Deuteronomy 1:4

Berean Standard Bible
This was after he had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and then at Edrei had defeated Og king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth.
 
King James Bible
After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:
 
NET Bible
This took place after the defeat of King Sihon of the Amorites, whose capital was in Heshbon, and King Og of Bashan, whose capital was in Ashtaroth, specifically in Edrei.
 
Hebrew Text:

אַחֲרֵי הַכֹּתוֹ אֵת סִיחֹן מֶלֶךְ הָאֱמֹרִי אֲשֶׁר יוֹשֵׁב בְּחֶשְׁבּוֹן וְאֵת עוֹג מֶלֶךְ הַבָּשָׁן אֲשֶׁר יוֹשֵׁב בְּעַשְׁתָּרֹת בְּאֶדְרֶעִי׃

 
Transliteration:
Acharei hakoto et Sichon melech ha'Emori asher yoshev b'Cheshbon v'et Og melech haBashan asher yoshev b'Ashtarot b'Edrei.
 
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Study Bible:
 
after he had defeated
This phrase marks a significant moment of triumph for the Israelites under the leadership of Moses. The Hebrew root for "defeated" is "נכה" (nakah), which means to strike or smite. This victory is not just a military conquest but a divine act of God fulfilling His promise to Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and power in overcoming obstacles that seem insurmountable. Historically, these victories were crucial in establishing Israel's presence in the Promised Land, demonstrating God's sovereignty over nations.
 
Sihon king of the Amorites
Sihon was a formidable opponent, ruling over the Amorites, a powerful and established people in the region. The Amorites were known for their strength and influence, often seen as a symbol of opposition to God's people. The defeat of Sihon signifies God's ability to bring down even the mightiest of foes. This victory is a testament to God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that their descendants would inherit the land. It also serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ.
 
who lived in Heshbon
Heshbon was a significant city, strategically located and well-fortified. The mention of Heshbon highlights the strategic and symbolic importance of this victory. Archaeological findings suggest that Heshbon was a center of power and influence, making its capture a pivotal moment for the Israelites. Spiritually, it represents the breaking down of strongholds that stand against God's purposes. The victory at Heshbon is a call to believers to trust in God's power to overcome the strongholds in their own lives.
 
and Og king of Bashan
Og, like Sihon, was a powerful king, ruling over Bashan, a region known for its giants and fortified cities. The defeat of Og is often highlighted in Scripture as a demonstration of God's might. The Hebrew root for "Og" is "עוג" (Og), and he is often associated with the Rephaim, a race of giants. This victory underscores the theme of God empowering His people to conquer giants, both literal and metaphorical. It is a reminder that no challenge is too great when God is on our side.
 
who lived in Ashtaroth and Edrei
Ashtaroth and Edrei were key cities in Og's kingdom, representing the heart of his power. Ashtaroth is often associated with the worship of false gods, indicating the spiritual battle that accompanied the physical conquest. Edrei, on the other hand, was a site of a significant battle. The mention of these cities emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's victory over Og. It serves as an encouragement to believers that God is victorious over both physical and spiritual adversaries. The defeat of Og in these cities is a powerful illustration of God's ability to dismantle the enemy's strongholds and establish His kingdom.
 
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Commentary:
 
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Torah (or Pentateuch) and is primarily composed of speeches by Moses to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. The book is set after the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness following the Exodus from Egypt.
 
Sihon and Og: These were two Amorite kings whose territories were on the east side of the Jordan River. Their defeat is significant because it's one of the first military victories for the Israelites as they begin to take possession of the lands promised to them by God.
 
Sihon, King of the Amorites: He was based in Heshbon. His defeat is detailed in Numbers 21:21-31, where it's recounted how the Israelites sought passage through his territory, but Sihon refused and attacked them instead.
 
Og, King of Bashan: Known for his large stature, his defeat is covered in Numbers 21:33-35. His kingdom was taken by the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River.
 
Geographical References:
 
Heshbon was a key city in the region of Moab, which became part of Israelite territory after Sihon's defeat.
 
Edrei was in Bashan, located in what is now modern-day Syria, and was part of Og's domain.
 
Theological significance: These victories are often cited in the Old Testament as demonstrations of God's power and commitment to His covenant with Israel. They served to bolster the faith of the Israelites as they prepared for further conquests in Canaan.
 
This verse sets the stage for Moses' recounting of the journey, emphasizing the divine assistance and victories that prepared the Israelites for the challenges ahead in claiming the land God had promised them.