Deuteronomy 3 Commentary

Moses continues the history lesson. Now, he recounts Israel’s victory over King Og of Bashan.

Moses reminds the Israelites of how they defeated King Sihon and King Og, and captured their territories. With the defeat of Og, the giant race called “Rephaim” was completely gone.

Moses recalls the distribution of the territory of King Sihon to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the distribution of the territory of Og to the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Moses restates his response to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh after he had distributed the land east of Jordan to them. Moses said that he commanded them to help the remaining tribes in conquering the west side of Jordan. Then, he encouraged Joshua to cross over the Jordan with the people.

Moses recalls his impassioned plea to God. He pleads with the LORD that he be allowed to enter Canaan with the new generation of Israelites. Although God precludes Moses from entering the Promised Land, He graciously allows him to view the land from afar. Joshua, the successor of Moses, is the one who enjoys the privilege of leading the Israelites to Canaan.