Basic HTML Version
The Conquest of Bashan
This chapter is based on Deuteronomy 2; 3:1-11.
After passing south of Edom, the Israelites turned north toward
the Promised Land. Their route now lay over a vast, high plain, swept
by cool, fresh breezes, a welcome change from the hot, dry valley.
They pressed forward, happy and hopeful. God had commanded,
“Do not harass Moab, nor contend with them in battle, for I will not
give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given Ar
to the descendants of Lot.” The same was repeated concerning the
Ammonites, also descendants of Lot.
The people of Israel soon reached the country of the Amorites.
This strong, warlike people had crossed the Jordan, made war on the
Moabites, and gained some of their territory. The route to the Jordan
lay directly through this territory, and Moses sent a friendly message
to Sihon, the Amorite king: “Let me pass through your land. ... You
shall sell me food for money, that I may eat, and give me water for
money, that I may drink; only let me pass through on foot.”
The answer was a decided refusal, and all the soldiers of the
Amorites were summoned to oppose the invaders. This intimidating
army struck terror to the Israelites. In skill for warfare, their enemies
had the advantage. To all human appearance, the Amorites would
make a quick end of Israel.
But Moses kept his eyes on the cloudy pillar. This evidence of
God’s presence was still with them. At the same time he directed
them to do all that human power could do in preparing for war.
Their enemies were confident that they would blot out the Israelites
from the land. But from the Owner of all lands the message had be
given to Israel: “Rise, take your journey, and cross over the River
Arnon. Look, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king
of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to possess it, and engage him in
battle. This day will I begin to put the dread of you and fear of you
270