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LESSON 458

 

MOSES RECOUNTS ISRAEL’S EXPERIENCES

MEMORY VERSE: “Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22).

 

TEXT: Deuteronomy 3:1-29

 

At the end of the previous chapter, Moses rehearsed Israel’s conquest of the land of the Amorites, towards the eastern side of Jordan. They defeated Sihon the king of Heshbon and took all his land but spared the Ammonites as God directed them. In our text, he continued his historical prologue by reviewing the defeat of Og, king of Bashan. He also recalled how the land east of Jordan was shared; he made a touching remark on his own exclusion from the land of promise also.

    The primary reason Moses recounted these experiences was to instill faith and obedience in the hearts of the children of Israel, majority of whom as at the time of the events were either not yet born or were too young to comprehend divine workings among them. So, it was not a matter of repeating history for its sake, but to point out to the new generation that God who helped them to defeat powerful nations and gave them their lands would still be able to help them conquer the land beyond Jordan. All they needed was faith in God, obedience to His commands and courage.

 

THE DEFEAT OF OG, KING OF BASHAN (Deuteronomy 3:1-11; Numbers 21:33-35; Deuteronomy 31:3-6; Psalm 135:10-12; 136:17-22).

 

    After the defeat of Sihon, king of Heshbon, Israel had to confront Og the king of Bashan. He also was an Amorite and his army was reputed for great exploits in battle. They were well-organized and dreaded by the surrounding  nations. Og was a descendant of the giants. Many of the cities in his kingdom were fenced with high walls, gates and bars. As an indication of his terrifying size, his bedstead was said to be more than thirteen feet (four metres) long, and six feet (almost two metres) wide. The physical appearance of Og and his people could make the children of Israel quake, so God had to encourage them that He would deliver him into their hands and they would do to him as they had done to Sihon.

    It was usual for God to tell His people “fear not” whenever they are faced with a difficult opposition. Though the enemy may appear stronger, invincible and better equipped, God’s people need not fear because the Lord God Himself is with them to fight their battles. And no enemy, however powerful, can withstand God. He said to His people: “when thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them; for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt…” (Deuteronomy 20:1). The priest shall also speak to the army of Israel “and shall say unto them… let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; for the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you” (Deuteronomy 20:1,3,4). As a matter of fact, the enemies of Israel were already afraid of them because God had earlier promised to make them tremble before Israel (Exodus 15:14-16; Deuteronomy 2:25). Therefore, it would be sheer  ignorance to fear those who were already afraid of them.

 

Question 1: Why should believers not be afraid of serious challenges of life?

                    At different times we are faced with difficulties which may seem to be beyond our natural strength. It may be spiritual or physical but whatever it is, God’s word is “fear not”. Fear is produced by a sense of danger or trouble. It can kill or damage a person’s physical body and affect his personality as well. In most cases, fear disorganizes the thought processes, paralyzes and immobilizes the limbs, and impedes urgent, intelligent response to emergencies. Fear can keep a person from evangelizing or from using God’s power to solve life’s problems; and unfortunately, most times, our fears are often unfounded.

 

 

there is none. But as believers, we must learn to conquer our fear by putting our faith in God and in His promises. On the other hand, faith is a settled assurance that God will fulfill His promises and help us at the right time. He said, “I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? And where is the furry of the oppressor?” (Isaiah 51:12,13).

    Another reason believers must not fear is because God is with us in every crisis of life. No matter the challenge we face, He is with us to help, guide and protect.  Therefore, like the psalmist, we should be confident and confess that, “The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”; and, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help, and that right early” (Psalm 27:1; 46:1,2,5).

    Despite the fact that Og and his kingdom posed a formidable obstacle to Israel, God delivered them into their hands and gave Israel a spectacular victory. As believers, we should always remember that the battle is the Lord’s and He will deliver the enemy into our hands if we obey Him.

 

THE DIVISION OF THE LAND ON THE EAST OF JORDAN (Deuteronomy 3:12-20; Numbers 32:1-5, 16-33; Joshua 13:15-20, 24-28; 22:1-9).

 

    With the defeat of Sihon and Og the kings of the Amorites, the children of Israel secured the land on the east of Jordan. Then Moses recalled how the land was distributed to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manasseh according to their request because of their livestock. Though granted, the request was with a proviso that these tribes would not settle in their inheritance until they had assisted others to secure theirs.

Question 2: What lessons can we learn from the arrangement to urge the two and a half tribes of Israel to go over Jordan to help other tribes secure their inheritance?

