Who was Og, King of Bashan?

Og, King of Bashan

Etymology and Historical Setting

The name “Og” does not have a universally agreed-upon origin in ancient languages, though proposals suggest ties to Northwest Semitic roots. He was the ruler of Bashan, a fertile, strategic region situated east of the Jordan River (modern-day Golan Heights). Multiple passages refer to Bashan’s notable pastures and robust cattle (cf. Amos 4:1; Ezekiel 39:18), implying that Og presided over a prosperous land. He appears during the latter portion of Israel’s journey to Canaan, shortly after the defeat of Sihon, King of the Amorites (Numbers 21:21–32).

Key Scriptural References

Og’s most extensive mention occurs in the Pentateuch and Joshua:

• Numbers 21:33–35 – Describes Israel’s battle against Og at Edrei.

• Deuteronomy 1:4 – Summarizes Moses’ victories over Sihon and Og.

• Deuteronomy 3:1–11 – Notes Og’s defeat at Edrei and details his remarkable iron bed.

• Joshua 2:10; 9:10; 12:4–5; 13:12 – Lists Og among significant conquered kings.

• Psalm 135:10–12; 136:18–20 – Commemorates God’s triumph over Og as a demonstration of divine power.

Throughout these passages, Og is portrayed as a formidable opponent subdued by the power of the Lord working through Israel. Deuteronomy 3:11 famously states, “For only Og king of Bashan was left of the remnant of the Rephaim. Behold, his bed was made of iron—nine cubits long and four cubits wide, by the standard cubit!”

Physical Description and “Giant” Associations

A noteworthy detail in Deuteronomy 3:11 is Og’s “bed” (or couch), measuring nine cubits by four cubits—approximately 13½ feet (4.1 m) long and 6 feet (1.8 m) wide. Scripture identifies him as belonging to the Rephaim, commonly associated with individuals of enormous stature. This has led many readers to consider Og a literal “giant.” While exact height cannot be definitively stated beyond the biblical record, the reference to his iron bed typically underscores his unusual size or reputation for strength.

Military Encounters

Og’s principal conflict with Israel is retold in Numbers 21:33–35 and Deuteronomy 3:1–7. At Edrei, he assembled forces against Moses and the Israelites. However, the biblical text emphasizes that Israel’s victory came by divine intervention:

• Numbers 21:34 – “But the LORD said to Moses, ‘Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land…’”

This swift defeat paved the way for Israel to occupy his territory. Deuteronomy 3:8–10 clarifies that their newly acquired land extended from the Valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon.

Political and Geographic Significance

Og’s kingdom included Bashan, which was known for its fertility, forests, and rich cattle-ranching areas. The biblical text (Deuteronomy 3:13) states that this land was granted to the half-tribe of Manasseh—a noteworthy heritage for the Israelite settlement east of the Jordan.

His close neighbor, Sihon, King of the Amorites, had already been vanquished by Moses and Israel (Numbers 21:21–32), indicating that both regions were crucial stepping stones on Israel’s entry into the Promised Land. The victories over Sihon and Og together demonstrated Israel’s emerging national identity and reliance on God’s deliverance.

Theological and Spiritual Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty and Judgment – The repeated biblical emphasis is that Og fell because God delivered him into Israel’s hands. This highlights a theological theme of divine sovereignty over nations and kings.

2. Memorial of God’s Mighty Acts – Psalms 135 and 136 recount Og’s downfall, showcasing it as a reminder of the power and faithfulness of God toward His people.

3. Symbol of Israel’s Conquest – Og’s defeat assured the Israelites of continued success so long as they obeyed God. His defeat stands alongside that of Pharaoh’s army in the Exodus narrative as a portrayal of judgment on those resisting God’s plans.

Archaeological and Historical Considerations

Although direct extra-biblical references to Og are limited, ancient Near Eastern documents reflect the prominence of Bashan’s territory and note frequent military conflicts in regions east of the Jordan. Early Jewish writings (such as those attributed to Josephus) also recount the battles with Sihon and Og, lending external historical interest to the biblical account.

Archaeological surveys of the Golan Heights region have unearthed fortified cities and megalithic structures. While these do not explicitly name Og, they reflect a strong, well-established culture in the area that fits the Bible’s portrayal of a formidable kingdom under his rule.

Broader Historical Timeline

Based on a conservative biblical chronology, the events surrounding Og’s defeat occur during the Israelites’ approach to Canaan, typically placed in the 15th century or late 15th century BC (depending on one’s specific timeline calculations). These events fit within the broader narrative of the Exodus wanderings and precede the conquest reported in the book of Joshua.

Practical Reflections

• Og’s story inspires confidence in the scriptural portrayal of God securing victory for those who trust in Him.

• The consistent references to his downfall highlight the unity of Scripture’s testimony across the Pentateuch, Joshua, and the Psalms.

• The example of Og resonates as a reminder that even the most imposing adversaries cannot stand before God’s will.

Conclusion

Og, King of Bashan, emerges from biblical records as a powerful monarch notorious for his unusual size and fierce opposition to Israel. The scriptural witness portrays his swift and complete defeat at Edrei as evidence of God’s unwavering commitment to the covenant people. His legacy endures in the biblical text as a symbol of divine triumph over mighty opponents, underscoring that no earthly power can outmatch the hand of the Almighty.