What is the meaning of Joshua 12:4? And This simple conjunction keeps us tied to the ongoing tally of kings Israel conquered east of the Jordan (Joshua 12:1–3). It reminds the reader that the victory over Og was not an isolated event but part of the same sweep of divine triumph that had already toppled Sihon (Numbers 21:21-24) and that Moses had rehearsed for Israel just before his death (Deuteronomy 31:4). Because the narrative sequence is uninterrupted, we see again that the Lord’s promises to Abraham about this very land (Genesis 15:18-21) are coming true in plain, historical time. Og king of Bashan “And Og king of Bashan…” (Joshua 12:4). • Bashan stretched from Mount Hermon down to the borders of Gilead (Deuteronomy 3:8-10), famous for rich pastures (Amos 4:1) and strong oaks (Isaiah 2:13). • Og’s personal might and the strength of his kingdom were legendary. Moses recalled the iron bed-frame that measured about thirteen feet long (Deuteronomy 3:11) to highlight the enormity of the foe God defeated. • Israel’s earlier clash with him at Edrei ended with complete victory (Numbers 21:33-35), which the psalmist later celebrated as proof of God’s enduring love (Psalm 136:19-20; cf. Psalm 135:10-11). The verse therefore points to God’s ability to overcome the most imposing earthly powers, reinforcing the pattern set with Pharaoh (Exodus 14:30-31) and continued through every generation of Israel’s story. one of the remnant of the Rephaim “…one of the remnant of the Rephaim…” (Joshua 12:4). • The Rephaim were a race of unusually large people who had roamed Canaan since Abraham’s day (Genesis 14:5). • By Joshua’s time only scattered survivors remained (Joshua 17:15), and Og was the last notable figure east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 3:11). • Later accounts of giant warriors—such as Goliath and the four Philistine champions slain by David’s men (2 Samuel 21:16-22)—show that isolated pockets persisted, yet each fell before the Lord’s chosen servants. The mention of Og as a “remnant” underlines both God’s patience in allowing time for repentance (Genesis 15:16) and His final judgment upon entrenched wickedness (Deuteronomy 9:4-5). who lived in Ashtaroth and Edrei “…who lived in Ashtaroth and Edrei.” (Joshua 12:4). • Ashtaroth was likely Og’s principal capital, known later as a Levitical city in Manasseh’s territory (1 Chronicles 6:71). • Edrei, the site of Israel’s decisive battle with Og (Deuteronomy 1:4), functioned as a secondary royal residence and military stronghold. • Together the two cities bracketed Bashan, giving Og strategic control over the fertile plateau (Joshua 13:12). By naming both locations, Scripture roots the story in verifiable geography and signals that no fortress—however well-defended—is beyond the reach of God’s judgment (Psalm 46:8-9; Jeremiah 49:25-26). summary Joshua 12:4 reminds us that an imposing king, a remnant giant, and two fortified capitals could not withstand the Lord. The verse cements Israel’s earlier victory under Moses, affirms the literal fulfillment of God’s covenant land-grant, and showcases His unrivaled power to humble every enemy—no matter how formidable—so that His people might dwell securely in the inheritance He promised them. |
    |