Ella 
Read the Bible Quote of the Day – Deuteronomy 4:47 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Deuteronomy 4:47 is part of a historical record of Israel’s journey to the Promised Land. Though it may seem like a geographical note, this verse holds deep meaning. It reflects God’s faithfulness, His promises, and the inheritance given to His people.
The Context of Deuteronomy 4:47 KJV
The Book of Deuteronomy
The word “Deuteronomy” means “second law.” It is the fifth book of the Bible and the last of the five books of Moses (also known as the Torah). In this book, Moses is preparing the Israelites to enter the Promised Land.
Moses speaks to the new generation of Israelites. Their parents had died in the wilderness because of disobedience. Now, Moses reminds them of the laws God gave and calls them to obey.
Where We Are in Chapter 4
Deuteronomy chapter 4 is a call to obedience. Moses reminds Israel of what they saw at Mount Horeb (Sinai), the giving of the law, and the power of God. He warns them not to make idols and not to forget the covenant.
After a series of warnings and exhortations, Moses shifts the focus in verses 41–49. He records the cities of refuge and the territorial boundaries already conquered east of the Jordan River.
Verses 46–49 Set the Scene
Deuteronomy 4:46–49 provide the background. These verses describe the specific land that Israel had already received before crossing into Canaan. This land was part of God’s promise.
Deuteronomy 4:47 focuses on two kings: Sihon and Og. These were powerful rulers, but God gave their land to Israel as a possession.
Deuteronomy 4:47 (KJV)
Let us now read the full verse in the King James Version:
“And they possessed his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, which were on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;” — Deuteronomy 4:47, KJV
This verse is short, but it captures a significant moment in Israel’s journey. It tells us that the people of Israel had already begun to possess the land God promised them—even before crossing the Jordan.
Deuteronomy 4:47 Meaning
Now, let us carefully unpack the meaning of this verse, part by part.
1. “And they possessed his land…”
This phrase refers to the Israelites taking over land previously ruled by pagan kings. Specifically, it refers to the land of King Sihon.
Possessing the land means more than just fighting battles. It means living there, settling, building homes, planting crops, and making it their own.
God had promised land to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12:7). This moment is the beginning of the fulfillment.
Spiritual Meaning:
God is faithful to His promises. What He says, He does. Possessing the land shows the physical manifestation of God’s covenant promise.
2. “…and the land of Og king of Bashan…”
Og was a well-known and powerful king. He ruled Bashan, a fertile area with strong cities and high walls (see Numbers 21:33–35).
Og was one of the last of the Rephaim—a race of giants (Deuteronomy 3:11).
Defeating Og was a huge victory for Israel. It showed God’s power over even the strongest enemies.
Spiritual Meaning:
God defeats giants in our lives. What seems impossible to us is possible with Him. The conquest of Og’s land shows that no enemy is too big for God.
3. “…two kings of the Amorites…”
The Amorites were a group of strong and wicked people who lived in Canaan and nearby lands.
Sihon and Og were both Amorite kings.
The Amorites were known for idolatry and injustice. Their judgment had come (Genesis 15:16).
Spiritual Meaning:
God is not only a deliverer but also a judge. He gave these lands to Israel because the Amorites had filled their cup of wickedness. God is patient but righteous.
4. “…which were on this side Jordan…”
This phrase means that the land possessed was east of the Jordan River. Israel had not yet entered the main land of Canaan.
“This side” refers to the eastern side.
Before crossing into the Promised Land, they already had victories and land given to them.
Spiritual Meaning:
God’s blessings can begin before the full promise is complete. Even in the waiting, God provides.
5. “…toward the sunrising;”
This phrase confirms the eastern location. The sun rises in the east. The land of Sihon and Og was toward the sunrise, meaning east of the Jordan.
Spiritual Meaning:
The imagery of sunrise points to new beginnings. This was a new chapter in Israel’s story—a taste of what was coming.
Deuteronomy 4:47 Application in Life
You might wonder how this ancient verse applies to us today. While we don’t possess land like Israel did, there are spiritual lessons that apply to every believer.
1. God Always Keeps His Promises
God promised the land to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Now, hundreds of years later, that promise was being fulfilled.
Application: Trust God’s timing. He never forgets what He has promised you.
Action Step: Write down promises from Scripture and pray them regularly.
2. Victories Come Before the Full Blessing
Israel had not yet entered Canaan, but they already had victories.
Application: Celebrate the small wins. Don’t wait until everything is perfect to thank God.
Action Step: Keep a journal of answered prayers and blessings.
3. God Is Stronger Than Giants
King Og was a giant, yet God gave his land to Israel.
Application: Don’t be afraid of big problems. God is bigger than your fears.
Action Step: When facing fear, pray Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”
4. God Removes the Wicked to Bless the Obedient
God removed the Amorite kings because of their wickedness. He gave their land to obedient people.
Application: Stay holy. Obedience leads to blessing.
Action Step: Examine your life and confess areas where you need to walk more closely with God.
5. God Gives Us a Foretaste of What Is Coming
Israel’s land east of the Jordan was just a part of the full promise.
Application: Earthly blessings are only a taste of the heavenly inheritance to come.
Action Step: Set your heart on eternal life, not just earthly success. Read Colossians 3:1–2.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 4:47 may seem like a simple historical note, but it is filled with spiritual depth. It shows us a faithful God who:
- Keeps His promises
- Gives victory over giants
- Judges sin with justice
- Blesses His people with inheritance
- Prepares us for greater blessings ahead
As believers today, we can draw strength from this verse. When we face delays, doubts, or giants, we remember that God is at work. He gives us victories on the way to the full promise. The land east of the Jordan was not the final destination, but it was real, valuable, and part of God’s plan.
So, walk in obedience. Trust in God’s timing. Celebrate each step of progress. And look forward to the greater land—eternal life with God through Jesus Christ.
What land is God calling you to possess? Step forward in faith. What He did for Israel, He can do for you—because His promises never fail.
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