Conquest of Bashan
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Amorites, Israel had asked permission only to travel directly through
the country, promising to observe the same rules that had governed
their intercourse with other nations. When the Amorite king refused
this courteous solicitation, and defiantly gathered his hosts for battle,
their cup of iniquity was full, and God would now exercise His power
for their overthrow.
The Israelites crossed the river Arnon and advanced upon the
foe. An engagement took place, in which the armies of Israel were
victorious; and, following up the advantage gained, they were soon in
possession of the country of the Amorites. It was the Captain of the
Lord’s host who vanquished the enemies of His people; and He would
have done the same thirty-eight years before had Israel trusted in Him
.
Filled with hope and courage, the army of Israel eagerly pressed
forward, and, still journeying northward, they soon reached a country
that might well test their courage and their faith in God. Before them
lay the powerful and populous kingdom of Bashan, crowded with great
stone cities that to this day excite the wonder of the world—“threescore
cities ... with high walls, gates, and bars; besides unwalled towns a
great many.”
Deuteronomy 3:1-11
. The houses were constructed of
huge black stones, of such stupendous size as to make the buildings
absolutely impregnable to any force that in those times could have been
brought against them. It was a country filled with wild caverns, lofty
precipices, yawning gulfs, and rocky strongholds. The inhabitants of
this land, descendants from a giant race, were themselves of marvelous
size and strength, and so distinguished for violence and cruelty as to be
the terror of all surrounding nations; while Og, the king of the country,
was remarkable for size and prowess, even in a nation of giants.
But the cloudy pillar moved forward, and following its guidance
the Hebrew hosts advanced to Edrei, where the giant king, with his
forces, awaited their approach. Og had skillfully chosen the place of
battle. The city of Edrei was situated upon the border of a tableland
rising abruptly from the plain, and covered with jagged, volcanic rocks.
It could be approached only by narrow pathways, steep and difficult of
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ascent. In case of defeat, his forces could find refuge in that wilderness
of rocks, where it would be impossible for strangers to follow them.
Confident of success, the king came forth with an immense army
upon the open plain, while shouts of defiance were heard from the