Today's Scripture Reading (February 19, 2025): Deuteronomy 3
Edrei was a town located on the King's Highway. As a result, the world passed by the city. It was also situated on a bluff that allowed the residents to see any attack approaching from the South or the East. The town was in a coveted position and sought after by several different nations. As a result, the city became culturally important and was influenced by the cultures of several civilizations.
Bashan was in the northernmost portion of what we now call the Transjordan. The area the Bible calls Bashan is now part of the nation of Jordan, and its westernmost part makes up most of the Golan Heights. It is an area covered with forests and known for its rich pastures and high hills, like the one on which Edrei sat.
Israel seems to have taken the southern portion of the King's Highway. Because of the vantage point offered by Edrei, there is no way that the people of the city didn't know that Israel was coming. And so, Og, the King of Bashan, sends his troops out to meet Israel at Edrei. Likely, this is not the first time the King sent troops to this city on a hill. He may have even had a portion of his military permanently headquartered at Edrei. However, Deuteronomy tells us that Og sent all of his army to Edrei, likely in hopes that the show of force would deter the wilderness wanderers from even trying to get through the city. The King hoped that Israel would simply turn around and go back the way that they had come.
But they didn't. They had heard the promise of God and believed that even if Og engaged them in battle, which he would, they would come out on top in the end. The Battle of Edrei would become an encouraging moment for Israel as they prepared to inhabit the land God had promised them. The nation could not be stopped as long as they depended on his power and guidance.
Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 4
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