And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:

DEUTERONOMY 29:7KJV
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Deuteronomy 29:7 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 29:7 mean?

Deuteronomy 29:7 recalls how, when the Israelites arrived near the promised land, two local kings—Sihon of Heshbon and Og of Bashan—came out to fight them, but the Israelites defeated these kings in battle. This verse highlights a specific moment when God enabled Israel to overcome powerful enemies on their journey.

Moses is speaking to the people of Israel, reminding them of events that happened as they traveled toward Canaan. The verse points to real historical encounters with Sihon and Og, two well-known rulers east of the Jordan River, emphasizing that Israel’s victories were not accidental but part of God’s ongoing help and faithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 29:7

  • "came" (בּוֹא, bo) means to arrive or enter. Here, it refers to the Israelites reaching the area near the promised land, setting the stage for these battles.
  • "battle" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah) means war or combat. This word underlines that these were not minor skirmishes but significant military confrontations.
  • "smote" (נָכָה, nakah) means to strike or defeat. The use of this word shows that Israel’s victory was decisive and complete, not just a narrow escape.

Why Deuteronomy 29:7 matters

  • This verse reminds readers that Israel’s journey to the promised land involved real dangers and opposition, not just a peaceful migration.
  • By naming Sihon and Og, the verse connects to earlier stories in Numbers and Deuteronomy, reinforcing the theme of God’s faithfulness in helping Israel overcome powerful foes.
  • The verse sets up the context for the covenant renewal that follows, showing that Israel’s current position is the result of God’s past actions and victories on their behalf.

Where else these words appear

“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 3:11 For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.
  • 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 2:30 But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.
  • 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;

“Heshbon” Hebrew H2809 · used in 37 verses

  • Numbers 21:25 And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.
  • Deuteronomy 3:2 And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
  • Judges 11:19 And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of Heshbon; and Israel said unto him, Let us pass, we pray thee, through thy land into my place.

“Bashan” Hebrew H1316 · used in 53 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.
  • Joshua 13:11 And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;
  • 1 Chronicles 6:62 And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.