Deuteronomy 3:4

And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

And we took {H3920} all his cities {H5892} at that time {H6256}, there was not a city {H7151} which we took {H3947} not from them, threescore {H8346} cities {H5892}, all the region {H2256} of Argob {H709}, the kingdom {H4467} of Og {H5747} in Bashan {H1316}.

At that time we captured all his cities; there was not one city of theirs that we didn't capture. There were sixty cities, all the region of Argov, the kingdom of 'Og in Bashan;

At that time we captured all sixty of his cities. There was not a single city we failed to take—the entire region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

And we took all his cities at that time; there was not a city which we took not from them; threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 3:4 records a pivotal moment in Israel's journey towards the Promised Land, detailing the comprehensive victory over King Og of Bashan. This verse emphasizes the thoroughness of the conquest, stating that "we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan."

Context

This verse is part of Moses' retrospective address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter Canaan. He recounts their recent victories, serving as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and power. Following the defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites (Deuteronomy 2:30-37), the Israelites marched against Og, a formidable king and one of the last of the giant Rephaim (Deuteronomy 3:11). The Lord had commanded Moses not to fear Og, promising to deliver him and his people into Israel's hand (Deuteronomy 3:2).

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment and Victory: The swift and complete subjugation of Og's kingdom underscores that this was not merely a military triumph, but a divine victory. God fought for Israel, enabling them to overcome a powerful foe.
  • Thoroughness of Conquest: The repeated emphasis—"all his cities," "not a city which we took not"—highlights the completeness of the Israelite victory. This thoroughness was a direct fulfillment of God's command to utterly defeat the inhabitants of the land.
  • Fulfillment of Promise: This conquest was a tangible step in the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants. The acquisition of the "region of Argob" and "threescore cities" in Bashan secured significant territory east of the Jordan River.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "threescore cities" (sixty cities) conveys the vastness of Og's domain and the scale of the Israelite conquest. The specific mention of "the region of Argob" (ארגב - *ʼArgōb*) points to a particularly strong and fortified district within Bashan, known for its numerous walled cities. The Hebrew text stresses the totality of the conquest through repetitive phrasing, reinforcing that no stronghold was left unconquered by the Israelites under God's guidance.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 3:4 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Overcoming Obstacles: Just as God enabled Israel to defeat a formidable enemy like King Og, He empowers His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges in their lives. This verse reminds us that with God, victory is possible, even when facing giants.
  • Faithfulness and Obedience: Israel's success was tied to their obedience to God's commands. Similarly, our spiritual victories often depend on our faithfulness to God's Word and His leading.
  • Completeness in God's Work: The thoroughness of the conquest can serve as a metaphor for the completeness God desires in our spiritual lives—a call to allow Him to conquer every area of sin and resistance within us, leading to a full and abundant life in Christ (John 10:10).

This historical account provides assurance that when God leads, He provides the means for complete victory.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 4:13 (5 votes)

    The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him [pertained] the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which [are] in Gilead; to him [also pertained] the region of Argob, which [is] in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars:

  • Joshua 12:4 (2 votes)

    And the coast of Og king of Bashan, [which was] of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

  • Joshua 13:30 (2 votes)

    And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which [are] in Bashan, threescore cities:

  • Joshua 13:31 (2 votes)

    And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, [were pertaining] unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, [even] to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

  • Numbers 32:33 (2 votes)

    And Moses gave unto them, [even] to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, [even] the cities of the country round about.

  • Numbers 32:42 (2 votes)

    And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.