Sihon

Sihon was the Amorite king of Heshbon, a significant figure in the Old Testament narrative concerning the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. His kingdom was located east of the Jordan River, encompassing a region that was strategically important for the Israelites as they approached Canaan.

The account of Sihon is primarily found in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy. In Numbers 21:21-24 , the Israelites, led by Moses, sent messengers to Sihon with a request to pass through his land peacefully: "Let us pass through your land. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, nor drink water from any well. We will stay on the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory." However, Sihon refused to allow them passage and instead mobilized his army to confront Israel. This led to a battle at Jahaz, where the Israelites defeated Sihon and took possession of his land.

The victory over Sihon is significant in the biblical narrative as it marks the beginning of Israel's conquest of territories east of the Jordan. Deuteronomy 2:31-33 recounts God's assurance to Moses: "See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land." The defeat of Sihon demonstrated God's faithfulness and power in fulfilling His promises to Israel.

Og

Og was the king of Bashan, another formidable ruler whose territory lay north of Sihon's kingdom. Like Sihon, Og's kingdom was located east of the Jordan River, and he is described as one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants. The narrative of Og is closely linked with that of Sihon, as both kings opposed Israel's passage to the Promised Land.

The encounter with Og is detailed in Numbers 21:33-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-7 . After defeating Sihon, the Israelites turned their attention to Og. The Lord reassured Moses, saying, "Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land" (Deuteronomy 3:2). The Israelites engaged Og in battle at Edrei and achieved a decisive victory, capturing all his cities and leaving no survivors.

Og's defeat further solidified Israel's control over the Transjordan region, and his kingdom was divided among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The conquest of Og's territory is often highlighted in Scripture as a testament to God's might and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. Psalm 135:11 and Psalm 136:20 both commemorate the victories over Sihon and Og as acts of divine intervention and mercy.

The accounts of Sihon and Og serve as reminders of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to His people. Their defeats were pivotal in the establishment of Israel in the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.