Deuteronomy 3:10 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 3:10 mean?

Deuteronomy 3:10 lists the regions and cities that were conquered by the Israelites from King Og of Bashan, including all the cities on the plain, the territory of Gilead, and Bashan itself, reaching as far as the cities of Salchah and Edrei. The verse highlights the full extent of the land taken from Og’s kingdom during Israel’s journey to the Promised Land.

In this verse, Moses is recounting to the Israelites how God enabled them to defeat Og, king of Bashan, and take possession of his territory. The setting is Moses speaking to the new generation of Israelites as they prepare to enter Canaan, reminding them of God’s past help and the specific lands now under their control. The mention of well-known cities and regions would have helped the listeners understand the size and significance of this victory.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 3:10

• עָרִים (ʿārîm, "cities"): This word emphasizes that not just isolated towns but entire urban centers were captured, showing the thoroughness of Israel’s conquest.
• הַמִּישֹׁר (hammîshōr, "the plain"): This term refers to the flat, fertile lands, highlighting that the Israelites gained valuable agricultural territory, not just barren land.
• גִּלְעָד (Gilʿāḏ, "Gilead") and בָּשָׁן (Bāshān, "Bashan"): These are well-known regions east of the Jordan River, known for their rich pasturelands, making the conquest even more significant.
• סַלְכָּה (Salkāh, "Salchah") and אֶדְרֶעִי (Edreʿī, "Edrei"): Naming these specific cities marks the boundaries of the territory, showing the full reach of Israel’s victory over Og.

Why Deuteronomy 3:10 matters

• Deuteronomy 3:10 clarifies that Israel’s conquest was not partial or limited to a few villages but included major cities and entire regions, emphasizing the completeness of their victory.
• The verse connects the conquest of Og’s kingdom to the larger story of Israel’s journey, showing God’s faithfulness in giving them substantial, fertile land as promised.
• By naming specific cities and regions, Deuteronomy 3:10 helps later readers and listeners understand the historical and geographical reality of these events, grounding the story in real places.