Numbers 21:34

Numbers 21:34 presents a powerful declaration of divine assurance from the LORD to Moses, providing courage and confidence before a significant battle.

Context

This verse is situated during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, specifically as they were approaching the borders of the Promised Land. They had just achieved a remarkable victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon. Immediately following this triumph, they prepared to face another formidable opponent: Og, the king of Bashan, known for his strength and large territory. God's message to Moses here is a pre-emptive strike against fear, guaranteeing victory before the battle even commences.

Key Themes

• Divine Assurance and Sovereignty: The core message is God's explicit command, "Fear him not," followed by the declaration, "for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land." This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His active involvement in Israel's conquest. He is not merely predicting the future but stating a divine reality already accomplished from His perspective.
• God's Faithfulness and Consistency: The instruction "thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites" serves as a powerful reminder of God's consistent faithfulness. Past victories become a blueprint for future triumphs, encouraging Moses and the Israelites to trust in the same God who had already proven His power and commitment.
• Conquest as Divine Mandate: This verse underscores that the Israelites' military campaigns were not mere acts of aggression but were divinely ordained steps in inheriting the land God had promised their ancestors. The defeat of Og secured the fertile region of Bashan, a crucial territory on the eastern side of the Jordan River.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Fear him not" (Hebrew: al-tira) is a common and vital divine imperative found throughout the Old Testament, often spoken by God to His people when they are about to face daunting challenges or seemingly insurmountable foes. It is a direct call to trust in God's presence and power rather than succumbing to human fear or doubt. The idiom "delivered him into thy hand" is a powerful Hebraism signifying a complete and decisive victory, where the enemy is utterly subdued and brought under control, emphasizing God's direct agency in the outcome.

Practical Application

Numbers 21:34 offers profound encouragement for believers facing their own "Ogs" in life—whether daunting challenges, overwhelming obstacles, or powerful adversaries. It teaches us to lean on God's divine assurance rather than our own limited strength or perception of the threat. Just as Moses was reminded of God's past faithfulness with Sihon, we too can draw courage from remembering how God has delivered us in previous trials. This verse calls us to move forward in faith, trusting that God has already "delivered" the challenge into our hands, and His power will enable us to overcome. This principle is echoed in many scriptures, including Joshua 1:9, which commands us to "be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."