Deuteronomy 3:13

KJV

And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, [being] the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the rest {H3499} of Gilead {H1568}, and all Bashan {H1316}, being the kingdom {H4467} of Og {H5747}, gave {H5414} I unto the half {H2677} tribe {H7626} of Manasseh {H4519}; all the region {H2256} of Argob {H709}, with all Bashan {H1316}, which {H1931} was called {H7121} the land {H776} of giants {H7497}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The rest of Gil'ad and all Bashan, the kingdom of 'Og, I gave to the half-tribe of M'nasheh." The whole region of Argov together with all of Bashan form what is called the land of Refa'im.

Berean Standard Bible

To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead and all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og. (The entire region of Argob, the whole territory of Bashan, used to be called the land of the Rephaim.)

American Standard Version

and the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half-tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, even all Bashan. (The same is called the land of Rephaim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 3:13 meticulously details Moses' allocation of the conquered territories of Gilead and Bashan, including the region of Argob and the famed "land of giants," to the half-tribe of Manasseh. This verse stands as a testament to God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises, demonstrating His power to overcome formidable foes and provide an inheritance for His people, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Moses' third major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. Chapters 1-3 serve as a historical review, recounting the journey from Horeb to the current location, emphasizing God's faithfulness and Israel's past victories. Specifically, Deuteronomy 3:13 follows the detailed account of the decisive defeat of Og, the formidable king of Bashan, in [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-1 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Defeat of Og, King of Bashan"). Moses, acting as God's instrument, is now explaining the practical outcome of these divine victories: the distribution of the newly acquired Transjordanian territories. This allocation to the eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) fulfills the prior agreement made in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Transjordanian Tribes"). The verse thus bridges the narrative of conquest with the theme of inheritance, setting the stage for the subsequent instructions and exhortations regarding life in the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, around 1406 BC, at the conclusion of Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering. The Israelites are about to embark on the conquest of Canaan. The territories of Gilead and Bashan were strategically important and agriculturally rich regions east of the Jordan. Bashan, in particular, was renowned for its fertile pastures, strong cattle, and dense oak forests. Culturally, the mention of "the land of giants" (referring to the Rephaim) is significant. These were ancient, formidable inhabitants of the land, often described as exceptionally large and powerful, whose presence would have instilled terror in ordinary people. Og himself is identified as one of the last of the Rephaim ([Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead")). The conquest of such a land and its king underscored the miraculous nature of Israel's victory, demonstrating that their success was not due to their own strength or military prowess but to the direct intervention and power of Yahweh. The concept of divine land grants and tribal inheritance was also a common feature in ancient Near Eastern treaties and societal structures, but for Israel, it was uniquely tied to their covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 3:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Inheritance**, emphasizing that the land was a gift from God, fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham regarding the land ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The phrase "gave I unto" underscores God's active role as the ultimate granter of the inheritance. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Conquest of Formidable Foes**, particularly through the reference to "the kingdom of Og" and "the land of giants." This emphasizes God's ability to empower His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and terrifying adversaries, showcasing His unmatched power. Thirdly, it illustrates **Orderly Provision and Fulfillment of Covenant**, as the precise allocation of land to the half-tribe of Manasseh demonstrates God's meticulous care and the fulfillment of the agreement made with the Transjordanian tribes in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Transjordanian Tribes"). This precision reflects God's faithfulness to His word and His orderly nature in providing for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gilead (Hebrew, _Gil'ad'_):** A mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its fertile land and pastoral qualities. It was strategically important and often contested. In this context, "the rest of Gilead" refers to the northern portion of Gilead, distinct from the southern part already given to Reuben and Gad.
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _Bashan'_):** A high, fertile plateau region northeast of Gilead, renowned for its rich pastures, strong cattle, and dense oak forests. It was the kingdom of Og, a powerful and formidable foe. Its conquest represented a significant victory for Israel, providing valuable territory.
* **Giants (Hebrew, _Rephaim'_):** This term refers to an ancient race of formidable, often large people who inhabited various parts of Canaan and Transjordan. They are frequently depicted as exceptionally tall and powerful, inspiring fear. The identification of Bashan as "the land of giants" underscores the overwhelming odds Israel faced and the miraculous nature of their victory, highlighting God's power to defeat even the most intimidating adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, [being] the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh;":** This clause specifies the precise territories allocated and the recipient tribe. "The rest of Gilead" distinguishes this portion from the southern Gilead given to Reuben and Gad. "All Bashan" emphasizes the complete conquest and transfer of this significant kingdom. The phrase "[being] the kingdom of Og" serves as an identifier, reminding the audience of the formidable power that was overcome. The divine "I" (referring to Moses, acting as God's agent) underscores the authority and divine mandate behind this land distribution, signifying God's direct involvement in providing for His people.
* **"all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.":** This second clause further clarifies the geographical extent of the allocation and reiterates the formidable nature of the conquered land. "All the region of Argob" is a specific district within Bashan, known for its sixty fortified cities ([Deuteronomy 3:4](/deuteronomy/3-4 "Deuteronomy 3:4 - Sixty Fortified Cities of Argob")). The repetition of "all Bashan" reinforces the totality of the conquest and the completeness of the inheritance. The concluding phrase, "which was called the land of giants," serves as a powerful descriptor, imbuing the territory with a sense of awe and danger, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of Israel's victory and God's power in delivering it into their hands.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 3:13 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "all Bashan," which appears twice, emphasizing the completeness of the conquest and the totality of the land given to Manasseh. This rhetorical device underscores the thoroughness of God's provision. The phrase "the land of giants" functions as a form of **hyperbole** or **emphasis**, highlighting the formidable nature of the previous inhabitants and, by extension, the extraordinary power of God who enabled Israel to overcome them. It evokes a sense of awe and wonder at the divine intervention. Furthermore, "the kingdom of Og" serves as a form of **metonymy**, where the name of the king stands in for the entire political and military power structure of the region, signifying the comprehensive defeat of a powerful enemy. These devices collectively amplify the message of God's faithfulness, power, and the certainty of His promised inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 3:13 is a powerful theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign power over all creation and its inhabitants. The conquest of Og and the "land of giants" was not merely a military victory; it was a divine act demonstrating that no foe, however formidable, could stand against the Lord's will for His people. This act of giving land underscores the theme of divine provision and inheritance, reminding Israel that their prosperity and security were entirely dependent on God's grace and power, not their own strength. It served as a tangible proof of God's commitment to establish them in the land He had promised to their ancestors, providing a foundation of trust for the challenges that lay ahead in Canaan.

