The Defeat of Og 1Then we turned and went up the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan and his whole army came out to meet us in battle at Edrei. 2But the LORD said to me, “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.” 3So the LORD our God also delivered Og king of Bashan and his whole army into our hands. We struck them down until no survivor was left. 4At that time we captured all sixty of his cities. There was not a single city we failed to take—the entire region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 5All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages. 6We devoted them to destruction,a as we had done to Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children of every city. 7But all the livestock and plunder of the cities we carried off for ourselves. 8At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites the land across the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon— 9which the Sidonians call Sirion but the Amorites call Senir— 10all the cities of the plateau, all of Gilead, and all of Bashan as far as the cities of Salecah and Edrei in the kingdom of Og. 11(For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide,b is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.) Land Division East of the Jordan 12So at that time we took possession of this land. To the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the land beyond Aroer along the Arnon Valley, and half the hill country of Gilead, along with its cities. 13To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead and all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og. (The entire region of Argob, the whole territory of Bashan, used to be called the land of the Rephaim.) 14Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites. He renamed Bashan after himself, Havvoth-jair,c by which it is called to this day. 15To Machir I gave Gilead, 16and to the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory from Gilead to the Arnon Valley (the middle of the valley was the border) and up to the Jabbok River, the border of the Ammonites. 17The Jordan River in the Arabah bordered it from Chinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sead) with the slopes of Pisgah to the east. 18At that time I commanded you: “The LORD your God has given you this land to possess. All your men of valor are to cross over, armed for battle, ahead of your brothers, the Israelites. 19But your wives, your children, and your livestock—I know that you have much livestock—may remain in the cities I have given you, 20until the LORD gives rest to your brothers as He has to you, and they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them across the Jordan. Then each of you may return to the possession I have given you.” 21And at that time I commanded Joshua: “Your own eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings. The LORD will do the same to all the kingdoms you are about to enter. 22Do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God Himself will fight for you.” Moses Forbidden to Cross the Jordan 23At that time I also pleaded with the LORD: 24“O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your greatness and power to Your servant. For what god in heaven or on earth can perform such works and mighty acts as Yours? 25Please let me cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that pleasant hill country as well as Lebanon!” 26But the LORD was angry with me on account of you, and He would not listen to me. “That is enough,” the LORD said to me. “Do not speak to Me again about this matter. 27Go to the top of Pisgah and look to the west and north and south and east. See the land with your own eyes, for you will not cross this Jordan. 28But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.” 29So we stayed in the valley opposite Beth-peor. Footnotes: 6 a Forms of the Hebrew cherem refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering. 11 b Og’s bed was approximately 14 feet long and 6 feet wide (4.3 meters long and 1.8 meters wide). 14 c Or the villages of Jair 17 d That is, the Dead Sea Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Deuteronomy 3 Summary The Defeat of OgVerses 1–5 – Victory over Og, King of Bashan Verses 6–11 – Complete Destruction and the Giant King’s Bed Verses 12–17 – Land Grants East of the Jordan Verses 18–22 – A Call to Arms and Joshua’s Commission Verses 23–29 – Moses’ Plea and God’s Firm Answer In Deuteronomy 3, Moses recounts the conquests Israel experienced under the divine guidance of God. It paints a vivid picture of God's promises and blessings while also underscoring the consequences of disobedience. Historical Backdrop of Bashan and Gilead • Location: The Transjordan plateau rises sharply east of the Jordan River. Bashan sits north of the Yarmuk River, famous for rich volcanic soil and massive oak forests (Isaiah 2:13). Gilead lies south of Bashan, a rugged range ideal for livestock (Genesis 31:21). • Previous Occupants: The Amorites under Sihon and Og had displaced earlier peoples (Deuteronomy 2:10-12, 20-21). Archaeologists note megalithic dolmens in the Golan that locals still call “beds of the giants,” memories that fit the biblical picture. • Strategic Value: Controlling the King’s Highway, the main north-south trade route, secured Israel’s eastern flank and opened caravan tolls for the tribes. Og of Bashan: Giant Traditions and Archaeological Hints • Size in Scripture: Og’s bed is nine cubits by four (roughly 13 × 6 ft). The’s “iron bed” may point to basalt, plentiful in Bashan. • Extra-biblical Echoes: Second-millennium Egyptian texts list “Yahu in the land