When we studied the book of Numbers we found Israel's progress toward the promised land being hindered by some of the tribal leaders of the regions Israel needed to pass through. One person who opposed Israel was Sihon, an Amorite king, who not only refused Israel's request to pass peacefully through his territory along the highway, but who also mustered his entire army and came out in battle array against Israel. This wasn't merely a display of military might. He went on the offensive and attacked Israel. The book of Numbers didn't supply us with many details regarding this battle, simply saying that Israel "put him to the sword and took over his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok". (Numbers 21:24) In our passage today Moses describes this incident in more detail. Some of his listeners were too young to recall the incident, or they weren't even born yet, and it's important for Moses to encourage them in the Lord for the battles ahead. The same God who gave victories to Israel in the past will give Israel victories in the future.
We are told that, prior to being opposed by King Sihon, the Lord gave Moses this assurance about the coming battle: "Set out now and cross the Arnon Gorge. See, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his country. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle." (Deuteronomy 2:24) We were told in Numbers 21 that Sihon fired the first shot, so to speak. I think when the Lord told Moses that Israel was to "engage him in battle" He meant Israel was not to be surprised or frightened when Sihon made his aggressive move. Israel was not to turn back or take a different route when Sihon went on the offensive; Israel's soldiers were to fight back fiercely. This was a declaration of war. Sihon started it but Israel was going to finish it. Deuteronomy 2:24 does not contradict Numbers 21:23 where we were told that Sihon "mustered his entire army and marched out into the wilderness against Israel" and that "when he reached Jahaz, he fought with Israel". The Lord was telling Israel, "Do not fear when Sihon attacks. I am going to give you victory in battle, along with his territory. Fight back with all your might because I am with you to ensure your success."
The tribes and nations surrounding the territory of King Sihon heard about Israel's victory. I think these tribes and nations were surprised when they heard of it. I believe Israel's soldiers, numerous as they were, were outnumbered by Sihon's troops. Also the Israelites were facing battle-hardened men who had many years of military experience. The Israelites had little military experience at that time, yet in spite of being outmanned and outgunned, they defeated an army so powerful that no one else in the region had dared to fight against Sihon's men. I think the other tribes and nations were forced to conclude that Israel's army was powerful because her God was powerful. This conclusion caused them to fear Israel and to fear (although not worship) Israel's God. The Lord said to Israel before the battle with Sihon's troops, "This very day I will begin to put the terror and fear of you on all nations under heaven. They will hear reports of you and will tremble and be in anguish because of you." (Deuteronomy 2:25)
Some of the tribes in the area dared not make any aggressive moves toward Israel for fear of being defeated like Sihon and his army. I firmly believe there are times in this life when people who dislike us would like to carry out ill intentions toward us but are afraid to. I think they possess just enough spiritual discernment to get a bad feeling about doing anything against us. Even though they don't worship the Lord, they get the sense that engaging us in battle means engaging Him in battle too. They may not serve Him but they fear Him. They'd like to do us wrong but they don't want to get on His bad side. There are others, however, who lack the spiritual discernment to recognize that there is symbolically a "Do Not Touch" message written upon the children of the living God. Like Sihon, they fear neither man nor God. Like Sihon, they'll go on the offensive against us only to be met with the wrath of God sooner or later. But, as the Lord promises in His word, no weapon forged against us will prevail and we will refute any tongue that accuses us. (Isaiah 54:17) No matter what method our enemy uses to try to harm us, it won't have the effect on us our enemy hoped for. Sometimes the Lord allows someone to do us wrong, but when He does it's for a purpose---to do us good---not for the purpose of allowing our enemy to be victorious over us. The Lord allowed Sihon to attack Israel but it was so Israel could say, "Okay, this means war!", and to allow Israel to defend herself and defeat Sihon's army and take his land. Anytime the Lord allows an enemy to do us wrong, it's because the Lord intends to do something good for us through those circumstances.
I told you the story a few days ago about how my husband's former employer treated him and several others unfairly and let them go in a manner that prevented them from being able to draw unemployment. This man lied in order to save himself the employer's cost of laying people off. But my husband now has a new job with a better boss, a better work atmosphere, better pay, and better benefits. At the proper time and in the proper way the Lord will deal with how my husband's former boss mistreated his employees and lied about them. When this man lied about my husband in order to save himself some money, the person who actually prospered was my husband with the help of the Lord. But the man who lied and cheated will have to answer to the Lord for his actions. Lying and cheating never brings about prosperity for the liar and cheater, although temporarily by the world's standards it may appear as if the liar and cheater is getting away with his behavior, but the Lord judges such things. The Lord vindicates His people against those who treat them poorly.
Sihon treated the Israelites poorly and, as Moses recounts for us in tomorrow's passage, the Lord vindicated His people.
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