Joshua 12:4

KJV

And the coast of Og king of Bashan, [which was] of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the coast {H1366} of Og {H5747} king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316}, which was of the remnant {H3499} of the giants {H7497}, that dwelt {H3427} at Ashtaroth {H6252} and at Edrei {H154},

Complete Jewish Bible

There was also the territory of 'Og king of Bashan, who belonged to the remnant of the Refa'im. He lived at 'Ashtarot and at Edre'i;

Berean Standard Bible

And Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived in Ashtaroth and Edrei.

American Standard Version

and the border of Og king of Bashan, of the remnant of the Rephaim, who dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 12:4 provides a concise yet potent summary of the territory and identity of Og, king of Bashan, one of the formidable foes conquered by Moses east of the Jordan River. It specifically highlights his domain, his association with the "remnant of the giants" (Rephaim), and his key cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei. This verse serves as a testament to God's sovereign power and faithfulness in delivering His people from seemingly insurmountable adversaries, fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua chapter 12 serves as a pivotal summary, concluding the detailed accounts of Israel's initial conquests under Moses and Joshua (chapters 1-11). It functions as a comprehensive catalog of the thirty-one kings and their territories defeated by Israel, emphasizing the thoroughness of God's fulfillment of His promise to give them the land. Verses 1-6 specifically recount the victories achieved by Moses east of the Jordan, setting the stage for the subsequent distribution of land to the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh). Verse 4, by detailing the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, underscores the magnitude of these initial victories and the divine power behind them, preparing the reader for the subsequent conquests west of the Jordan under Joshua.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The region of Bashan, located east of the Jordan River, was renowned for its fertile plains, rich pastures, and strategically important, heavily fortified cities. Og, identified as an Amorite king, ruled over this prosperous territory. His significance is amplified by his association with the "remnant of the giants" (Rephaim), an ancient people group often described with immense stature and formidable strength, making them particularly intimidating adversaries. The defeat of Og at Edrei, as detailed in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - The Defeat of Og"), was a momentous victory, demonstrating God's ability to overcome even the most physically imposing enemies. Ashtaroth, likely Og's capital, was a prominent center of pagan worship, specifically dedicated to the Canaanite fertility goddess Astarte, highlighting the spiritual dimension of the conquest as a triumph over idolatry.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The defeat of Og, a king of the feared Rephaim, serves as a powerful testament to God's supernatural strength and His absolute control over all earthly powers. It emphasizes that Israel's victories were not due to their military prowess but to God's intervention, a theme central to the conquest narratives (e.g., [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3 "Deuteronomy 3 - Conquest of Og and Sihon")).
* **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises:** The conquest of territories like Bashan and the defeat of their kings were direct and tangible fulfillments of God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). This verse highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His word.
* **Preparation for Inheritance:** The elimination of the Rephaim and other formidable inhabitants of the land removed significant obstacles, preparing the way for Israel to inhabit their promised inheritance. This theme underscores God's meticulous care in clearing the path for His people to receive His blessings.
* **Holiness and Judgment:** The conquest of cities like Ashtaroth, a center of pagan worship, reflects God's judgment against the wickedness and idolatry of the Canaanite nations, reinforcing His call for Israel to maintain holiness in the land He was giving them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _Bashan'_):** A fertile and strategically important region located east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pasturelands and strong, fortified cities. Its conquest by Moses marked a significant early victory for Israel, providing valuable territory for the Transjordanian tribes.
* **remnant of the giants (Hebrew, _sherit ha'repha'im'_):** This phrase refers to the remaining members of the Rephaim, an ancient, powerful, and often large-statured people group. Their presence in the land before Israel's arrival emphasized the formidable nature of the opposition Israel faced, thereby magnifying the divine power and intervention required for God's people to secure victory.
* **Ashtaroth (Hebrew, _Ashtarot'_):** A major city within Og's kingdom, likely his capital. It was a significant administrative and religious center, prominently associated with the worship of Astarte (Ishtar), a prominent Canaanite fertility goddess. Its mention highlights the spiritual dimension of the conquest, representing a victory over idolatrous strongholds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the coast of Og king of Bashan":** This clause identifies the specific territory and its formidable ruler. "Coast" here refers to the border or territory of a kingdom. Og was a powerful Amorite king whose domain encompassed the fertile and strategically vital region of Bashan, situated east of the Jordan River, a land known for its strongholds and rich resources.
* **"[which was] of the remnant of the giants":** This crucial parenthetical phrase provides a key detail about Og's identity, linking him to the Rephaim. This ancient people group was known for their immense stature and formidable strength, making Og a particularly intimidating adversary. This detail underscores the extraordinary nature of the enemy Moses and Israel faced, thereby magnifying the divine power demonstrated in their victory.
* **"that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei":** These specific cities are named as key locations within Og's kingdom. Ashtaroth was a major administrative and religious center, likely Og's capital, deeply involved in pagan worship. Edrei was the site of the decisive battle where Moses and the Israelites completely defeated Og and his army, as recorded in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - The Defeat of Og"). Their mention grounds the narrative in specific geographical and historical realities, highlighting the completeness of the conquest.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 12:4 employs several literary techniques to enhance its impact. The use of **Enumeration** is prominent throughout chapter 12, as this verse contributes to the comprehensive list of conquered kings and territories, emphasizing the thoroughness and completeness of Israel's conquest under God's guidance. The description of Og as "of the remnant of the giants" (Rephaim) functions as a form of **Emphasis** or even **Hyperbole**, highlighting the extraordinary and formidable nature of the enemy. While the Rephaim were genuinely large, their depiction here serves to magnify the divine power required for Israel's victory, underscoring that God overcame seemingly insurmountable odds. Furthermore, the **Geographical Specificity** of naming "Ashtaroth and Edrei" provides concrete anchors for the narrative, lending historical credibility and grounding the theological claims of divine intervention in specific, identifiable locations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 12:4 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign power over all earthly rulers and forces, even those considered "giants." It demonstrates unequivocally that no enemy, no matter how formidable or physically imposing, can stand against God's purposes for His people. The defeat of Og, a king of the Rephaim, underscores that Israel's victories were not achieved by their own military might or strategic genius, but by direct divine intervention and empowerment. This theme of God fighting for His people is central to the entire conquest narrative, providing profound assurance that God is utterly faithful to His covenant promises. The conquest of Bashan also represents the initial, tangible phase of God's promised land inheritance being realized, a clear and undeniable sign of His faithfulness to the covenant made with Abraham.

* [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead")
* [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - The Defeat of Og")
* [Psalm 135:10-12](/psalms/135-10 "Psalm 135:10-12 - God's Conquest of Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Og, king of Bashan, and his association with the "remnant of the giants" in Joshua 12:4 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that no challenge, no adversary, and no obstacle is too great for God. Just as He empowered Israel to conquer foes far more powerful and physically imposing than themselves, He can enable us to overcome the "giants" in our own lives—whether they are personal struggles, daunting circumstances, spiritual strongholds, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This verse calls us to cultivate a faith that looks beyond the size of the problem to the omnipotence of God. It encourages us to trust in His unwavering faithfulness to fulfill His promises, even when the path seems daunting, knowing that His power is made perfect in our weakness. Our ultimate victory is found not in our own strength or ingenuity, but in His mighty power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or overwhelming obstacles are you currently facing in your personal or spiritual life?**
* **How does the account of God's victory over Og encourage you to trust in His power rather than your own abilities when facing challenges?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and allow God to fight your battles for you?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "giants" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "giants" in Joshua 12:4 refer to the Rephaim (רְפָאִים), an ancient people group known for their exceptional stature and formidable strength. They are mentioned in various Old Testament passages, often associated with powerful, pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan and Transjordan. Og, king of Bashan, was identified as one of the last prominent figures of these formidable individuals, emphasizing the magnitude of God's victory over him (see [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Size and Iron Bedstead")). Their defeat demonstrated God's power to clear the land for His people, overcoming seemingly invincible foes.

**Why is it significant that Og ruled in Ashtaroth and Edrei?**

Answer: Ashtaroth and Edrei were key cities in Og's kingdom of Bashan, and their mention underscores both the spiritual and strategic significance of Israel's victory. Ashtaroth was likely Og's capital and a major administrative and religious center, deeply involved in the worship of the pagan goddess Astarte. Its conquest highlighted the spiritual dimension of the conflict, representing a victory over idolatry and false gods. Edrei was the specific site of the decisive battle where Moses and the Israelites completely defeated Og and his army (as recorded in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - The Battle at Edrei")). Their mention grounds the narrative in specific geographical and historical realities, emphasizing the completeness and historical veracity of God's faithfulness in delivering His people from powerful, idolatrous enemies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The defeat of Og, king of Bashan, and the "remnant of the giants" in Joshua 12:4 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over far greater spiritual adversaries. Just as God cleared the land of formidable physical foes for Israel's inheritance, so too does Christ, the true Joshua, conquer the spiritual "giants" of sin, death, and the devil to secure our eternal inheritance. The Rephaim represented insurmountable obstacles to Israel's possession of the land; similarly, humanity's sin debt and spiritual bondage were utterly insurmountable without divine intervention. Christ's death on the cross and His glorious resurrection represent the decisive battle, akin to Edrei, where He triumphed over all principalities and powers, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true King who subdues all enemies, not merely physical kings, but the very dominion of darkness ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Through Him, believers are granted victory over sin's power ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Sin's Dominion Broken")) and the promise of a new heaven and new earth, a perfect and eternal inheritance free from all "giants" of evil and suffering ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heavens and New Earth")). His victory ensures our ultimate dwelling in the promised land of God's eternal presence.

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

Deuteronomy 1:4

After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:

Deuteronomy 3:10

All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

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.

Joshua 13:12

All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.

Numbers 21:33

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.

Numbers 21:35

So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

Deuteronomy 3:1

¶ 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.