of the Shasu” near Edrei, showing Semitic clans long before the conquest. Megalithic “Rujm el-Hiri” and massive “argob” (stone-heap) villages still dot the Bashan, matching Moses’ note that they were “built with walls, gates, and bars.” • Giant Memories: Later writers recall “the Rephaim” in this region (Joshua 12:4; 13:12). Amos 2:9 clues us to God’s past victory: “I destroyed the Amorite… whose height was like the cedars.” Holy War and the Ban (Herem) in Plain Terms • Purpose: The ban removed idolatry that threatened covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). • Scope: Only specific peoples in Canaan were targeted; neighboring Edom, Moab, and Ammon were spared (Deuteronomy 2:4-5, 9, 19). • Fulfillment: Psalm 135:10-12 celebrates these battles as acts of divine justice, while Acts 13:19 summarizes them as part of God’s redemptive timeline. Territorial Allocation and Tribal Borders Reuben: Arnon to the halfway point of Gilead, including Heshbon (Numbers 32:37-38). Gad: Jazer to Mahanaim, hugging the Jordan Valley (Joshua 13:24-28). Half-Manasseh: All Bashan to Mount Hermon, including “sixty towns of Jair” (1 Chronicles 2:22). These grants fulfilled the patriarchal blessing that Joseph’s descendants would be “a fruitful bough over the wall” (Genesis 49:22), literally spilling over the Jordan’s “wall.” Moses on Pisgah: A Leader’s Final View • Location: Pisgah is the northern ridge of Mount Nebo in modern Jordan, 2,600 ft above sea level. On clear days the ridge overlooks the Dead Sea, Jericho, the central hills, and far north toward Mount Hermon. • Symbolism: Moses sees the promise but cannot enter—a living parable that law can point the way but grace, embodied in Joshua (Hebrew: “Yehoshua,” same as “Jesus”), carries people in (John 1:17). New Testament Echoes • Transfiguration: Moses later stands in the Promised Land beside Elijah and Jesus (Matthew 17:3), showing God kept a better promise beyond death. • Giants Conquered: Christ’s victory over death mirrors Israel’s conquest over towering foes (Colossians 2:15). • Inheritance Rest: Hebrews 4:8-9 contrasts Joshua’s partial rest with the fuller rest found in Jesus. Lessons for Leadership and Faith • Courage: “Do not fear” (Deuteronomy 3:2, 22). God’s past faithfulness anchors present battles. • Servant-Leadership: Moses empowers Joshua, not clinging to position. Healthy succession ensures mission continuity. • Obedience over Emotion: God tells Moses, “Enough.” Even cherished desires must bow to God’s plan. • Corporate Responsibility: Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh cross the Jordan first; blessings come with obligations (Galatians 6:2). Geography Spotlights • Salecah: Eastern frontier fortress near modern Salkhad; anchors Bashan’s border. • Rabbah: Capital of Ammon where Og’s bed was kept (later called Philadelphia, now Amman). • Mount Hermon: Northern limit, snow-capped ridge feeding Jordan’s headwaters (Psalm 133:3). Chronology of Events Year 40 after Exodus: – Late winter: Defeat of Sihon (Numbers 21:21-31). – Spring: Battle of Edrei, fall of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:1). – Summer: Allocation of land, Moses’ final sermons east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 1–34). – Early fall: Moses ascends Pisgah, dies; Israel crosses Jordan soon after (Joshua 4:19). Key Hebrew Words Bashan – “fertile, stoneless,” reflecting rich pasture. Herem – “devoted to destruction,” something set apart exclusively for God. Pisgah – “cleft” or “summit,” describing the ridge with panoramic views. Wrap-Up Deuteronomy 3 recalls a stunning victory, a faithful God, and a leader who finishes well even when personal dreams are withheld. The chapter links the past to the future, preparing Israel—and today’s readers—to trust the LORD for battles still ahead. Connections to Additional Scriptures Joshua 1:9Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. This verse echoes the encouragement given to Joshua in Deuteronomy 3. Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. This New Testament reference highlights the power of faith in God's promises. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. This verse reassures us of God's sovereignty and purpose in our lives. Teaching Points Victory Over Og, King of BashanDeuteronomy 3:3 states, So the LORD our God also delivered Og king of Bashan and all his people into our hands, and we struck them down until no survivor was left. This victory underscores God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Distribution of the Conquered Land Verses 12-17 detail the allocation of the conquered territories to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, illustrating God's provision and the importance of obedience in receiving His blessings. Moses' Plea and God's Response In verses 23-27, Moses pleads with God to enter the Promised Land, but God denies his request, reminding us of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of accepting God's will. Encouragement to Joshua Verse 28 highlights God's command to Moses to encourage and strengthen Joshua, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and preparing future leaders in faith. Practical Applications Trust in God's PromisesJust as God delivered the Israelites, we can trust Him to deliver us from our own battles and challenges. Obedience Leads to Blessing The distribution of land to the tribes serves as a reminder that obedience to God leads to His blessings and provision. Accepting God's Will Like Moses, we may not always receive the answers we desire, but we must trust in God's perfect plan and timing. Mentorship and Leadership We are called to encourage and build up future leaders in our communities and churches, just as Moses did with Joshua. People 1. OgOg is the king of Bashan, a region east of the Jordan River. He is described as one of the last of the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants. The Israelites, led by Moses, defeat Og and his people, taking possession of his land (Deuteronomy 3:1-11). 2. Moses Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the central human figure in the Book of Deuteronomy. In this chapter, he recounts the victory over Og and the allocation of the conquered lands to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:12-29). 3. Jair Jair is a descendant of Manasseh. He captures the region of Argob, which is part of Bashan, and names the villages after himself, calling them Havvoth-jair (Deuteronomy 3:14). 4. Machir Machir is the firstborn son of Manasseh. His descendants are given the region of Gilead, which is part of the land conquered from Og (Deuteronomy 3:15). 5. Joshua Joshua is Moses' assistant and the future leader of the Israelites. In this chapter, Moses encourages Joshua, reminding him of the victories over Sihon and Og as a promise of future success in conquering the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 3:21-22). Places 1. BashanDeuteronomy 3:1: "Then we turned and went up the road to Bashan..." Bashan is a region located to the east of the Jordan River, known for its fertile land and strong cities. It was ruled by King Og, one of the last of the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants. 2. Edrei Deuteronomy 3:1: "...and King Og of Bashan came out against us with his whole army to fight at Edrei." Edrei was one of the major cities of Bashan where King Og confronted the Israelites. It is significant as the site of a decisive battle where the Israelites defeated Og. 3. Ashtaroth Deuteronomy 3:10: "We captured all the cities of the plain and all Gilead and all Bashan as far as Salecah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan." Ashtaroth was another important city in the kingdom of Og. It is often associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Astarte. 4. Gilead Deuteronomy 3:10: "We captured all the cities of the plain and all Gilead and all Bashan..." Gilead is a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was part of the territory allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 5. Salecah Deuteronomy 3:10: "...as far as Salecah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan." Salecah was a city on the eastern edge of Bashan, marking the boundary of the territory conquered by the Israelites. 6. Mount Hermon Deuteronomy 3:8-9: "At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites the land beyond the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon..." Mount Hermon is a prominent mountain in the Anti-Lebanon range, often associated with the northern boundary of the Promised Land. It is known for its height and snow-capped peaks. 7. Arnon Valley Deuteronomy 3:8: "At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites the land beyond the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon..." The Arnon Valley served as a natural boundary between the territories of Moab and the Amorites. It is a significant geographical marker in the biblical narrative. Events 1. Defeat of King Og of BashanThe Israelites, led by Moses, engage in battle against King Og of Bashan. The Lord assures them of victory, saying, "Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land" (Deuteronomy 3:2). The Hebrew root for "delivered" is נָתַן (natan), meaning to give or deliver. 2. Conquest of Bashan The Israelites capture all sixty cities of the region of Argob in Bashan, which were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, in addition to many unwalled villages (Deuteronomy 3:4-5). 3. Destruction of the Inhabitants The Israelites completely destroy the inhabitants of these cities, leaving no survivors, as they did with Sihon king of Heshbon (Deuteronomy 3:6). The Hebrew term for "destroy" is חָרַם (charam), indicating a complete destruction or devotion to destruction. 4. Division of the Land Moses describes the division of the conquered land among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The land of Gilead and Bashan is given to the half-tribe of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:12-13). 5. Jair's Conquest Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, captures the region of Argob and names it after himself, Havvoth-jair (Deuteronomy 3:14). 6. Machir's Inheritance The region of Gilead is given to Machir, another descendant of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:15). 7. Instructions to the Tribes Moses instructs the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to assist their fellow Israelites in conquering the land west of the Jordan before returning to their allotted territories (Deuteronomy 3:18-20). 8. Moses' Plea to Enter the Promised Land Moses recounts his plea to the Lord to allow him to cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan. However, the Lord refuses, telling Moses to commission Joshua to lead the people instead (Deuteronomy 3:23-28). The Hebrew root for "plea" is חָנַן (chanan), meaning to be gracious or show favor. 