Definition: Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 3:1. It's a really important part of the story of Moses and the Israelites. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling the Israelites to be cautious and prepared for a potential battle. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “Then we turned…” : This refers to a significant shift in direction for the Israelites. They were previously following a path that was going in a certain way, but God decided they needed to change course. It's like when you get distracted and end up on a different route. “…and went up the way to Bashan…” : Bashan is an area in ancient Israel/Judah – think of it as a region near modern-day Lebanon and Syria. This was a place of fertile land and important trade routes. God instructed them to travel towards this location. “And Og the king of Bashan came out against us…” : This is the core of the verse. It introduces a powerful, threatening figure named Og, who was the king of Bashan. “Came out against us” means he attacked them! “…he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.” : Og led a large army and their people towards the area of Edrei. Edrei is a specific location – it’s described as a place where they were forced to fight. So, what's the big takeaway? This story highlights several key points: God's Sovereignty: God is in control and actively intervening. He isn't just allowing things to happen; he's making decisions and directing events. Divine Warning: The verse serves as a warning to the Israelites – they need to be ready for a potential conflict. Importance of Obedience: It emphasizes that God’s will must be followed, and obedience is key to avoiding disaster. Context is Important - Why does this matter? This story is part of a larger narrative in Deuteronomy. It's about the Israelites being given the Law (the rules and teachings) from Moses. This passage is a crucial moment where God establishes the laws for the people, including preparing them for battle. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you some historical context about the time this happened? Discuss what it might mean in terms of the Israelites' future?