Deuteronomy 3:5

Deuteronomy 3:5 provides a vivid description of the formidable defenses of the cities conquered by Israel in the land of Bashan, specifically those belonging to Og, the king of Bashan. This verse emphasizes the strength of the enemy Israel faced, underscoring the magnitude of God's miraculous intervention and faithfulness.

Context of Deuteronomy 3:5

This verse is part of Moses' final discourse to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He is recounting their journey and the significant victories God had granted them, particularly the defeat of King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 3:1-4) detail the conquest of Og's territory, highlighting that Israel took all sixty cities in the region of Argob. Verse 5 then elaborates on the nature of these cities, stating they were "fenced with high walls, gates, and bars," in addition to numerous "unwalled towns." This description serves to magnify the divine power at work, as these were not easily subdued settlements but heavily fortified strongholds. For a broader understanding of these initial conquests, one can refer to the original account in Numbers 21:21-35.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Omnipotence and Faithfulness: The primary message is God's unparalleled power. The strength of the cities' fortifications, however impressive, was no match for the Lord's might. This demonstrates His ability to fulfill His promises, even when the obstacles seem humanly insurmountable.
• Conquest and Inheritance: The verse highlights the tangible progress Israel made towards possessing the land God promised to Abraham's descendants. The capture of such well-defended cities was a clear sign of God's hand leading them to their promised inheritance.
• God Fights for His People: The ease with which these fortified cities fell (as implied by the swift victory) reinforces the theme that God Himself was fighting for Israel. Moses reiterates this principle later, encouraging the people not to fear their enemies because the Lord their God would fight for them.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used to describe the cities' defenses emphasize their strength. "Fenced" comes from the root batsar (בָּצַר), meaning to fortify, make inaccessible, or cut off. Hence, "fenced cities" ('arim betsurot) refers to highly fortified cities, strongholds designed to withstand attack. The phrase "high walls, gates, and bars" (chomah gevohah, delatot, u-beriach) further paints a picture of impregnable defenses, typical of ancient Near Eastern urban centers. This detailed description serves to highlight the formidable nature of the conquest, making God's victory all the more remarkable.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 3:5 offers a powerful lesson for believers today. We often face "walled cities" in our lives—challenges, obstacles, or circumstances that seem overwhelming and impenetrable. Whether they are personal struggles, professional difficulties, or spiritual battles, this verse reminds us that no wall is too high, no gate too strong, and no bar too firm for God to overcome. Just as God delivered these fortified cities into the hands of Israel, He is capable of breaking down the barriers in our lives. It encourages us to trust in God's power and faithfulness, knowing that He goes before us to fight our battles, as He did for His people in the conquest of the Promised Land. This trust allows us to face daunting situations with courage and faith, echoing the victory God provided for Israel against seemingly impossible odds, much like the miraculous fall of Jericho.