Thoughts on Deuteronomy 3
And we took all his cities at that time; there was not a city which we did not take from them: sixty cities, 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…
Remembering God’s past faithfulness is key to present and future victory. Moses reminded the people of two important victories that God won for Israel. He recounted the battle against the well-trained army of Og, king of Bashan. The israelites hardly stood a chance. But they won because God fought for them, thereby giving them territories to occupy on the East of the Jordan.
This must have brought more encouragement to Joshua and ruled out any fear as he prepared to lead the people of Israel into the promised land.
Having an assurance that they will overcome enemies on the other side of the Jordan as well(vs 21-22). Sometimes our present battles may be overwhelming but they must not blind us to our past victories. We can choose to remember the many battles God previously won for us when we stood no chance against the enemy.
We are to be confident that through God, we will always win. God can help us regardless of the challenges we face. No matter how insurmountable those obstacles may seem, God remains faithful and will keep His promises.
Our battles may not be against godless armies, but they are just as real as those highlighted. Whether we are resisting temptation or battling fear, God has promised to fight with and for us as we obey Him.
The chapter also provides a good example to churches and organisations who must eventually replace their leaders, as we look at verses 26-28. God made it clear that Moses would not enter the promised land(Num 20:12).
He instructed him to commission Joshua as the new leader and to encourage him in his new role. Good leaders prepare their people to function without them by discovering those with leadership potential, providing the training they need, and looking for ways to encourage them.
