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Click to read: Psalm 136:17-20

Who is Og?  Who is Sihon?  These names don’t mean a lot to us now, but in their time, these were very famous kings, powerful kings who ruled a fair amount of land.  Sihon and Og are examples of those who would oppose the people of God as they are attempting to follow God in their journey.  Israel was on a direct course, and in Numbers 21:21ff, they asked permission to go through the land of Sihon, promising not to steal or otherwise negatively affect his land or his people.  Sihon would not agree to this, came out with an army and fought against Israel.

God, whose mercy endures forever, gave a great victory to Israel. They totally wiped out this nation and the nation of Og the king of Bashan.  There were many benefits which came out of these two victories.  One is the lesson that God will ALWAYS protect and guard His people as they walk in obedience to His ways.  (Please note that this does not mean you will never suffer for Christ’s sake.)

Another lesson is that God knows how to make the most of your victories and battles.  Though little known to us, Og and Sihon are mentioned throughout Deuteronomy, Joshua and other passages of scripture.  When the inhabitants of Jericho heard what Israel’s God had done to Og and Sihon, their hearts fainted in them.  This story is repeated in another passage.  God used this inaugural victory to show the enemies of His people that He meant business and that He had the power to back up His people in any battle.

Be blessed with the reminder that God will smite your Og and Sihon!

Craig Thompson