Joshua 9:10

and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan--Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth.

Study Bible

and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan—
This phrase refers to the miraculous victories God granted the Israelites over the Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. These events are recorded in Numbers 21:21-35 and Deuteronomy 2:24-3:11. The Amorites were a significant Canaanite group, and their defeat demonstrated God's power and faithfulness to His promises. The phrase "beyond the Jordan" indicates the region east of the Jordan River, which was initially outside the land of Canaan but was later allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.

Sihon king of Heshbon
Sihon was the king of the Amorite city-state of Heshbon. His refusal to allow Israel passage through his land led to a battle in which Israel, under God's guidance, defeated him and took possession of his territory. Heshbon became a significant city in the region, and its conquest is a testament to God's provision and the fulfillment of His promise to give Israel the land of their enemies. This victory is also mentioned in Psalm 135:11 and Psalm 136:19, highlighting its importance in Israel's history.

and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth.
Og was the king of Bashan, a region known for its fortified cities and giants (Deuteronomy 3:4-5, 11). His defeat was significant due to his reputation and the strength of his kingdom. Ashtaroth, where Og reigned, was a major city in Bashan and a center of worship for the Canaanite goddess Astarte. The victory over Og is frequently referenced in the Old Testament (e.g., Deuteronomy 3:1-11, Psalm 135:11, Psalm 136:20) as a demonstration of God's might and a precursor to the conquest of Canaan. The defeat of these kings served as a type of Christ's ultimate victory over spiritual enemies, showcasing God's sovereignty and the deliverance He provides for His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sihon, King of Heshbon
Sihon was the Amorite king who ruled over Heshbon. He was defeated by the Israelites under Moses' leadership as they journeyed to the Promised Land.

2. Og, King of Bashan
Og was another Amorite king, ruling over Bashan. Like Sihon, he was defeated by the Israelites, and his territory was taken as part of Israel's inheritance.

3. Heshbon
A significant city in the territory of the Amorites, which became part of the land allotted to the tribe of Reuben.

4. Bashan
A fertile region known for its strong cities and giant inhabitants. It was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh.

5. Ashtaroth
A city in Bashan, associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Astarte. It was part of Og's kingdom.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
The defeat of Sihon and Og demonstrates God's sovereign power and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises to Israel. Believers can trust in God's ability to overcome obstacles in their lives.

The Importance of Obedience
The victories over these kings were possible because of Israel's obedience to God's commands. Obedience to God is crucial for experiencing His blessings and victories.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as Israel faced physical battles, Christians face spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages believers to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.

God's Provision and Inheritance
The land taken from Sihon and Og became part of Israel's inheritance. This reminds believers of the spiritual inheritance promised to them in Christ, as described in Ephesians 1:11-14.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the victories over Sihon and Og illustrate God's faithfulness to His promises? Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life.

2. In what ways can the account of Sihon and Og encourage you to trust God in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges?

3. How does the concept of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6 relate to the physical battles faced by Israel? What steps can you take to prepare for spiritual battles in your own life?

4. What does the allocation of the land of Sihon and Og to the tribes of Israel teach us about God's provision? How can you apply this understanding to your current circumstances?

5. Reflect on the importance of obedience in the account of Israel's victories. How can you cultivate a heart of obedience in your daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 21:21-35
This passage details the Israelites' encounters and battles with Sihon and Og, providing context for their defeat and the significance of these victories in Israel's journey to the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 3:1-11
Moses recounts the defeat of Og and the allocation of his land to the tribes of Israel, emphasizing God's power and faithfulness in delivering these victories.

Psalm 135:10-12
This psalm praises God for His mighty acts, including the defeat of Sihon and Og, highlighting His enduring love and faithfulness to Israel.