 

 

    Through the directive, Moses wanted them to be selfless and considerate in their dealings with others. He did not expect them to feel unconcerned about the conquest of the land beyond Jordan simply because they had already received their own inheritance. In the same way, believers should not think of their own welfare alone because there are no challenges presently. Second, there is need to support and cooperate with one another as we fight the battles of life. We must unite to confront the hordes of darkness. Third, we have a responsibility to help others in every way we can so that they can succeed as we do. Fourth, believers should be willing to go the extra mile to avoid being a stumbling block to others. The two and a half tribes had to prove that they were not exploiters and opportunists who only took advantage of the labour of the entire congregation to secure their own inheritance, while abandoning others to their own fate.

    Fifth, the arrangement challenges believers to be ready to sacrifice in helping others. These two and a half tribes would need to sacrifice fellowship with their families until other tribes secured their land. 

    It is worthy of note that in recounting the giving of the land east of Jordan to the two and a half tribes, Moses did not refer to the misunderstanding of intentions that characterized the event when it happened (Numbers 32:16-33). Instead, he said, “And this land, which was possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto Reubenites, and to the Gadites, And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh” (Deuteronomy 3:12,13a). “And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it” (verse 18). The implication of all this is very clear: Moses would not call to mind matters that had been settled which would add no value to the goal of his message. As far as he was concerned, there was no need to trade blames over past issues. Moreover, since  God allowed the two and a half tribes to be given the land in question, it could be rightly said that He had given them the land to possess it.  

  

DIVINE PUNISHMENT AGAINST MOSES (Deuteronomy 3:21-29; 1:37,38; 4:21,22; Numbers 20:11-13; 27:12-14; Psalm 106:32,33).

 

    After recounting his directive to the two and a half tribes, Moses seemed to turn to his successor admonishing him to be of good courage and execute God’s project of delivering the land into their hands.

    Then he remembered how God turned down his plea to be allowed to cross over Jordan into Canaan; how he was told not to pray anymore about the matter because it was fait accompli. Instead, he was to transfer the mantle of leadership to Joshua and encourage him to lead the people into their possession. Moses obeyed without further argument and charged Joshua not to fear but remember what the Lord had done to the two kings. He reminded him of the past victories which God had given to Israel as a strong basis to trust Him for future victories. “Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22). In effect, he pointed Joshua to the promises of God as well as the testimonies of what He had done for Israel.

    Moses’ failure to enter Canaan is very instructive for all believers. One, he spoke unadvisedly because the people provoked him (Psalm 106:32,33). In anger, he struck the Rock when he should have spoken to it (Numbers 20:7-13). We should beware lest other people’s actions lead us to sin. Two, when Israel sinned Moses interceded on their behalf, and God heard him (Exodus 32:7-14, 30-32). However, when he sinned, there was no one to intercede for him. Members of the church should pray for their leaders always. Paul the apostle was always requesting that the churches pray for him (Romans 15:30-32; Ephesians 6:18,19; I Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 2:1,2; Hebrews 13:18,19).

          Three, when Moses prayed for himself, his request was denied, though he was importunate, reasonable and God-honouring. We must reckon with God’s overruling will, sovereignty and His justice when we pray and be willing to submit to Him.

    Four, it is obvious that God is no respecter of persons. Though Moses was greatly beloved and intimate with God, he was not spared when he sinned. No matter an individual’s rank in the church, God will not spare when sin is found. Five, sin prevented him from reaching the final goal of his ministry despite his labour and great sacrifice.

    The case of Moses remained a serious warning to succeeding generations that though God is plenteous in mercy, He is also fearful in judgment. But if we remain in Christ and hold on to Him till the end, we shall surely succeed in life and ministry.

 

Question 3: Explain how believers can avoid Moses’ mistake.

 

    In spite of the failure of Moses to enter Canaan, his life of practical holiness and openness is exemplary. He was not ashamed to admit openly that he made a mistake and that God rejected his prayer. Many people are too conscious of their own reputation and esteem before men that they can never openly admit their fault. They prefer to share their positive exploits and the good side of their lives.

    Like Moses, there should be no shame in openly admitting that we have been chastened for our mistake and carelessness. Besides his openness, Moses did not complain because God denied his request; rather, he was ready to confirm Joshua as Israel’s new leader.

 

Question 4: What is the evidence that Moses got to heaven, though he did not enter Canaan?

                   On His part, God re-assured Moses that despite the denial, he would not be a cast away. God, in mercy, allowed him to climb to the top of Pisgah to view the Promised Land. And he saw it, even before the Israelites who would later possess it. Much more than that, Moses got to heaven. He had the honour of appearing with Jesus at His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3; Mark 9:2-4). We should realize that the chief end of all spiritual experience is to get to heaven at last. “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:11).