What the Bible Says About Og, King of Bashan: His Biblical Significance and Meaning

Og, King of Bashan, is significant in the Bible as a representation of the Anakim and a formidable adversary to the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan (Deuteronomy 3:1-11). His defeat by Moses is seen as a testament to God’s power and a prelude to the Israelites’ success in taking possession of the Promised Land.

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Scripture

4 after he had defeated Sihon the king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth and in Edrei.
5 Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to explain this law, saying:

Deuteronomy 1:4-5

Og, King of Bashan in the Bible

Og, King of Bashan, holds notable significance in the Bible, both as a mighty adversary to the people of Israel and as a symbol of God’s sovereignty over seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Described in Deuteronomy 3:1-11, Og is characterized as one of the last of the Rephaim and a giant in stature, with a bedstead made of iron that measured nine cubits long and four cubits wide—a concrete representation of his formidable presence and the challenges faced by the Israelites. His defeat at the hands of Moses not only provided the Israelites with a crucial victory but also served to reinforce the theme of divine assistance throughout their journey. It illustrates a pivotal moment in God’s fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, affirming that no earthly power, regardless of its might, could stand against the plans of the Almighty.

Furthermore, the story of Og emphasizes the representational struggle between God’s chosen people and the forces that oppose them, a recurring theme throughout biblical history. The defeat of Og is not merely a historical account but serves as an allegorical backdrop for understanding the ongoing spiritual battles that believers face. In Psalm 135:10-12, the psalmist recalls God’s victory over kings and nations, suggesting a broader theological implication: that God is sovereign over all nations and that ultimate victory belongs to Him. In this context, Og symbolizes not just a physical adversary, but also the spiritual hostilities that believers encounter, reinforcing the assurance that God’s power prevails over the giants in their lives. Thus, his narrative encapsulates the profound message that faith in God’s might is foundational for overcoming adversity, aligning with the overarching themes of trust and divine intervention found throughout the Scriptures.

The narrative surrounding Og, King of Bashan, extends beyond his physical might and the tangible victory over him; it serves as a reflection of God’s covenant loyalty to His people. This theme resonates strongly in various biblical contexts where God’s faithfulness is showcased. Og’s defeat signifies a significant turning point, illustrating that God actively engages in the struggles of Israel. As the Israelites stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land, the triumph over Og reinforces the notion that God equips His people to confront and conquer even the most formidable adversaries. This account reminds believers that no challenge is too great when they rely on God’s power, exemplifying the broader biblical tenet of divine empowerment amid trials.

Moreover, Og’s towering presence in the biblical narrative has led to deeper theological reflections on the nature of power and control within the biblical world. His designation as a remnant of the Rephaim—a race often associated with fearsome warriors and giant-like figures—serves as allegory reflecting the spiritual realities faced by believers. Just as the Israelites wrestled against physical giants, they also contend with spiritual forces that challenge their faith. The mention of Og in the context of Israel’s journey into Canaan emphasizes that faith is not simply about the absence of obstacles, but about having the conviction to confront them head-on, armed with the assurance of God’s presence. This eternal struggle underscores a profound truth within the biblical narrative: while giants may loom large, they are dwarfed by the might of the God who stands with His people, advocating a worldview where faith empowers and overcomes the giants of fear and opposition encountered in daily life.

Symbol of God’s Power Over Giants

Og, King of Bashan, is often viewed as a representation of God’s power to conquer formidable foes. His stature as a giant and ruler of a land known for its strength serves to illustrate the might of God in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. The defeat of Og signifies that no matter how powerful or intimidating an adversary may appear, God’s authority and strength prevail, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty throughout the biblical narrative.

Representation of the Promised Land’s Conquest

Og’s defeat also plays a crucial role in the broader narrative of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. As one of the last remnants of the giants in the land, his defeat marks a significant step in the Israelites’ conquest and serves as a precursor to their eventual settlement in Canaan. This event highlights the themes of faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of God’s promises, as the Israelites are assured of victory over their enemies when they trust in God’s guidance.

