Chapter 39—The Conquest of Bashan
This chapter is based on
Deuteronomy 2
;
3:1-11
.
After passing south of Edom, the Israelites turned northward to-
ward the Promised Land. Their route now lay over a vast, elevated
plain, swept by cool, fresh breezes, a welcome change from the
parched valley. They pressed forward, buoyant and hopeful. The
command had been given, “Distress not the Moabites, neither contend
with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a posses-
sion; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot.” The same was
repeated concerning the Ammonites, also descendants of Lot.
The hosts of Israel soon reached the country of the Amorites. This
strong, warlike people had crossed the Jordan, made war upon the
Moabites, and gained a portion 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 thy land... .
Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water
for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet.”
The answer was a decided refusal, and all the hosts of the Amorites
were summoned to oppose the invaders. This formidable army struck
terror to the Israelites. So far as skill in warfare was concerned, their
enemies had the advantage. To all human appearance, a speedy end
would be made of Israel.
But Moses kept his gaze upon the cloudy pillar. The token 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
[305]
the land. But from the Possessor of all lands the mandate had gone
forth to Israel: “Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river
Arnon: behold I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king
of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him
in battle. This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of
263