In their contest with Og and Sihon the people were brought to the same test beneath which their fathers had so signally failed. But the trial was now far more severe than when God had commanded Israel to go forward. The difficulties in their way had greatly increased since they refused to advance when bidden to do so in the name of the Lord. It is thus that God still tests His people. And if they fail to endure the trial, He brings them again to the same point, and the second time the trial will come closer, and be more severe than the preceding. This is continued until they bear the test, or, if they are still rebellious, God withdraws His light from them and leaves them in darkness.

I kampen mod Og og Sihon blev folket stillet på prøve på akkurat det samme punkt, hvor deres fædre totalt svigtede. Det var blot langt sværere at bestå prøven nu, end da Gud i sin tid befalede Israel at drage fremad. Vanskelighederne var meget større nu, end da de nægtede at gå, da de fik befaling til at marchere i Herrens navn, Gud prøver endnu sit folk på denne måde, og hvis de ikke består prøven, fører han dem tilbage til det samme punkt og gør det mere krævende og vanskeligt for dem anden gang. Sådan bliver han ved, til de består prøven. Hvis de stadig gør oprør, tager han sit lys bort fra dem og lader dem tilbage i mørket.