Today I read Deuteronomy 2, where the children of Israel completed their 40 years in the wilderness and defeated king Sihon to possess Heshbon. Today I considered that God tells us our boundaries, who to be peaceful with and who to fight.
Wilderness to Victory Over Sihon
Moses tells of how God led them through the years in the wilderness and to their first victory taking Heshbon (Deuteronomy 2:1-37). The children of Israel passed through mount Seir (land the Lord gave to Esau’s children) and the wilderness of Moab (land the Lord gave to Lot’s children), paying for their food and water. The Lord’s chosen people took 38 years to pass from Kadesh-barnea to cross the brook Zered, during which time all the prior warriors died. Then the Lord had them pass through Ar in Moab (Lot’s land). God told them to cross the river Arnon, fight to take Heshbon, and God would have others fear the children of Israel. Moses asked king Sihon to let them pass peacefully, paying for their food and water. God hardened Sihon’s heart so he said no. Sihon sent troops to fight them but the children of Israel won, taking the land, cities, and cattle. They did not go taking other places the Lord told them to not take.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Even when God is expanding our territory, God tells us what we can and cannot have. There are other people that are God’s children whom we should peacefully pass by, pay for their services or goods, or even help. There are also battles for land, resources, or justice that God wants us to undertake. We have to pray and follow God’s guidance to know what we should do.
Do you pray and allow God to guide your actions in expanding your territory? What happened when you prayed?