The Israelites now come to the country of Sihon, King of Heshbon. God had forbidden them to go up against the Moabites or the Ammonites. Surely the people endured periods of tremendous self-denial as they passed up these prosperous countries that they no doubt could have subdued and satisfied their needs abundantly. But God rewarded their obedience and gave them this new land by a total obliteration of everything and everyone save the livestock. While this may seem a brutal and unnecessary massacre, it is God's way of showing us that it's only through a humble and subservient attitude of selflessness that God can bestow complete forgiveness and justification. And it's important to note that although the people tried to negotiate a peaceful takeover on their own, God made it clear they would possess it only because God gave it to them. It's how God does this for us. Our sins must be totally blotted out, not a vestige remaining, just as the land was made devoid of former paganism and remnants of idolatry by eliminating every man, woman and child. When we come to Jesus Christ, we must empty ourselves of our past and surrender unconditionally. The land of Heshbon was laid barren by God and so must our lives be likewise cleansed - by God.
"Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling ... "
