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THE CONQUEST OF SIHON, KING OF HESHBON (II)
FRIDAY, JULY 16
Deuteronomy 2:24-37

Jeremiah 16:14-18

 

“…The LORD liveth, that
brought up the children of Israel

out of the land of Egypt.”

 

THE CONQUEST OF SIHON, KING OF HESHBON (II)
 
Moses sends messengers to Sihon: Moses, desiring peaceful means, sent messengers to Sihon to seek terms for their co-existence. But the king of Hesbon would not agree. If he had agreed to the peaceful approach, confrontation would have been avoided and they would live in peace with one another. Moses had requested that they pass through the king’s land by the highway only. But the king did not trust Moses. Moses offered them the same terms as he had offered the other nations. Israel was prepared to pay for anything they might use on their way through the host nation.
 
Moses said, “Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet; (As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me;) until I shall pass over Jordan into the land which the LORD our God giveth us” (Deut 2:28-29). But Sihon turned down that offer and did not anticipate that he would be at a disadvantage against Israel. He was not ignorant of God’s deeds with the other nations and His miracles before the Egyptians. Nevertheless, Sihon acted as any king would: he stood in defence of his nation to the very end, trusting no one.
 
This may be worthwhile in some circumstances, but in this case it was God who ordered the battle and there was no chance that Sihon could win against the house of Jacob. It was proper and right for Moses to offer the terms of peace, but the king of Heshbon refused. Thus, his destruction had to come. Moses said that God hardened Sihon’s spirit and made his heart stubborn that He might deliver Sihon to the hand of Israel. The Canaanites and these other nations were destined for destruction, not merely because the Lord wanted to create room for Israel. These people had rejected God and had to be punished for their ungodliness. Even Israel had to be sent into captivity many years later because of their rejection of God. The Lord restored Judah afterwards because He had a purpose.
 
THOUGHT: God orders the destiny of people and nations.

PRAYER: Father, grant me understanding of Thy will in all situations.

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