Chapter 39—The Conquest of Bashan
This chapter is based on
Deuteronomy 2
;
3:1-11
.
After passing to the south of Edom, the Israelites turned northward,
and again set their faces toward the Promised Land. Their route now
lay over a vast, elevated plain, swept by cool, fresh breezes from
the hills. It was a welcome change from the parched valley through
which they had been traveling, and they pressed forward, buoyant and
hopeful. Having crossed the brook Zered, they passed to the east of
the land of Moab; for 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 possession; because I have given Ar unto the
children of Lot.” And the same direction was repeated concerning the
Ammonites, who were also descendants of Lot.
Still pushing northward, the hosts of Israel soon reached the coun-
try of the Amorites. This strong and warlike people originally occupied
the southern part of the land of Canaan; but, increasing in numbers,
they crossed the Jordan, made war upon the Moabites, and gained
possession of a portion of their territory. Here they had settled, holding
undisputed sway over all the land from the Arnon as far north as the
Jabbok. The route to the Jordan which the Israelites desired to pursue
lay directly through this territory, and Moses sent a friendly message
to Sihon, the Amorite king, at his capital: “Let me pass through thy
land: I will go along by the highway, I will neither turn unto the right
hand nor to the left. 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 progress of the in-
vaders. This formidable army struck terror to the Israelites, who were
poorly prepared for an encounter with well-armed and well-disciplined
forces. So far as skill in warfare was concerned, their enemies had the
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advantage. To all human appearance, a speedy end would be made of
Israel.
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