What can we learn about God's faithfulness from Og's defeat in Deuteronomy 3:11? Og’s Enormous Bed: A Snapshot of the Challenge “Only Og king of Bashan was left of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed was made of iron and was more than nine cubits long and four cubits wide, according to the standard cubit.” (Deuteronomy 3:11) • Nine cubits long ≈ 13 feet; four cubits wide ≈ 6 feet—numbers that highlight both Og’s stature and the seeming impossibility of Israel’s victory. • The “iron bed” underscores military might and human invincibility in ancient thinking. • Og is the last of the Rephaim—the very giants that once terrified the spies (Numbers 13:32–33). God is now removing that fear from Israel’s future. God Keeps Every Promise, No Matter the Size of the Obstacle • Genesis 15:18–21—God pledged the land even when Abraham owned none of it. Centuries later, defeating Og secures part of that land. • Numbers 21:34—“But the LORD said to Moses, ‘Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand…’ ” The outcome was guaranteed before the first sword was drawn. • Joshua 21:45—“Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed.” Og’s downfall becomes another proof-text. Faithfulness Beyond Human Limitations • Human logic said: iron bed, giant king, fortified cities (Deuteronomy 3:5) equals certain defeat. God’s logic said: covenant, command, conquest. • Psalm 136:19-20 calls Og’s defeat a reason to “give thanks,” slotting it alongside creation and the exodus as evidence of steadfast love. • 1 Corinthians 1:27—God deliberately chooses what looks weak “to shame the strong,” spotlighting His faithfulness rather than Israel’s strength. Why This Matters for Us • God’s past victories anchor present faith. If He toppled a literal giant king, no modern-day “giant” is too big. • Promises in Christ are equally certain (2 Corinthians 1:20). Og’s iron bed is ancient testimony that “Yes” still means “Yes.” • Obedience aligns us with what God has already committed to accomplish. Israel advanced because they trusted the word spoken in Numbers 21:34. Living It Out – Identify the “iron-bed” challenges that feel outsized. – Rehearse specific Scriptures that speak to them (e.g., Psalm 46:1; Romans 8:31-32). – Move forward in obedience, confident that the God who toppled Og remains immovably faithful today. |
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