In Deuteronomy 2-3, we have the record of the Israelites leaving the wilderness and finally preparing to enter the PL. The record describes how Israel had to deal with various ethnic groups—the Edomites, the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Amorites. The record also mentions the Emmim, the Anakim, the Nephilim, the Zamzummim, the Avim, and the Caphtorim. Between the –ites and the –ims, Israel had a lot of groups to deal with.

Several of the groups Moses mentions were giants, and yet, they were driven out of their land. Moses’ point seems to be that if God gave them victories over the giants on this side of the Jordan, he will surely give them victory over the people on the other side of the Jordan.

Note Deuteronomy 3:21–22   “And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, ‘Your eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings; so will the LORD do to all the kingdoms through which you pass. 22 You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you.’”

Although we are not fighting giants and taking over their territory, these two chapters in Deuteronomy are valuable for us as well. They encourage us to trust God and believe that he will fulfill his promises to us. The text reminds us about the cost of rebellion and disobedience. At the end of the chapter, we learn some important things about prayer.

In Deuteronomy 1, Moses is reviewing the last 38 years of Israel’s history of wandering around in the desert. Chapter 2 begins the journey out of the desert and into the PL.