct command from God, often given in moments of crisis, impending danger, or overwhelming odds, to counter human fear, doubt, and despair. It implies that the basis for not fearing is God's presence, power, and explicit promise of deliverance. Here, it directly addresses Moses' potential apprehension regarding Og, redirecting his focus from the enemy's might to God's omnipotence.
* **delivered him into thy hand (Hebrew, _nāṯattî ʾōṯô bəyāḏekā_):** This is a powerful and frequently used Hebraic idiom signifying a complete, decisive, and irreversible victory. It means to hand over, to give into the control or power of another. The perfect tense "I have delivered" (nāṯattî) indicates a completed action from God's perspective, emphasizing that the victory is already assured and accomplished in the divine realm, even before the battle has physically begun. This idiom underscores God's direct agency and sovereignty over the outcome of the conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not:"** This opening clause establishes the divine origin of the message and its direct recipient, Moses, the leader of Israel. The command "Fear him not" is a direct address to any apprehension Moses might harbor concerning Og, whose reputation and might were likely well-known. It is an imperative designed to bolster faith and courage, shifting focus from the perceived strength of the enemy to the absolute power of God.
* **"for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land;"** This provides the divine rationale for the command not to fear. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, _kî_) introduces the reason. The LORD declares a past-tense action ("I have delivered"), indicating that from His eternal perspective, the victory over Og is already a settled matter. This delivery encompasses not only Og himself but also his entire nation ("all his people") and his entire domain ("and his land"), signifying a comprehensive and total conquest, leaving no doubt about the completeness of the impending victory.
* **"and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon."** This final clause provides a concrete precedent and a specific instruction. By referencing the recent, successful campaign against Sihon, the LORD reminds Moses of His consistent faithfulness and power. The past victory serves as a template for the future one, assuring Moses that the same divine power that secured the defeat of Sihon will also ensure the defeat of Og. This instruction is both a command and a promise, linking God's past actions to His future intentions and providing a clear operational directive for Israel's military engagement.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:34 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine assurance and victory. The most prominent is the **Divine Command**, "Fear him not," which serves as a direct imperative from God to Moses, designed to dispel human apprehension and instill faith. This command is immediately followed by a **Divine Declaration of Assurance**, "for I have delivered him into thy hand," which acts as the foundation for the command, asserting God's sovereign control over the outcome. The phrase "delivered him into thy hand" is a powerful **Hebraic Idiom** or **Metaphor**, signifying complete and decisive victory, where the enemy is utterly subdued. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Analogy** or **Precedent** by explicitly referencing the prior victory over Sihon: "as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites." This draws a direct parallel between a past triumph and a future one, reinforcing God's consistency and faithfulness. This analogy also functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling the guaranteed outcome of the battle with Og. The overall effect of these devices is to emphasize God's absolute sovereignty, His unwavering faithfulness, and the certainty of Israel's divinely-ordained conquest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:34 stands as a profound testament to God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Theologically, it underscores the principle that true victory comes not from human strength or military might, but from divine decree and enablement. God's declaration, "I have delivered him into thy hand," reveals His sovereignty over all earthly powers and His capacity to orchestrate events according to His will. This verse also highlights God's faithfulness, reminding Israel that His past acts of deliverance (like the defeat of Sihon) are a guarantee of future victories. It teaches that obedience to God's command, even when facing formidable challenges, is met with divine empowerment. The conquest of the land, though involving warfare, is presented as a fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham, demonstrating His justice in dispossessing wicked nations and His grace in establishing His covenant people.

* [Deuteronomy 3:2](/deuteronomy/3-2 "God's Assurance to Moses Regarding Og")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Not By Their Own Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:34 offers timeless encouragement for believers facing their own "Ogs" in life—those daunting challenges, overwhelming obstacles, or seemingly insurmountable adversaries that evoke fear and doubt. Just as God addressed Moses' potential apprehension directly, He speaks to our fears today, reminding us that no foe is too great for Him. The divine assurance, "Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand," calls us to shift our gaze from the magnitude of the problem to the omnipotence of our God. It encourages us to recall God's past faithfulness in our lives, remembering how He has previously delivered us from trials, provided in scarcity, and guided through uncertainty. These personal "Sihon" victories become anchors for our faith, empowering us to step forward in obedience and courage, trusting that the same God who was faithful then will be faithful now. This verse is a powerful reminder that our battles, whether spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial, are ultimately God's battles, and He has already secured the victory for those who trust in Him. Our role is to obey His command, move forward in faith, and witness His power at work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Og" or daunting challenge are you currently facing that evokes fear or apprehension?**
* **How can remembering God's past faithfulness in your life (your "Sihon" victories) strengthen your trust for current and future challenges?**
* **In what specific ways does God's declaration, "I have delivered him into thy hand," change your perspective on your present struggle?**
* **What practical step of obedience or faith might God be calling you to take, even in the face of fear?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command such warfare and the complete destruction of these kings and their people?**

Answer: God's command for Israel to engage in warfare and dispossess nations like the Amorites and Bashanites was rooted in several theological and historical factors. Firstly, it was part of His **covenant promise** to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan ([Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). Secondly, it was an act of **divine judgment** against the inhabitants of the land, whose wickedness and idolatry had reached a point of no return ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "The Iniquity of the Amorites Not Yet Complete"), [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Defilement of the Land")). God, as the righteous Judge of all the earth, had the right to remove those who continually defied Him and engaged in abominable practices. Thirdly, it was essential for the **preservation of Israel's spiritual purity**. Allowing these idolatrous nations to remain would have led to Israel's corruption and turning away from the LORD, as later history tragically proved. The warfare was therefore a means of establishing His holy nation in a land where His unique covenant could flourish, free from the pervasive influence of paganism.

**What was particularly significant about Og, King of Bashan, that required such specific divine assurance?**

Answer: Og was not just any king; he was depicted as an exceptionally formidable figure. [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Og's Iron Bedstead") describes him as one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants, evidenced by his enormous iron bedstead (or sarcophagus) measuring nine cubits long (about 13.5 feet). His kingdom, Bashan, was known for its strength, its sixty fortified cities with high walls and gates, and its fertile, militarily significant territory. Facing such a powerful, giant-like king and his well-defended kingdom immediately after the battle with Sihon could have easily instilled fear and doubt in the Israelites. God's specific assurance in [Numbers 21:34](/numbers/21-34 "God's Assurance to Moses Regarding Og") was therefore crucial to counteract this natural human fear, emphasizing that even the most imposing human adversaries are no match for the LORD's power and His predetermined will for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 21:34, with its powerful message of divine assurance and guaranteed victory over a formidable foe, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "Fear him not" spoken to Moses before the battle with Og echoes the divine reassurance given to humanity in the face of our greatest enemies: sin, death, and the devil. Just as God "delivered" Og into Moses' hand, so too has God "delivered" all spiritual adversaries into the hand of His Son, Jesus Christ. Through His death on the cross and triumphant resurrection, Jesus utterly disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He became flesh and blood precisely "that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). The victory over Og was a physical conquest for a physical land; Christ's victory is a spiritual conquest for eternal life and a heavenly inheritance. He is the true King who has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "Jesus Overcomes the World")), and He holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/rev/1-18 "Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). For believers, the assurance given to Moses becomes a living reality in Christ: we are called not to fear, for our ultimate enemy has already been defeated by the Lamb of God, who came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")).

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 3:2

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.

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.

Joshua 8:7

Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

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 21:25

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

Psalms 135:10

Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;

Psalms 135:11

Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan: