He knows they need a good talking-to, a serious reminder of their responsibilities. But he can't just launch into a lecture, can he? Timing, as they say, is everything.
Sifrei Devarim tells us that Moses thought to himself, "If I rebuke Israel first, they will say, 'Because he has no strength he rebukes us!'" It's a fascinating insight into Moses's leadership. He understood the psychology of his people. He knew that if he came across as weak or vulnerable, his words wouldn't carry the weight they needed to.
So what did he do? He waited. He waited until "after they entered the land of Sichon and Og and he defeated them." Only then did he feel the moment was right. Only after proving his strength and leadership could he deliver the necessary rebuke. It's all there in the text: "Thus, 'after he had smitten Sichon, etc.'"
But let's talk about Sichon for a minute. The text doesn't just say "Sichon." It says, "Sichon, king of the Emori, who dwelt in Cheshbon." And that little detail is packed with meaning.
The Sifrei Devarim explains: Even if Sichon were not formidable, but he lived in Cheshbon, it would be difficult to defeat them, the inhabitants of the land being formidable. And even if the land were not formidable, but Sichon dwelt therein, it would be difficult, the king being formidable. How much more so, when both the king and the land are formidable! Cheshbon wasn't just any city. It was a stronghold. A place known for its strength and its people. So, even if Sichon himself had been a pushover (which he clearly wasn't!), taking Cheshbon would have been a challenge.
But Sichon was formidable. He was a powerful king, a force to be reckoned with. So, even if Cheshbon had been a weak and vulnerable city, Sichon's strength would have made it a difficult target.
The combination of the two? That’s what made this victory so significant. It wasn't just about defeating a king or conquering a city. It was about overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. It was about showing the Israelites – and perhaps reminding himself – that they were capable of great things.
And that's the point, isn't it? Moses waited for this moment. He waited for the victory over Sichon and Og, a victory that demonstrated not only his leadership but also the potential of the Israelites themselves. Only then could he speak with the authority and conviction necessary to guide them forward.
So, next time you find yourself needing to speak truth to power, or offer some difficult feedback, remember Moses and Sichon. Consider the timing. Consider the context. And make sure you've earned the right to be heard. Because sometimes, the most important thing you can do is wait for the perfect moment to speak your mind.