Victory Over Og and Moses’ Unfulfilled Promise: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Deuteronomy 3

Executive Summary ✨

Deuteronomy 3 recounts Israel’s decisive victory over Og, the King of Bashan, solidifying their control over the land east of the Jordan. This triumph, echoing their earlier defeat of Sihon, underscores God’s unwavering faithfulness to His promises. However, this chapter also poignantly highlights Moses’ plea to enter the Promised Land and God’s subsequent denial, a decision tinged with both divine justice and profound mercy. The chapter serves as a stark reminder that even the most righteous individuals are not immune to the consequences of disobedience, yet also emphasizes God’s continued love and provision even amidst disappointment. This is a powerful lesson about obedience, God’s sovereignty, and finding contentment in serving God’s purpose, even when it differs from our own desires. This commentary will delve into the historical context, spiritual significance, and practical implications of Victory Over Og and Moses’ Unfulfilled Promise.

Introduction: Deuteronomy 3 presents a compelling narrative of conquest and denial, offering profound insights into God’s character and human limitations. The narrative contrasts the tangible victory over earthly enemies with the unfulfilled desire of Moses, the very leader who orchestrated these triumphs. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to examine these events through the lens of our faith, seeking to understand the deeper spiritual lessons embedded within.

Commentary Sections

Deuteronomy 3:1-3 – Victory over Og

Deuteronomy 3:1-3 (KJV): “Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. So the Lord our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.”

The narrative begins with Israel’s advance towards Bashan, a region famed for its fertile land and formidable inhabitants. Og, the King of Bashan, represented a significant obstacle. His defeat, however, was divinely assured. God’s command, “Fear him not,” echoes throughout Scripture, reminding us that divine assistance transcends earthly power. This echoes the words of Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius the Apostolic, in his *Contra Gentes*, reminds us that true strength comes not from military might, but from unwavering faith in God: “οὐ γὰρ ἐν ὅπλοις ἡμῶν ἡ ἰσχύς, ἀλλ’ ἐν τῇ πίστει τοῦ Χριστοῦ.” (For our strength is not in weapons, but in the faith of Christ.) This victory over Og prefigures the spiritual battles we face, where faith becomes our most potent weapon.

The conquest of Bashan mirrored the victory over Sihon, highlighting God’s consistent pattern of delivering His people from their enemies. This victory wasn’t due to superior weaponry or military strategy, but solely to God’s grace and promise. Og’s stature, described elsewhere in Scripture as being unusually large, likely amplified the perceived risk of battle, making the Lord’s intervention even more spectacular.

Spiritual Application: In our lives, we often face daunting “Ogs” – seemingly insurmountable challenges. Like the Israelites, we must trust in God’s promise of victory, remembering that His power is greater than any obstacle we encounter. Consider utilizing a spiritual growth tool like those offered by doHost to help you cultivate your faith and deepen your relationship with God during these times.

Deuteronomy 3:4-7 – Spoils of War

Deuteronomy 3:4-7 (NKJV): “And we took all his cities at that time; there was not a city which we did not take from them: sixty cities, with all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. All these cities were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides a great many rural towns. And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children of every city. But all the livestock and the spoil of the cities we took as booty for ourselves.”

The Israelites conquered sixty fortified cities in the region of Argob, an area known for its volcanic rock formations that made it strategically defensible. The completeness of their victory is emphasized by the statement that “there was not a city which we did not take.” The utter destruction of the inhabitants, though difficult for modern sensibilities, was in accordance with God’s command, meant to prevent the Israelites from being influenced by the pagan practices of the Canaanites.

The phrase “high walls, gates, and bars” emphasizes the strategic importance and defensive capabilities of these cities. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of fortified cities in this region dating back to this period, providing tangible support for the biblical account. The retention of the livestock and spoil as booty highlights the practical benefits of obedience.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on the Pentateuch, interprets this complete destruction as a symbolic representation of eradicating sin from our lives: “Ἡ γὰρ παντελὴς ἐξάλειψις τῶν ἐθνῶν τύπος ἐστὶ τῆς ἐκβολῆς τῆς ἁμαρτίας ἐκ τῶν ἡμετέρων ψυχῶν.” (For the complete eradication of the nations is a type of the expulsion of sin from our souls.)

Spiritual Application: Just as the Israelites were commanded to utterly destroy the inhabitants of those cities, we must be diligent in rooting out sin from our lives. We must not compromise with evil, but strive for complete purity in our thoughts, words, and actions. This requires constant vigilance and reliance on God’s grace.

Deuteronomy 3:8-11 – Land Distribution and Og’s Relics

Deuteronomy 3:8-11 (KJV): “And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon; (Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;) All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan. For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants. Behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.”

