From Mount Hor to Moab.

Numbers 21:10–35
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Israel next met resistance from the king of Arad, but soundly defeated him. The next stop was Mount Hor where Aaron died. Then they traveled south and east around Oboth. As the Israelites marched toward the promised land, “What shall we eat?” and “What shall we drink?” seemed to be the major concerns of the people (Matt. 6:24-34), just as they are also the major concerns of people today. But on this occasion, the people didn’t complain. Instead they sang a song! As far as the record is concerned, this is the first time we find Israel singing since God delivered them from Egypt 40 years earlier (v. 16). The people rejoiced that God gave them the necessities of life, and they found joy in praising Him for His goodness.

Before they arrived at the plains of Moab, the Israelites fought and won two major battles. At first it was victory over the Amorites (vv. 21-35). The Amorites were located on the western shore of the Dead Sea. At one time they had ruled vast areas in Mesopotamia and Syria, but in Moses’ day, their territory was much smaller. In God’s eyes, they were a wicked people, ready to be judged (15:16) and Moses knew that the Lord had promised Israel victory over this evil nation (Ex. 23:23). However, Moses first asked permission to go through their land but was refused passage by Sihon (vv 22-23) who attacked Israel at Jahaz. After a “mop up” operation, over the Amorites, Israel turned its attention to Bashan, a very fertile region east of the Sea of Galilee and south of Mount Hermon. The Lord assured Moses that Israel would win this victory and they did (v. 34).

In their conquest of Canaan, Israel followed the pattern described in verses 32-35. Joshua would send out spies to get the lay of land. Then he would seek God’s special instructions for each attack, obey God’s orders by faith, and win the victory. The only two times he was defeated was when he didn’t follow this pattern (Joshua 7 and 9). The news of this victory spread to Jericho and brought great fear to the hearts of the inhabitants (Josh. 2:10).

Application

God wants to give me victory over my enemies (which usually involves sin rather than an outside foe) but first I must believe that He can help me. Then I must trust Him to help me and thirdly I must take the steps He shows me from His Word and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.