Deuteronomy 2:24-37
Q.1. How did Moses make his appeal to Sihon, King of Heshbon? For what reason did the king respond negatively? What does this teach us? (Dt.2:24-30)
Moses approached Sihon, king of Heshbon, graciously. Israel would stick to the main trade route, buy food from them, and pay for the water they used. However, as God promised – This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples everywhere under the heavens, who, when they hear the report of you, will tremble and be in anguish because of you.’ (Deut.2:25). Sihon refused to let Israel pass through – … the Lord your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, in order to deliver him into your hand, as he is today (Deut.2:30). This reminds us that in all our dealings with people, we must learn to see the hand of God in all their attitudes, actions, and reactions. We need to trust the sovereign Lord to work all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom.8:28).
Q.2. By what battle-plan did Israel succeed? What limitations were placed on Israel by God? (Dt.2:31-37)
Rather than allowing Israel to pass through his territory, Sihon attacked the nation. Israel defended itself as best as it could. Victory was assured, because – the Lord our God delivered him over to us, and we defeated him with his sons and all his people … … there was no city that was too high for us; the Lord our God delivered all over to us (Deut.2:33 & 36). Though they plundered the nations whom they had defeated, God had placed a prohibition on Israel – Only you did not go near to the land of the sons of Ammon, all along the river Jabbok and the cities of the hill country, and wherever the Lord our God had commanded us (Deut.2:37).