Topical Encyclopedia Og, the king of Bashan, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. He is depicted as a formidable opponent, both in terms of his physical stature and the strength of his kingdom. Og's reign and subsequent defeat are significant events that underscore the power and faithfulness of God in delivering His people.Historical and Geographical Context Bashan was a fertile and strategically important region located east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pastures and strong cities. It was part of the territory that the Israelites encountered as they approached the land promised to them by God. The region is often associated with its robust oak trees and cattle, as noted in various biblical passages. Og's Stature and Kingdom Og is described as one of the last of the Rephaim, a group of people noted for their great size and strength. In Deuteronomy 3:11, it is mentioned, "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. Indeed, his bed was made of iron. Is it not in Rabbah of the Ammonites? It is nine cubits long and four cubits wide, by the standard cubit." This description highlights Og's extraordinary size, suggesting a formidable presence that would have been intimidating to the Israelites. The Battle Against Og The encounter with Og is recorded in several passages, including Numbers 21:33-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-7. As the Israelites, led by Moses, journeyed toward the Promised Land, they faced opposition from Og, who came out to battle them at Edrei. Despite Og's might and the strength of his fortified cities, the Lord assured Moses of victory. In Numbers 21:34, the Lord said to Moses, "Do not be afraid of 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." The Israelites, empowered by God's promise, defeated Og and his forces, capturing all sixty of his fortified cities. This victory was a testament to God's power and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham. Significance in Israelite History The defeat of Og, along with Sihon king of the Amorites, marked a crucial step in the Israelites' conquest of the land east of the Jordan. These victories provided the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh with their inheritance, as detailed in Deuteronomy 3:12-13. The conquest of Bashan and the defeat of Og served as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Legacy and Symbolism Og's defeat is frequently referenced in later biblical texts as a symbol of God's deliverance and might. Psalms 135:11 and 136:20 recount the victory over Og as part of the broader narrative of God's enduring love and faithfulness to Israel. The account of Og, king of Bashan, thus serves as a lasting testament to the divine intervention and guidance that characterized the Israelites' journey to the land promised to their forefathers. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 13:12All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 5747. Og -- king of Bashan... Usage Og (22). Og. Probably from uwg; round; Og, a king of Bashan -- Og. see HEBREW uwg. 5746, 5747. Og. 5748 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/5747.htm - 6k Library From Kadesh to the Death of Moses. Numbers The Story of God's Mighty Acts Of Former Times Psalm CXXXV. The Ministry. Psalm 135 The Bed and Its Covering Canaan Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man Resources What is the significance of the land of Gilead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Deuteronomy | GotQuestions.org How tall was Adam? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bashan: A Region East of the Jordan River and North of the Arnon River Bashan: Allotted to the Two and One Half Tribes, Which had Their Possession East of the Jordan River Bashan: Distinguished for Its Fine Cattle Bashan: Fertility and Productiveness of Bashan: Invaded and Taken by Hazael, King of Syria Related Terms Bashan-havoth-jair (1 Occurrence) Ramoth-gilead (20 Occurrences) |
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