דברים, פרק ל״א, פסוק ד׳

As the Israelites prepare to enter the Land of Israel, Moses works to instill confidence in them for the battles that lie ahead. He offers a promise of success against the Canaanite nations [ביאור שטיינזלץ], rooting this assurance in fresh historical memory. By pointing to past victories, Moses provides a guarantee for their future. Specifically, he reminds the people of their triumph over the powerful and fierce kings, Sihon and Og. Because this victory occurred just a few months prior, it remains deeply engraved in their minds, serving as a vital source of encouragement [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

When considering how this future success will unfold, commentators offer complementary perspectives. One approach suggests that the victory will be achieved through the leadership of Joshua, mirroring the way past salvation occurred under the guidance of Moses [ביאור יש״ר, בכור שור]. Another perspective highlights direct Divine involvement, explaining that God Himself will strike the enemy nations. According to this view, even when the conquest appears to unfold through natural military means, that is merely the surface level; the essential driving force behind the victory is entirely Divine [מלבי״ם].

The promised destruction of these enemy nations does not imply the absolute annihilation of every single individual [העמק דבר]. Instead, God's assistance is focused on breaking their ruling power and military strength. He will intentionally leave a portion of the enemy forces intact so that they fall directly into the hands of the Israelites. This deliberate strategy allows the people to take an active role in the military campaign, earning the status of those who physically defeated the enemy and conquered the land [מלבי״ם].