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THE CONQUEST OF SIHON, KING OF HESHBON (IV)
LORD’S DAY, JULY 18
Deuteronomy 2:24-37

Romans 1:18-20

 

“For the wrath of God is revealed
from heaven against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men…”

 

THE CONQUEST OF SIHON, KING OF HESHBON (IV)
 
Israel destroyed Sihon and all his cities: God delivered Sihon, his sons and all his people into the hand of Israel. Their cities were taken and all their people were utterly destroyed and none remained. Israel took their cattle as spoil, i.e. the prize of war. They destroyed all the cities from Aroer to Arnon, and none was too strong for Israel.
 
The security of the cities in those days depended on the strength of their walls, and the strength of skilled soldiers who manned those walls. However, as in any war, there is always a strategy to defeat the enemy. Israel won the battle not because they were stronger than the men of Heshbon, but because God aided them with wisdom and they overcame their enemy. When God stretches out His hand, great cities and fortification fall like a house of cards. This was the case for those cities of Heshbon. The Lord had specifically earmarked only the cities of Sihon for destruction at this point and gave express command to that effect. He told Israel not to come to the land of Ammon and the river Jabbok and also to every land that God forbad. Moses reminded Israel of this victory because he was going to leave them soon, and Joshua was to take over the leadership. They still had a task ahead of them to capture the land of Canaan and the battles would be similar to those that they fought. Their hearts had to be prepared for that task.
 
Throughout Bible history there are stories of great nations that have come and gone because they did not honour God. In the current episode, it was the land of Heshbon’s turn to go. It was the same later for Israel, when they transgressed the law of God and worshipped idols. They were delivered into the hands of other nations. God is the King of nations and He raises kings and puts down others. His direction for Israel was sure. In building God’s kingdom, victory is sure as Christ fights for His own. Come to Christ and you are a victor. The work of witnessing for Christ is every believer’s duty. God will use even your weakness to bring someone to salvation. Are you ready to fight for the Lord?
 
THOUGHT: Believers in Christ are members of the everlasting Kingdom of God.
PRAYER: Father, may I ever be assured that Jesus is mine.

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