Deuteronomy 3:18-20

18 "And I commanded you at that time, saying, 'The LORD your God has given you this land to possess. 1All your men of valor shall cross over armed before your brothers, the people of Israel.
19 Only your wives, your little ones, and your livestock 2(I know that you have much livestock) shall remain in the cities that I have given you,
20 3until the LORD gives rest to your brothers, as to you, and they also occupy the land that the LORD your God gives them beyond the Jordan. Then each of you may return to his possession which I have given you.'

Deuteronomy 3:18-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 3

In this chapter the account is carried on of the conquest of the Amorites by Israel, of Og king of Bashan, and his kingdom, De 3:1-11, and of the distribution of their country to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh, De 1:12-17 and then the command to the said tribes is observed, to go out armed before their brethren, and assist them in the conquest of the land of Canaan, and then return to their possessions, De 3:18-20 and also that to Joshua not to fear, but to do to the Canaanitish kings and kingdoms what he had seen done to the two kings of the Amorites, De 3:21,22. After which Moses relates the request he made, to go over Jordan and see the good land, which was denied him, only he is bidden to look from the top of an hill to see it, De 3:23-27. And the chapter is closed with the charge he was to give Joshua, De 3:28 which was received in the valley where they abode, De 3:29.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Numbers 32:20, 21; Joshua 1:14; Joshua 4:12
  • 2. Numbers 32:1, 4
  • 3. Joshua 22:4
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.