Deuteronomy 3:11

For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits [was] the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

For only Og {H5747} king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316} remained {H7604} of the remnant {H3499} of giants {H7497}; behold, his bedstead {H6210} was a bedstead {H6210} of iron {H1270}; is it not {H3808} in Rabbath {H7237} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}? nine {H8672} cubits {H520} was the length {H753} thereof, and four {H702} cubits {H520} the breadth {H7341} of it, after the cubit {H520} of a man {H376}.

'Og king of Bashan was the last survivor of the Refa'im. His bed was made of iron; it is still in Rabbah with the people of 'Amon. It was nine cubits long and four cubits wide, using the normal cubit [thirteen-and-a-half by six feet].

(For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)

(For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbah of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.)

Commentary

Deuteronomy 3:11 provides a vivid detail about King Og of Bashan, emphasizing his extraordinary size and the magnitude of the Israelite victory over him. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's might and faithfulness in leading His people through formidable challenges.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of Moses' recapitulation of Israel's wilderness wanderings and crucial victories before they entered the Promised Land. The defeat of Og, king of Bashan, alongside Sihon, king of the Amorites, was a significant milestone, establishing Israel's dominion over the Transjordan region. Og is described as one of the last of the "remnant of giants," specifically the Rephaim, a formidable race known for their immense stature. The mention of his "bedstead of iron" (likely a sarcophagus or a monumental bed) being preserved in Rabbath of the children of Ammon (modern Amman, Jordan) served as tangible evidence of his legendary size and a trophy of Israel's divinely-assisted conquest. Its dimensions—nine cubits in length (approximately 13.5 feet or 4.1 meters) and four cubits in breadth (approximately 6 feet or 1.8 meters), "after the cubit of a man"—underscore the incredible scale of this man and the overwhelming nature of the victory God granted.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Unstoppable Power: The primary message is the demonstration of God's power. Even against a seemingly invincible giant like Og, God delivered victory to Israel, proving that no foe is too great for Him. This echoes the broader theme that the Lord fights for His people.
  • Confirmation of Biblical Narrative: The specific detail about Og's bedstead serves as a physical corroboration of the biblical accounts of giants in the land, adding realism and historical depth to the narrative.
  • Fulfillment of Promise: The defeat of Og and the taking of Bashan were crucial steps in the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "giants" here is Rephaim (רְפָאִים), which refers to an ancient people of unusually large stature, frequently associated with the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan and surrounding regions. The word "bedstead" is from the Hebrew eres (עֶרֶשׂ), which can denote a bed or couch. Its description as being "of iron" suggests its durability and monumental purpose, perhaps even serving as a sarcophagus given its display in a public place like Rabbath. This detail emphasizes Og's immense size and power.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 3:11 reminds us that God's power is not limited by the size or strength of our adversaries. Just as He enabled Israel to overcome a literal giant, He empowers believers today to face seemingly insurmountable challenges. This verse encourages us to place our trust in God's faithfulness and might, rather than being intimidated by the "giants" in our own lives—whether they are personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual battles. It reinforces the truth that with God, victory is assured for those who walk in obedience and faith.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 14:5 (5 votes)

    And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that [were] with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,

  • Jeremiah 49:2 (4 votes)

    Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabbah of the Ammonites; and it shall be a desolate heap, and her daughters shall be burned with fire: then shall Israel be heir unto them that were his heirs, saith the LORD.

  • 2 Samuel 12:26 (4 votes)

    ¶ And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

  • Deuteronomy 2:11 (2 votes)

    Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims.

  • 1 Samuel 17:4 (2 votes)

    And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height [was] six cubits and a span.

  • Deuteronomy 2:20 (2 votes)

    (That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;

  • 2 Samuel 11:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth [to battle], that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.