Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:47 mean when it mentions the lands of Sihon and Og?
A: Deuteronomy 4:47 refers to the lands conquered by the Israelites under Moshe's leadership from Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. These victories were miraculous, as Og was a giant (Midrash Tanchuma Chukat 12), and their lands were given to the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe (Numbers 32:33). This showed Hashem's promise to give Eretz Yisrael to Bnei Yisrael.
Q: Why is the conquest of Sihon and Og important in the Torah?
A: The conquest of Sihon and Og is important because it marked the beginning of Bnei Yisrael taking possession of the land promised to them by Hashem (Rashi on Deuteronomy 2:31). These victories demonstrated divine assistance and fulfilled the promise made to Avraham (Genesis 15:18-21). Additionally, Moshe later used these lands to settle some tribes before entering Eretz Yisrael (Numbers 32).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the defeat of Sihon and Og?
A: The defeat of Sihon and Og teaches us that with faith in Hashem, even seemingly impossible obstacles can be overcome. Og was a fearsome giant (Talmud Brachot 54b), yet he fell before Bnei Yisrael because they trusted in Hashem's help. This reminds us that success comes from divine assistance, not human strength alone.
Q: Where exactly were the lands of Sihon and Og located?
A: Sihon and Og ruled territories east of the Jordan River (עֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן מִזְרַח), in what is today parts of Jordan and Syria. Sihon controlled the area from the Arnon River to the Yabbok, while Og ruled Bashan, a fertile region in the north (Ramban on Numbers 21:21-35). These lands were later settled by the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe.
Conquest of the Amorite Kings
The verse describes the Israelite conquest of the lands belonging to Sihon and Og, two Amorite kings east of the Jordan. According to Rashi (Devarim 1:4), these victories were significant because they demonstrated Hashem's power in enabling Israel to defeat formidable enemies, paving the way for the conquest of Canaan. The mention of "two kings of the Emori" emphasizes that these were not minor rulers but powerful monarchs whose defeat was miraculous.
Og's Unique Status
Og, king of Bashan, is singled out in many Midrashic sources (e.g., Bereshit Rabbah 42:8) as a figure of supernatural size and strength, with some traditions suggesting he survived from the time of the Flood. The Talmud (Niddah 61a) recounts that Moshe feared Og due to his legendary stature, but Hashem assured him of victory (Devarim 3:2). His defeat symbolized the overthrow of ancient evil forces opposing Israel.
Geographical Significance
Theological Implications
The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:1) derives from such conquests that lands captured by Israel in biblical times retain their sanctity. The defeat of these kings fulfilled the promise to Avraham (Bereshit 15:16) that his descendants would inherit the land after the Amorites' iniquity was complete. The Sforno notes that their victories inspired awe among other nations (Devarim 2:25), demonstrating divine favor upon Israel.