Og, the king of Bashan, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, known for his defeat and death at the hands of Moses and the Israelites. His account is primarily found in the Old Testament, where he is depicted as a formidable adversary due to his stature and the strength of his kingdom.

Background and Description

Og was one of the last of the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants mentioned in the Bible. He ruled over the region of Bashan, which was located east of the Jordan River. The territory of Bashan was known for its fertile land and strong cities, including the notable cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei. Og's kingdom was characterized by its fortified cities and its strategic importance in the region.

Biblical Account

The account of Og's defeat is recorded in several passages, including Numbers 21:33-35, Deuteronomy 3:1-11, and Joshua 12:4-5. The Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, encountered Og as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. After defeating Sihon, king of the Amorites, the Israelites turned their attention to Og.

In Numbers 21:33-35 , the narrative describes the encounter: "Then they turned and went up along the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan came out against them with his whole army to fight 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."

Significance of Og's Defeat

The defeat of Og was significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrated the power and faithfulness of God in delivering the Israelites from formidable enemies. The victory over Og and his kingdom was a testament to God's promise to give the Israelites the land He had sworn to their ancestors.

Deuteronomy 3:11 provides additional insight into Og's formidable nature: "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 emphasizes Og's extraordinary size and strength, further highlighting the miraculous nature of Israel's victory.

Legacy and Influence

Og's defeat had lasting implications for the Israelites. It secured the northern territories east of the Jordan River, which were later allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The victory over Og also served as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises, encouraging the Israelites as they prepared to enter the land of Canaan.

In later biblical references, Og is often mentioned alongside Sihon as examples of God's deliverance and the triumph of His people over seemingly insurmountable foes. His account is a powerful illustration of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel.Numbers 21:33-35
And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.
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Deuteronomy 1:4
After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelled in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelled at Astaroth in Edrei:
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Deuteronomy 3:1-7
Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
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Deuteronomy 29:7
And when you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us to battle, and we smote them:
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Deuteronomy 31:4
And the LORD shall do to them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and to the land of them, whom he destroyed.
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Joshua 2:10
For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.
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Joshua 9:10
And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth.
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Psalm 135:10,11
Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;
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Psalm 136:18-20
And slew famous kings: for his mercy endures for ever:
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The First Book
... in the weakness of the body as over a defeated adversary ... Og rebelled against Moses:
he was blotted out ... against Moses and Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... ii.26-37), and against Og, King of Bashan (Numbers 21 ... not far from Gibeon, and their
chiefs killed or mutilated ... with no better success; they were defeated at the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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