A Lesson in Divine Judgment

The story of Og can also be interpreted as a lesson in divine judgment and the consequences of opposing God’s will. Og’s kingdom, characterized by its rebellion against Israel and its defiance of God’s plan, ultimately faces destruction. This serves as a reminder of the fate that awaits those who stand against God’s chosen people and His divine purposes, emphasizing the importance of aligning oneself with God’s will and the dangers of pride and opposition.

How to Embrace Faith Through Divine Guidance and Judgment

Embracing faith through divine guidance and judgment is a deeply personal journey that invites us to lean into our relationship with God, trusting that He is always leading us toward His purpose. Start by cultivating a habit of prayer and reflection, allowing space for the Holy Spirit to speak into your life. This means not just asking for guidance but also listening intently for His voice, which often comes through scripture, the counsel of wise friends, or those quiet moments of contemplation. Remember, divine judgment isn’t about condemnation; it’s about discernment and growth. When we face challenges or feel a sense of conviction, it’s an opportunity to realign ourselves with God’s will, fostering a deeper understanding of His love and grace. Embrace these moments as invitations to grow, knowing that each step taken in faith, guided by His wisdom, brings you closer to the heart of God.

Bible References to Og, King of Bashan:

Deuteronomy 3:1-11: 1 “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.”
2 But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not fear him, for I have given him and all his people and his land into your hand. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.’
3 So the Lord our God gave into our hand Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people, and we struck him down until he had no survivor left.
4 And we took all his cities at that time—there was not a city that we did not take from them—sixty cities, the whole region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
5 All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides very many unwalled villages.
6 And we devoted them to destruction, as we did to Sihon the king of Heshbon, devoting to destruction every city, men, women, and children.
7 But all the livestock and the spoil of the cities we took as our plunder.
8 So we took the land at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, from the Valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon.
9 (The Sidonians call Hermon Sirion, while the Amorites call it Senir.)
10 all the cities of the tableland and all Gilead and all Bashan, as far as Salecah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
11 (For only Og the king of Bashan was left of the remnant of the Rephaim. Behold, his bed was a bed of iron. Is it not in Rabbah of the Ammonites? Nine cubits was its length, and four cubits its breadth, according to the common cubit.)

Deuteronomy 3:12-13: 12 all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (he alone was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); these Moses had struck and driven out.
13 the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, the kingdom of Og, that is, all the region of Argob, I gave to the half-tribe of Manasseh. (All that portion of Bashan is called the land of Rephaim.)

Deuteronomy 4:46-47: 46 beyond the Jordan in the valley opposite Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon, whom Moses and the people of Israel defeated when they came out of Egypt.
47 And they possessed his land and the land of Og, the king of Bashan, the two kings of the Amorites, who were to the east beyond the Jordan,

Deuteronomy 29:7-8: 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, but we defeated them.
8 then we turned and journeyed into the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea, as the Lord told me. And for many days we traveled around Mount Seir.

Joshua 2:10-11: 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction.
11 And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.

Joshua 9:9-10: 9 They said to him, “From a very distant country your servants have come, because of the name of the Lord your God. For we have heard a report of him, and all that he did in Egypt,
10 and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon the king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth.

Joshua 12:4-5: 4 and Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,
5 the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;

Joshua 13:12-13: 12 all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (he alone was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); these Moses had struck and driven out.
13 Yet the people of Israel did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites, but Geshur and Maacath dwell in the midst of Israel to this day.

Joshua 21:27-28: 27 And to the Gershonites, one of the clans of the Levites, were given out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its pasturelands, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah with its pasturelands—two cities.
28 And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishion with its pasturelands, Daberath with its pasturelands,

Nehemiah 9:22-23: 22 “You gave them kingdoms and peoples and allotted to them every corner. So they took possession of the land of Sihon king of Heshbon and the land of Og king of Bashan.”
23 You multiplied their children as the stars of heaven, and you brought them into the land that you had told their fathers to enter and possess.

Psalm 135:10-12: 10 Who struck down great nations and killed mighty kings,
11 Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan;
12 And gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel.

Psalm 136:17-22: 17 to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;
20 And gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever.
22 A heritage to his servant Israel, for his steadfast love endures forever.