Topical Encyclopedia The destruction of the cities and their walls in Bashan is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites and His judgment upon the nations opposing them. Bashan, a fertile and strategically important region located east of the Jordan River, was ruled by King Og, one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants. The conquest of Bashan is detailed in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy.Biblical Account The Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, encountered the kingdom of Bashan during their journey to the Promised Land. The biblical account in Numbers 21:33-35 describes the confrontation: "Then they turned and went up the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan came out against them with his whole army to the 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. And they took possession of his land." The victory over Og and the subsequent destruction of the cities in Bashan were acts of divine intervention, as God assured the Israelites of His support and commanded them to conquer the land. Deuteronomy 3:3-6 further elaborates on the conquest: "So the LORD our God also delivered Og king of Bashan and his whole army into our hands. We struck them down until no survivor was left. At that time we captured all his cities; there was not a city we did not take from them—sixty cities, the whole region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were also many unwalled villages. We completely destroyed them, as we had done to Sihon king of Heshbon, destroying the men, women, and children of every city." Significance The destruction of the cities and their walls in Bashan serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. The fortified cities, with their high walls and gates, symbolized strength and security, yet they fell before the Israelites as God had promised. This event underscores the theme of divine empowerment and the futility of relying on human strength against the will of God. The conquest of Bashan also highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God's commands. The Israelites, by following God's instructions, were able to overcome formidable adversaries and secure the land promised to their ancestors. The narrative reinforces the belief that God's plans and purposes will prevail, regardless of the obstacles faced by His people. Historical and Archaeological Context Bashan, known for its rich pastures and strong cities, was a region of great significance in the ancient Near East. The mention of sixty fortified cities in the biblical text suggests a well-established and organized society. Archaeological evidence in the region, including remnants of ancient fortifications and settlements, provides a backdrop for understanding the historical context of the biblical account. The destruction of these cities by the Israelites is consistent with the broader pattern of conquest and settlement described in the Old Testament. The biblical narrative, while primarily theological, aligns with historical and archaeological findings that indicate a period of upheaval and transition in the region during the Late Bronze Age. Theological Implications The destruction of the cities of Bashan and their walls is a powerful reminder of God's justice and the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance, emphasizing the need for humility and dependence on God. The narrative also foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over the forces of evil, as seen in the broader biblical account of redemption and restoration. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 3:5,6All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. Nave's Topical Index Library The Israelites Canaan Egypt The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources Where was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Who was Artaxerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics of the Cities Walls of Babylon of the Cities Walls of Bashan, Destroyed by the Israelites of the Cities Walls of Beth-Shan of the Cities Walls of Jericho of the Cities Walls of the New Jerusalem of the Cities Walls: Houses Built Upon Walls of Cities were Battered by Besieging Armies Walls of Cities were Broad and Places of Public Resort Walls of Cities were Strongly Manned in War Walls of Cities: Adroitness of Soldiers in Scaling Alluded To Walls of Cities: Custom of Dedicating Walls of Cities: Danger of Approaching Too Near To, in Time of War Walls of Cities: Destruction of, a Punishment and Cause of Grief Walls of Cities: Frequently Laid in Ruins Walls of Cities: had Towers Built on Them Walls of Cities: Houses often Built On Walls of Cities: Houses Sometimes Broken Down to Repair, and Fortify Walls of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed On Walls of Cities: Kept by Watchmen Night and Day Walls of Cities: Often Very High Walls of Cities: Persons Let Down From Walls of Cities: Sometimes Burned Walls of Cities: Strongly Fortified Walls of Cities: The Bodies of Enemies Sometimes Fastened On, As a Disgrace Walls of Cities: The Falling of, Sometimes Occasioned Great Destruction Walls of Houses: Could be Easily Dug Through Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Walls of Houses: Liable to Leprosy Walls of Houses: Often Infested With Serpents Walls of Houses: The Seat Next, Was the Place of Distinction Walls of Houses: Usually Plastered Walls of Ordinances As a Protection to the Church Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation Walls of the Protection of God Walls of the Wealth of the Rich in his own Conceit Walls of Those Who Afford Protection Walls were Probably often Strengthened With Plates of Iron or Brass Walls: (Bowing or Tottering) of the Wicked Under Judgments Walls: (Brazen) of Prophets in Their Testimony Against the Wicked Walls: (Daubed With Untempered Mortar) of the Teaching of False Walls: (Of Partition) Separation of Jews and Gentiles Walls: Designed for Separation Walls: Frequently Made of Stone and Wood Together Walls: Hyssop Frequently Grew On Walls: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Walls: Miracles Connected With: Handwriting on the Wall of Belshazzar's Palace Walls: Small Towns and Villages Were not Surrounded By Related Terms Mother-of-pearl (1 Occurrence) Cause-of-fear-on-every-side (1 Occurrence) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) |
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