Deuteronomy 3 21

Deuteronomy 3:21 kjv

And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.

Deuteronomy 3:21 nkjv

"And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, 'Your eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings; so will the LORD do to all the kingdoms through which you pass.

Deuteronomy 3:21 niv

At that time I commanded Joshua: "You have seen with your own eyes all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings. The LORD will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going.

Deuteronomy 3:21 esv

And I commanded Joshua at that time, 'Your eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings. So will the LORD do to all the kingdoms into which you are crossing.

Deuteronomy 3:21 nlt

"At that time I gave Joshua this charge: 'You have seen for yourself everything the LORD your God has done to these two kings. He will do the same to all the kingdoms on the west side of the Jordan.

Deuteronomy 3 verses

Deuteronomy 3 21 Meaning

Deuteronomy 3:21 is Moses' charge to Joshua, his chosen successor, assuring him of God's continued power and victory in the coming conquest of Canaan. Moses points to the recent defeat of two powerful kings, Sihon and Og, as irrefutable evidence of God's might and faithfulness. This serves as a promise and a divine mandate, reinforcing that the same God who fought for Israel against those formidable rulers will empower Joshua to overcome all future kingdoms they will encounter in the promised land. The verse conveys encouragement, a call to courage based on past divine intervention, and the assurance of God's unfailing presence and action on behalf of His people.

Deuteronomy 3 21 Context

Deuteronomy 3:21 occurs as Moses nears the end of his life and ministry, on the plains of Moab, just east of the Jordan River. Chapters 1-4 of Deuteronomy constitute Moses' first major discourse to the Israelites, reviewing their journey from Horeb (Sinai) and emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness and commands. Specifically, Chapter 3 recounts the conquest of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan – two powerful adversaries whose territories were effectively taken by Israel. This successful conquest serves as the immediate historical backdrop for Moses' address to Joshua. Moses is passing the mantle of leadership to Joshua, who will lead the nation into the promised land. In this crucial moment of transition, Moses charges Joshua by drawing upon Israel's recent history, affirming God's power and pledging His continued presence for future battles.

Deuteronomy 3 21 Word analysis

• "And I charged Joshua" (וָאֲצַוֶּה אֶת־יְהוֹשׁוּעַ – va'atzavveh et-Yehoshua):

  • "charged" (וָאֲצַוֶּה – va'atzavveh): From the Hebrew root צָוָה (tzavah), meaning "to command," "to ordain," "to instruct," or "to appoint." This is a strong verb, indicating a formal, authoritative, and binding directive. It's more than merely telling; it signifies Moses' commissioning of Joshua under God's authority, much like God gives commands. This highlights the weight and divine origin of Joshua's mission.
  • "Joshua" (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ – Yehoshua): Meaning "The LORD is salvation" or "Yahweh saves." This name itself carries prophetic significance, underscoring that Israel's future success will not be by their might, but by the salvific power of God through His chosen leader. Joshua is established as Moses' legitimate and divinely-appointed successor.

• "at that time" (בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֗יא – ba'et hahiy): This phrase refers to the immediate period after the defeat of Sihon and Og and the allocation of their lands to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh (Deut 3:12-20), and just before Moses' prohibition from entering Canaan. It points to a critical moment in Israel's history—the transition of leadership and the cusp of the full conquest of the Promised Land.

• "saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings":

  • "Thine eyes have seen" (עֵינֶ֖יךָ רֹא֣וֹת – Eineykha ro’ot): This emphasizes direct, personal observation and experience. It's not secondhand information but witnessed reality. Joshua personally saw God's power in action. This foundation of witnessed divine power serves as the basis for future faith and courage. It calls for remembering God's manifest works.
  • "Lord your God" (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם – YHWH Eloheykhem): "YHWH" (the personal, covenant name of God) paired with "Elohim" (God as powerful Creator/Ruler). This stresses both God's unique covenant relationship with Israel ("your God") and His omnipotent authority and capacity to act on their behalf. The phrase reaffirms God's covenant commitment and His nature as a warrior God who fights for His people.
  • "hath done" (עָשָׂ֗ה – asah): "To do," "to make," "to act," "to accomplish." Implies God's active, tangible intervention and effective performance in battle, not merely passive observation or guidance.
  • "unto these two kings": Specifically Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan. These were powerful rulers whose defeat was miraculous (as recounted in Deut 2:26-3:11). They represented significant, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet God delivered them effortlessly into Israel's hands. Their downfall was a testament to YHWH's absolute sovereignty over earthly powers and deities.

• "so shall the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest":

  • "so shall the Lord do": This is the crucial extrapolation and promise. The past action (defeating Sihon and Og) is a pattern and a guarantee for future actions. God's character and power are consistent. The victories witnessed were not anomalies but demonstrations of a consistent divine strategy.
  • "unto all the kingdoms": This broadens the scope from two specific kings to all future nations and rulers Israel will encounter in Canaan. It indicates the totality and extent of God's protective and conquering power. No enemy, however mighty, will be able to stand against Him.
  • "whither thou passest" (אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַתָּ֣ה עֹבֵ֣ר – asher attah over): Literally "where you are crossing/going." Refers to the regions of Canaan, the Promised Land. This directly connects the future military endeavors to God's promised action and leadership through Joshua.

Deuteronomy 3 21 Bonus section

This verse functions not only as a personal charge to Joshua but also as an instructional principle for all Israel. By recounting this intimate moment between Moses and Joshua, the larger audience of Israel also understands that their success in conquering Canaan will be attributed entirely to the Lord's intervention. It discourages reliance on military might or numerical superiority and fosters absolute dependence on Yahweh. Furthermore, this emphasis on remembering God's past works (historiography) is a key pedagogical method in Deuteronomy, designed to teach subsequent generations about God's character and His ongoing covenant faithfulness. The specific mention of Sihon and Og, giants among kings (cf. Og's bedstead in Deut 3:11), highlights the overwhelming odds overcome by divine power, making the promise to conquer all other kingdoms even more astounding. It implicitly combats the temptation to fear powerful adversaries by placing all focus on the supreme power of their covenant God.

Deuteronomy 3 21 Commentary

Deuteronomy 3:21 is a foundational word of encouragement and mandate delivered by Moses to Joshua. It encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's past faithfulness and power are the strongest basis for confidence in His future actions. Moses ensures Joshua isn't simply relying on human strategy or his own strength but on the proven might of "the LORD your God." The vivid reminder, "Thine eyes have seen," makes the promise deeply personal and irrefutable for Joshua, validating his faith by direct experience. The consistent nature of God, who acted against Sihon and Og, is the guarantee for success against "all the kingdoms" to come. This verse instilled courage in Joshua, demonstrating that the battles ahead would not be fought by Israel's might alone, but by God who fights for His people, thus establishing His sovereign rule over all nations and ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant promises for Israel to inherit the land.Practical application:

• Recall God's past victories in your own life as encouragement for current and future challenges.
• Embrace the certainty that the God who acted mightily yesterday will do so again today.
• Face seemingly insurmountable obstacles with courage, knowing God is greater than any opposition.