* [Numbers 32:33](/numbers/32-33 "Numbers 32:33 - Moses Gives Land to Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh")
* [Joshua 13:29-31](/joshua/13-29 "Joshua 13:29-31 - Inheritance of the Half-Tribe of Manasseh")
* [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Land Boundaries")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 3:13 offers profound encouragement for believers today. Just as God empowered Israel to conquer "the land of giants" and inherit their promised portion, so too does He equip us to face the "giants" in our own lives—whether they are overwhelming challenges, persistent sins, spiritual strongholds, or daunting circumstances. This verse reminds us that our victories are not achieved by our own might or power, but by the Spirit of the Lord working through us. It calls us to trust in God's faithfulness, remembering His past acts of deliverance and provision as a foundation for our present hope. Furthermore, the meticulous division of the land speaks to God's orderly nature and His personal care in providing for each of His children. We are invited to step confidently into the spiritual inheritance He has prepared for us, knowing that He has already secured the ultimate victory through Christ, enabling us to live in the abundance of His grace and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing in your life right now?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness, both in Scripture and in your own experience, encourage you to trust Him with your current challenges?**
* **In what ways can you actively "take possession" of the spiritual inheritance and promises God has given you in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is Bashan being called "the land of giants" so significant?**

Answer: The designation of Bashan as "the land of giants" (Hebrew: *eretz Rephaim*) is highly significant because it emphasizes the formidable nature of the enemy Israel faced and the miraculous power of God in their victory. The Rephaim were an ancient race of exceptionally large and powerful people, often associated with a terrifying reputation. Og, the king of Bashan, was himself described as one of the last of the Rephaim, with an unusually large iron bedstead ([Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead")) serving as a testament to his immense size. By conquering such a land and its king, God demonstrated that no human or supernatural power could stand against His will. This detail underscores that Israel's success was not due to their military prowess but to God's direct intervention, thereby magnifying His glory and reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness and provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 3:13, with its account of conquering the "land of giants" and inheriting the promised territory, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical conquest of formidable foes like Og and the Rephaim foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over far greater, spiritual adversaries—sin, death, and the demonic powers. Just as Israel was given an earthly inheritance through God's power, believers in Christ receive a heavenly and spiritual inheritance, not through their own might, but through His finished work on the cross. The land given to Manasseh was a type of the true and eternal rest and inheritance that Christ secures for His people, a "promised land" of spiritual blessings and eternal life. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the ultimate conqueror who leads His people into a new covenant reality, where we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and enter into His eternal rest ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - Rest for the People of God")). The victory over the giants in Bashan points to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), securing for us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1-peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 32:39

And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which [was] in it.

Numbers 32:42

And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

1 Chronicles 5:23

And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.

1 Chronicles 5:26

And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.

Joshua 13:29

And Moses gave [inheritance] unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and [this] was [the possession] of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.

Joshua 13:32

These [are the countries] which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward.