Definition: And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 3:4. It’s a really important passage about God's control and how He chooses to protect His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is taking over the entire region of Israel (the land he gave them) and removing all its cities – all the places where people lived – from his control. He’s essentially saying, “I’m going to be in charge of this area, and I’m going to make sure no one lives there without my permission.” Let's unpack it: “And we took all his cities…” This means God is taking over the entire land that Israel has been given. It’s not just a few cities; he’s taking everything . “…there was not a city which we took not from them...” This is the key part! He’s saying, "We didn't take any of those cities by force or without permission. We simply took them all." It sounds like he’s using a strategy of strategic placement – he’s choosing where to put his people so they wouldn’t be vulnerable to attack or harm. “Threescore cities…” This refers to three significant cities: Argob, Og, and Bashan. These are all important locations in the region of Israel. "...all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan." This clarifies where these cities were taken. Argob is a city in the north, Og is a city in the south, and Bashan is a large area of land stretching across the Middle East – essentially modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, etc. What’s the point? This story shows God’s absolute authority and protection over his people. It's a reminder that He is in charge, and He will always keep them safe. It highlights that God doesn’t just observe these cities; he actively controls them. In short: God is taking over the entire region of Israel, removing all its cities to ensure his people's safety and prosperity. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like obedience or divine sovereignty)?