Deuteronomy 4 47

Deuteronomy 4:47 kjv

And they possessed his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, which were on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

Deuteronomy 4:47 nkjv

And they took possession of his land and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, who were on this side of the Jordan, toward the rising of the sun,

Deuteronomy 4:47 niv

They took possession of his land and the land of Og king of Bashan, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan.

Deuteronomy 4:47 esv

And they took possession of his land and the land of Og, the king of Bashan, the two kings of the Amorites, who lived to the east beyond the Jordan;

Deuteronomy 4:47 nlt

Israel took possession of his land and that of King Og of Bashan ? the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan.

Deuteronomy 4 verses

Deuteronomy 4 47 Meaning

Deuteronomy 4:47 concisely details the immediate, tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Israel: the possession of land on the east side of the Jordan River. It specifically names the territories of Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, highlighting the successful conquest of these two Amorite kings. This possession established a vital part of Israel's promised inheritance, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power before they entered the main land of Canaan.

Deuteronomy 4 47 Context

Deuteronomy 4:47 concludes a summary of God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel, specifically focusing on the recent victories over Sihon and Og. Moses is delivering his farewell addresses on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan, looking across to the promised land. Chapter 4 is a powerful exhortation to Israel to remember the covenant made at Horeb (Mount Sinai), emphasizing the uniqueness of God and the disastrous consequences of idolatry. This verse serves as a concrete historical reference point, proving God's power and faithfulness to fulfill His promises, thereby strengthening the call for Israel's obedience and loyalty to the One who gave them victory and land. It grounds the future exhortations in past realities.

Deuteronomy 4 47 Word analysis

• And they possessed (וַיִּירָשׁוּ, vayyirashu): From the root יָרַשׁ (yarash), meaning to inherit, dispossess, occupy. It emphasizes not merely occupying, but taking full possession, often with the implication of driving out former inhabitants. This word signifies a divine enablement and the fulfillment of God's promise, as Israel did not conquer by their own strength alone but by divine decree and assistance. It reflects the outcome of God's gift.
• his land (אַרְצוֹ, artzo): Refers to the land of Sihon, the Amorite king of Heshbon, whose defeat was mentioned in the preceding verse (Deut 4:46). This phrase explicitly connects the possession back to the specific previous victory.
• and the land of Og king of Bashan: This specific identification adds further detail and scope to the acquired territory. Bashan was a fertile, expansive region known for its strong fortifications, majestic oaks, and rich pastures. Conquering Og, described elsewhere as a giant, further emphasizes God's mighty power in granting the land.
• two kings of the Amorites: The term "Amorites" (הָאֱמֹרִי, ha'emori) here functions as a broad designation for the powerful pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan and Transjordan, particularly noted for their stature and resistance. Grouping Sihon and Og reinforces that Israel overcame formidable adversaries through God's help. Their defeat signifies the overthrow of entrenched wickedness, as Amorites were prominent in the list of nations whose wickedness caused their displacement (cf. Gen 15:16).
• who were on this side Jordan: The phrase 'עֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן (‘ever haYarden) literally means "across the Jordan" or "beyond the Jordan." From Moses's vantage point in Moab (east bank), it means the east side of the Jordan River. This geographically fixes the location of the conquered land as the Transjordanian territory.
• toward the sunrising (מִזְרַח שָׁמֶשׁ, mizrach shamesh): Literally "the rising of the sun," unequivocally denotes the eastern direction. This confirms and re-emphasizes the geographical location already given by "this side Jordan," clearly marking the boundaries of the acquired land. It points to the strategic and immediate nature of this initial territorial gain.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• And they possessed his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan: This phrase underscores the concrete realization of God's promise. It's not just a claim but an active, successful occupation. The specific naming of "Sihon" (implied by "his land" from 4:46) and "Og" grounds the divine promise in specific historical events. This initial success validates God's words and builds faith for the future, larger conquest of Canaan.
• two kings of the Amorites: This categorization highlights the significance of the victory. The Amorites were a powerful and pervasive group, whose presence and wickedness were a major justification for God's judgment and Israel's conquest. Their defeat exemplifies God's ability to clear the way for His people and deal with unrighteousness.
• who were on this side Jordan toward the sunrising: This double geographical indicator precisely locates the inherited land. It delineates the initial phase of Israel's territorial expansion. This clear delineation served to confirm to the Israelites exactly what portion of the land had already been delivered into their hands, strengthening their assurance in God's continuing faithfulness for the land still to be possessed west of the Jordan.

Deuteronomy 4 47 Bonus section

• The term "Amorite" (Hittite, Hivite, Perizzite, Girgashite, Jebusite being other major groups) is sometimes used broadly in the Pentateuch to refer to all the inhabitants of Canaan, underscoring the universal nature of God's judgment against their ungodly practices.
• The land "on this side Jordan toward the sunrising" became the inheritance of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, forming a vital part of Israel's tribal allocations, demonstrating a partial fulfillment even before the primary entry into Canaan.
• The conquest of Sihon and Og established a critical strategic foothold for Israel, securing their eastern flank before their western push into Canaan proper. It allowed for consolidation and preparation for future military endeavors, indicating God's strategic provision.
• The memory of this specific conquest, reiterated throughout the Old Testament (e.g., in the Psalms and Nehemiah), served as a recurring proof point of God's past faithfulness, encouraging trust and obedience in present and future generations of Israelites.

Deuteronomy 4 47 Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:47 stands as a powerful testament to the reliability of God's covenant promises and His active presence with Israel. It immediately follows the grand theological pronouncements of God's unique nature and power, serving as tangible evidence that His words are translated into action. The possession of the lands of Sihon and Og was the very first realization of the Abrahamic covenant's land promise on a national scale. It wasn't an easy task, as these were powerful kings and their territories formidable, yet God enabled Israel's victory. This concrete achievement was essential for Moses to recount, bolstering Israel's confidence for the challenges ahead, namely, crossing the Jordan and conquering the greater portion of Canaan. The displacement of the Amorites, notorious for their abhorrent practices, also subtly reinforces divine justice and the polemic against the corrupt cultures of the land. For Israel, this verse solidified their identity as God's chosen people who were indeed inheriting a promised land, not by their might, but by divine favor. It offered a crucial foundation of hope and a mandate for obedience, knowing that the same God who granted them this land would sustain them within it if they remained faithful.