The conquered territory, stretching from the Arnon River to Mount Hermon, was strategically vital and fertile. The reference to different names for Mount Hermon (Sirion by the Sidonians and Shenir by the Amorites) illustrates the diverse cultural landscape of the region. The specific mention of Og’s “bedstead of iron” – a relic preserved in Rabbath, the capital of Ammon – serves as a testament to his legendary stature and a symbol of Israel’s victory. The measurements (nine cubits long and four cubits wide) would make it approximately 13.5 feet long and 6 feet wide, if we take a cubit to be around 18 inches. This giant’s bed would be a significant piece of evidence of past victories.

The phrase “remnant of giants” evokes a sense of awe and fear, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the challenge Israel faced. While some scholars interpret this literally, others see it as a metaphor for the formidable obstacles that stand in the way of God’s people.

Patristic Insight: Origen, in his *Homilies on Numbers*, suggests that these giants represent the spiritual powers of darkness that we must overcome through faith and prayer: “οἱ γίγαντες εἰσὶν αἱ δυνάμεις τοῦ σκότους, ἃς δεῖ ἡμᾶς καταπατῆσαι διὰ τῆς πίστεως.” (The giants are the powers of darkness, which we must trample down through faith.)

Spiritual Application: We must be mindful of the “giants” in our own lives – those obstacles that seem insurmountable. However, just as God delivered Israel from Og, He will empower us to overcome our own challenges through faith and perseverance.

Deuteronomy 3:12-20 – Land Allotment and Military Service

Deuteronomy 3:12-20 (NKJV): “And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the River Arnon, and half of Mount Gilead and its cities, I gave to the Reubenites and the Gadites. The rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to half the tribe of Manasseh, all the region of Argob. (Bashan is called the Land of Giants.) Jair the son of Manasseh took all the region of Argob, as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and called them after his own name, Havoth Jair, to this day.) Also I gave Gilead to Machir. And to the Reubenites and the Gadites I gave from Gilead as far as the River Arnon, with the middle of the river as the boundary, as far as the River Jabbok, which is the border of the Ammonites; the plain also, with the Jordan as the boundary, from Chinnereth as far as the east side of the Sea of Arabah, the Salt Sea, below the slopes of Pisgah. And I commanded you at that time, saying: ‘The Lord your God has given you this land to possess. All you men of valor shall cross over armed before your brethren, the children of Israel. But your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in your cities which I have given you, until the Lord has given rest to your brethren as to you, and they also possess the land which the Lord your God is giving them beyond the Jordan. Then each of you may return to his possession which I have given you.’”

This section details the distribution of the conquered land to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. This was a strategic move, solidifying Israel’s presence east of the Jordan and preparing for the eventual conquest of Canaan. The condition that the men of valor would cross over armed to assist their brethren reflects a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

The naming of “Havoth Jair” after Jair, the son of Manasseh, illustrates the personal connection and lasting impact of individual leaders. The mention of the “Geshurites and Maachathites” highlights the continued presence of non-Israelite populations in the region, which would later pose challenges.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine, in *City of God*, discusses the importance of proper land distribution as a means of maintaining social order and preventing conflict: “Ordinem rerum terrenarum pax custodit, in concordi voluntate vivendi.” (Peace preserves the order of earthly things, in a harmonious will to live together.) The careful allotment of land was intended to promote peace and stability among the tribes.

Spiritual Application: We are called to use our gifts and talents to serve others and contribute to the well-being of the community. Just as the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh were entrusted with specific responsibilities, we must be faithful stewards of what God has given us.

Deuteronomy 3:21-29 – Moses’ Plea and God’s Denial

Deuteronomy 3:21-29 (KJV): “And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you. And I besought the Lord at that time, saying, O Lord God, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the Lord was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the Lord said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan. But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see. So we abode in the valley over against Bethpeor.”

This section reveals the heart of the chapter: Moses’ fervent plea to enter the Promised Land and God’s unwavering denial. Moses reminds Joshua of God’s past victories, encouraging him to trust in divine assistance as he leads the Israelites forward. Moses’ own longing to see “the good land…that goodly mountain, and Lebanon” is palpable. His passionate request underscores his deep connection to the promise and his desire to experience it firsthand.

However, God’s response is firm: “Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.” This denial, attributed to God’s “wrath” for the sake of the Israelites, is often interpreted as a consequence of Moses’ disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:1-13), where he struck the rock instead of speaking to it, thereby failing to properly sanctify God before the people. This act of disobedience, though seemingly minor, had profound implications, demonstrating a lack of complete trust in God’s power.

