After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:

DEUTERONOMY 1:4KJV
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Deuteronomy 1:4 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 1:4 mean?

Deuteronomy 1:4 marks a specific moment in Israel’s history, noting that Moses spoke to the people after the defeat of two significant kings: Sihon of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and Og of Bashan, who lived in Astaroth and Edrei. This verse sets the timing for Moses’ message, showing it came after these important victories.

Moses is addressing the Israelites as they are camped on the edge of the Promised Land, recalling how God helped them conquer these two powerful rulers. The verse highlights the turning point when Israel moved from wandering in the wilderness to beginning to take possession of the land God promised, emphasizing that these victories were fresh in their memory.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 1:4

  • סִיחוֹן (Sihon, transliterated "Sichon") and עוֹג (Og, transliterated "Og"): These are the names of the two kings Israel defeated. Mentioning them by name underlines the historical reality and the significance of these victories for Israel’s confidence.
  • יָשַׁב (yashav, “dwelt”): This word is used for both kings, showing their established rule in their respective cities—Heshbon and Astaroth/Edrei. It emphasizes that Israel overcame rulers who were settled and secure in their territories, not just wandering tribes.
  • חֶשְׁבּוֹן (Heshbon, transliterated "Cheshbon") and בָּשָׁן (Bashan, transliterated "Bashan"): Naming the regions gives geographical context, reminding readers that these were real places and the victories were concrete events.

Why Deuteronomy 1:4 matters

  • This verse clears up when Moses’ speech in Deuteronomy takes place: after Israel’s first major military successes, not before, which helps the reader understand the mood and confidence of the people.
  • By naming the defeated kings and their cities, the verse emphasizes the scale of what Israel accomplished, showing that God’s promises were being fulfilled in real, tangible ways.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by reminding the Israelites—and the reader—of God’s faithfulness and power, setting the stage for the instructions and reminders Moses is about to give in the rest of Deuteronomy.

Where else these words appear

“Edrei” Hebrew H154 · used in 8 verses

  • Numbers 21:33 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.
  • Deuteronomy 3:10 All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
  • Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.

“Astaroth” Hebrew H6252 · used in 12 verses

  • Joshua 9:10 And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth.
  • Joshua 13:31 And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
  • 1 Samuel 7:4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.

“Og” Hebrew H5747 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 21:33 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.
  • Deuteronomy 3:13 And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.
  • Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.

“Sihon” Hebrew H5511 · used in 34 verses

  • Numbers 21:21 And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
  • Deuteronomy 2:31 And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.
  • Joshua 13:10 And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;