What does Deuteronomy 31:4 mean?

And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed. Deuteronomy 31:4

Explanation

Deuteronomy 31:4 refers to a promise made by God to the Israelites, as conveyed by Moses, that He will deal with their future adversaries in the same way He managed Sihon and Og, the Amorite kings. The Amorites were an ancient people who occupied the land east of the Jordan River, which the Israelites sought to pass through on their way to the Promised Land. Sihon and Og were defeated in battle by Israel through divine intervention as recounted in the Book of Numbers (21:21-35). This verse reassures the Israelites that God will continue to aid them in conquering their enemies as they move to take possession of the land He has promised to them.

Historical Context

Deuteronomy is set in the context of the Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. The book contains Moses’ farewell addresses to the people, reiterating the laws and covenants, and reminding them of God’s faithfulness and the need for obedience. The mention of Sihon and Og recalls events from the earlier period of the Israelite exodus, representing victories that resulted from divine support rather than military might alone.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse reflects the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations, suggesting that God’s purpose will prevail over His enemies. It also emphasizes God’s faithfulness and the continuity of His actions; what He did before, He can and will do again. In the broader redemptive narrative, it underscores the concept of trusting in Divine providence and the fulfillment of His promises.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, believers can find comfort in the idea that the same God who acted in biblical times remains active and faithful today. This message encourages faithfulness and trust in God’s promises and protection. In times of difficulty or opposition, this verse can be seen as an assurance that God is capable of delivering those who rely on Him, as He has done throughout history.

Cross-References

• Numbers 21:24: “And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.”
• Numbers 21:33-35: “And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei. And the Lord said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.”
• Joshua 2:10: “For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.”
• Psalms 135:10-12: “Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings; Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan: And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.”

Language Study

Key Hebrew words in this passage include:

• “YHWH” (יהוה), often rendered as “LORD,” the Tetragrammaton or the personal name of the God of Israel.
• “Asah” (עָשָׂה), which means “did” or “to do,” connoting the actions performed by God against the enemies of Israel.
• “Shamad” (שָׁמַד), translated as “destroyed,” implies a complete eradication or annihilation in this context, indicating the totality of God’s victory over the Amorite kings.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, many ancient Near Eastern cultures held beliefs in warrior gods who led their people to victory in battles, such as the Mesopotamian god Marduk or the Canaanite god Baal. The Hebrew Bible emphasizes that there is one supreme God who not only leads in battle but also upholds a moral code and covenant relationship with His people, which differentiates the Israelite religion from surrounding practices.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse does not directly intersect with scientific inquiry. The focus is on historical events perceived as divine acts rather than natural phenomena. However, archaeology may provide insights into the historical existence of the Amorites, the geopolitics of the region, and the nature of warfare during the period.

commentaries

Commentaries on this verse focus on the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people and the repeated assurance that what God has done in the past serves as a template for what He can do in the future. The Matthew Henry Commentary notes the importance of remembering past mercies as encouragements to further trust in God. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges highlights the direct link between God’s past actions and the hoped-for victories in Canaan. Overall, experts view this verse as an indication of God’s consistency and reliability in His interactions with humanity, specifically with the Israelites during their conquests.