God’s instruction to Moses to ascend Mount Pisgah and view the land from afar offers a bittersweet consolation. Though he would not personally enter the Promised Land, he would be granted a panoramic vision of its beauty and bounty. This act also highlights the importance of perspective and acceptance of God’s will, even when it diverges from our own desires.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa, in his *Life of Moses*, interprets Moses’ denial as a symbolic representation of the limitations of the Old Covenant: “Ὁ Μωϋσῆς οὐκ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν γῆν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας, ἵνα δείξῃ ὅτι ὁ νόμος οὐ δύναται τελειῶσαι.” (Moses did not enter the land of promise, to show that the law cannot perfect.) Moses’ inability to enter the land points to the need for a greater leader and a more complete covenant – ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Application: We must learn to accept God’s will, even when it is difficult. Like Moses, we may face disappointments and unfulfilled desires. However, we must trust that God’s plan for our lives is ultimately good and that He will provide us with the grace and strength to persevere. Focus on the blessings that we do have. The emphasis on Joshua highlights the importance of passing the torch and mentoring future leaders. Moses’ willingness to empower Joshua, even in the face of his own disappointment, demonstrates true leadership and selflessness.

Reflections on Moses’ Unfulfilled Promise 💡

Moses’ story in Deuteronomy 3 offers several profound spiritual insights:

• Obedience is Paramount: Even a single act of disobedience can have significant consequences. Moses’ failure to properly sanctify God at Meribah resulted in his exclusion from the Promised Land.
• God’s Justice and Mercy: God’s denial of Moses’ request demonstrates His unwavering commitment to justice. However, His allowing Moses to view the land from Pisgah reveals His mercy and compassion.
• Contentment in Serving: Moses, despite his disappointment, remained faithful to God and continued to serve His people. This teaches us the importance of finding contentment in serving God’s purpose, even when it differs from our own desires.
• Leadership and Succession: The passing of leadership from Moses to Joshua underscores the importance of preparing future generations to carry on the work of God.
• Perspective and Acceptance: God’s instruction to Moses to view the land from afar offers a perspective on acceptance. It highlights the need to trust in God’s plan, even when we do not fully understand it.
• The Limitations of the Old Covenant: As the Fathers teach, Moses’ inability to enter the Promised Land symbolizes the limitations of the Old Covenant and the need for a greater leader and a more complete covenant in Christ.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why was Moses denied entry into the Promised Land?

A: While Moses was a righteous man, he disobeyed God at Meribah by striking the rock instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20:1-13). This act of disobedience, though seemingly small, demonstrated a lack of complete trust in God’s power and prevented him from properly sanctifying God before the people. Therefore, he was not allowed to enter the land.

Q: What is the significance of God allowing Moses to view the Promised Land from Mount Pisgah?

A: Allowing Moses to view the land from afar was an act of mercy and compassion. Though he could not personally experience the fulfillment of the promise, he was granted a vision of its beauty and bounty. This also highlighted the importance of perspective and acceptance of God’s will.

Q: What lessons can we learn from Moses’ story in Deuteronomy 3?

A: Moses’ story teaches us about the importance of obedience, God’s justice and mercy, contentment in serving, leadership and succession, perspective and acceptance, and the limitations of the Old Covenant. We must strive to be obedient to God’s commands, trust in His plan for our lives, and find contentment in serving His purpose, even when it differs from our own desires.

Q: How does this chapter connect to Coptic Orthodox theology?

A: This chapter is full of relevant points for the Coptic Orthodox understanding of obedience, humility, and God’s will. The example of Moses’ acceptance of God’s plan (even when it wasn’t what he wanted) is a powerful challenge to modern Christians who should strive for similar acceptance and obedience.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 3, with its narrative of victory and denial, presents a complex and compelling reflection on God’s character and human limitations. The triumph over Og underscores God’s unwavering faithfulness, while Moses’ denied request serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience. The key takeaway from Victory Over Og and Moses’ Unfulfilled Promise is that we must learn to accept God’s will, even when it is difficult, trusting that His plan for our lives is ultimately good. Moses’ story challenges us to find contentment in serving God, even when our own desires are not fulfilled. This chapter is a call to humility, obedience, and unwavering faith.

Tags

Deuteronomy, Moses, Og, Bashan, Promised Land, Obedience, Faith, Disobedience, Coptic Orthodox, Bible Commentary, Spiritual Application, Leadership

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Explore Deuteronomy 3 with a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover the lessons of victory, denial, and faithfulness in the story of Moses and Og. Victory Over Og and Moses’ Unfulfilled Promise and God’s plan!