9. View from Mount Pisgah The Lord instructs Moses to ascend to the top of Pisgah and view the land from there, as he will not enter it (Deuteronomy 3:27). The Hebrew term for "view" is רָאָה (ra'ah), meaning to see or perceive. Topics 1. Defeat of Og, King of BashanDeuteronomy 3:1-11 describes the Israelites' victory over Og, the king of Bashan. This passage highlights God's continued support and provision for Israel as they conquer the land. The Hebrew root for "defeat" (נכה, nakah) emphasizes the decisive nature of the victory granted by God. 2. Division of the Land East of the Jordan In verses 12-17, Moses recounts the allocation of the conquered territories to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The Hebrew term for "divide" (חלק, chalaq) underscores the orderly distribution of the land as part of God's promise. 3. Moses' Charge to the Transjordan Tribes Verses 18-20 detail Moses' instructions to the tribes settled east of the Jordan, emphasizing their duty to assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan. The Hebrew word for "charge" (צוה, tsavah) indicates a command with authority and purpose. 4. Moses Forbidden to Cross the Jordan In verses 21-29, Moses recounts his plea to God to enter the Promised Land and God's subsequent refusal. This section highlights the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. The Hebrew root for "plead" (חנן, chanan) conveys a sense of earnest entreaty. Each topic reflects key themes of divine guidance, fulfillment of promises, and the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen through the lens of a conservative Christian perspective. Themes 1. Divine Victory and ConquestDeuteronomy 3 recounts the Israelites' victory over King Og of Bashan, emphasizing God's role in delivering their enemies into their hands. The theme highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. The Hebrew root "נָתַן" (natan), meaning "to give," is significant here, as God "gave" the land into their hands (Deuteronomy 3:3). 2. Inheritance of the Promised Land The chapter discusses the allocation of the conquered lands to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This theme underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land. The Hebrew word "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), meaning "inheritance," is central to understanding the distribution of the land (Deuteronomy 3:12-13). 3. God's Command and Obedience Moses recounts God's commands regarding the conquest and settlement of the land, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's instructions. The theme reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience leads to blessing. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama), meaning "to hear" or "to obey," is relevant here (Deuteronomy 3:18-20). 4. Leadership and Succession Moses prepares Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land, highlighting the theme of leadership transition. This theme emphasizes the continuity of God's plan and the importance of strong, faithful leadership. The Hebrew root "צָוָה" (tzavah), meaning "to command," is pertinent as Moses commands Joshua (Deuteronomy 3:28). 5. God's Unchanging Nature and Faithfulness Throughout the chapter, there is a strong emphasis on God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises. This theme reassures the Israelites of God's continued presence and support. The Hebrew word "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah), meaning "faithfulness" or "steadfastness," underlies this theme, though not explicitly mentioned, it is evident in God's actions and promises (Deuteronomy 3:21-22). 6. Human Limitation and Divine Sovereignty Moses' plea to enter the Promised Land is denied by God, illustrating the theme of human limitation and divine sovereignty. This theme serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the need for humility before Him. The Hebrew root "עָבַר" (avar), meaning "to pass over" or "to cross," is significant as Moses is not allowed to "cross" into the land (Deuteronomy 3:26-27). Answering Tough Questions 1. Deuteronomy 3:11 describes King Og’s massive iron bed—how can this be historically or scientifically accurate? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the victory over Og signify about God's power? 2. How does Moses' leadership style reflect his relationship with God? 3. Why was the division of the land significant to the tribes of Israel? 4. How do the actions of the Transjordan tribes reflect responsibility and unity? 5. What qualities does Moses see in Joshua that make him the chosen successor? 6. How does God's response to Moses' plea highlight His justice and mercy? 7. How might one relate Moses' longing to see the Promised Land with personal unfulfilled desires? 8. How can the themes of obedience and consequences be applied in today's world? 9. What might the division of lands teach us about delegation and trust? 10. How do you handle disappointments similar to Moses not entering the Promised Land? 11. Are there times when you've felt like the Transjordan tribes, having dual responsibilities? How did you prioritize them? 12. How does the allocation of territories reflect God's intention for order and planning? 13. In what ways can the lessons from the Israelites' journey apply to modern challenges? 14. Who in your life has played a role similar to Moses, guiding and leading you? 15. How can we recognize and support emerging leaders in our communities like Joshua? 16. How do you reconcile when you believe you’ve done much, but are denied something you desire? 17. What are the qualities of a good leader, as depicted in this chapter? 18. When has obedience led to blessings in your life? 19. How can we ensure that our present actions align with God's future promises? 20. How might one find solace in God’s bigger plan, especially when personal desires remain unfulfilled? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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