Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: King Og of Bashan is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for his formidable stature and the role he played in the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. He is often remembered as one of the last of the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants, and his defeat marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history. Biblical References: Og is primarily mentioned in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. His account is intertwined with the Israelites' conquest of the Transjordan region. 1. Numbers 21:33-35 : "Then they turned and went up by the way to Bashan. And Og king of Bashan went out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. 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. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.' So they struck him down, along with his sons and his whole army, until no remnant was left to him. And they took possession of his land." 2. Deuteronomy 3:1-11 : This passage provides a detailed account of the battle against Og and the subsequent victory. It highlights Og's impressive stature, noting that his bed was made of iron and measured nine cubits in length and four cubits in width. This description underscores his reputation as a giant among men. 3. Joshua 12:4-5 : "Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and Edrei, ruled over Mount Hermon, Salecah, all Bashan, as far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half of Gilead, as far as the border of Sihon king of Heshbon." Historical and Theological Significance: Og's defeat is emblematic of God's promise to deliver the land of Canaan into the hands of the Israelites. His kingdom, Bashan, was known for its fertile land and strategic location, making it a valuable acquisition for the Israelites. The victory over Og, along with the defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, demonstrated God's power and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. Og's Legacy: The narrative of Og serves as a testament to the might and sovereignty of God over even the most daunting adversaries. His defeat is often cited as a reminder of God's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in the fulfillment of His divine purposes. The mention of Og's iron bedstead further emphasizes the extraordinary nature of his physical presence, which was ultimately no match for the divine intervention on behalf of Israel. Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings like Og were often seen as semi-divine figures due to their size and strength. The biblical account, however, reorients this perception by attributing victory not to human might but to divine intervention. This reinforces the biblical theme that God is the ultimate authority over all nations and their rulers. Conclusion: While Og of Bashan is a relatively brief figure in the biblical narrative, his account is rich with theological implications. It serves as a powerful illustration of God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to His people. Subtopics King: Ceremonial Recognition of Kneeling Before King: Ceremonial Recognition of Obeisance King: Ceremonial Recognition of Prostration King: Ceremonial Recognition of Salutation to "O King, Live Forever" King: Chief officers of The Advisor King: Chief officers of The Captain of the Army King: Chief officers of The Chief of the Bodyguard King: Chief officers of The Chief Priests King: Chief officers of The Chief Ruler King: Chief officers of The Collector of Taxes King: Chief officers of The Provincial Governors King: Chief officers of The Recorder King: Chief officers of The Scribe King: Constitutional Restrictions of King: Drunkenness of, Forbidden King: Exercise Executive Clemency King: How Chosen by Divine Appointment, Saul King: How Chosen: David and the Davidic Dynasty King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: David King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Herod King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Hezekiah King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Pilate King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Saul King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Zedekiah King: Influential Queens: Bath-Sheba King: Influential Queens: Esther King: Influential Queens: Jezebel King: Profiting From: Confiscations of Property King: Subordinate officers of The Governor of the Household King: Subordinate officers of The Keeper of the Wardrobe King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise Select Readings: The King of Glory Vicegerency of Elisha in Condemning Gehazi Vicegerency of Elisha in Miraculously Rewarding the Shunammite Woman Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) |