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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Joshua 12:1–6.
Joshua, or whoever else is the historian before he comes to sum up the new conquests Israel had made, in these verses receives their former conquests in Moses's time, under whom they became masters of the great and potent kingdoms of Sihon and Og. Note, Fresh mercies must not drown the remembrance of former mercies, nor must the glory of the present instruments of good to the church be suffered to eclipse and diminish the just honour of those who have gone before them, and who were the blessings and ornaments of their day. Joshua's services and achievements are confessedly great, but let not those under Moses be overlooked and forgotten, since God was the same who wrought both, and both put together proclaim him the Alpha and Omega of Israel's great salvation. Here is, 1. A description of this conquered country, the measure and bounds of it in general (Jos 12:1): From the river Arnon in the south, to Mount Hermon in the north. In particular, here is a description of the kingdom of Sihon (Jos 12:2, Jos 12:3), and that of Og, Jos 12:4, Jos 12:5. Moses had described this country very particularly (Deu 2:36; Deu 3:4, etc.), and this description here agrees with his. King Og is said to dwell at Ashtaroth and Edrei (Jos 12:4), probably because they were both his royal cities; he had palaces in both, and resided sometimes in one and sometimes in the other; one perhaps was his summer seat and the other his winter seat. But Israel took both from him, and made one grave to serve him that could not be content with one palace. 2. The distribution of this country. Moses assigned it to the two tribes and a half, at their request, and divided it among them (Jos 12:6), of which we had the story at large, Num. 32. The dividing of it when it was conquered by Moses is here mentioned as an example to Joshua what he must do now that he had conquered the country on this side Jordan. Moses, in his time, gave to one part of Israel a very rich and fruitful country, but it was on the outside of Jordan; but Joshua gave to all Israel the holy land, the mountain of God's sanctuary, within Jordan: so the law conferred upon some few of God's spiritual Israel external temporal blessings, which were earnests of good things to come; but our Lord Jesus, the true Joshua, has provided for all the children of promise spiritual blessings - the privileges of the sanctuary, and the heavenly Canaan. The triumphs and grants of the law were glorious, but those of the gospel far exceed in glory.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
And if “a wise man shall understand the words from his own mouth and shall hear knowledge on his lips,” we must either declare rashly that the prophets were not wise, if they have not understood “the words from their own mouth,” or admit that the prophets were wise, because they have received what is correct and true and have understood “the words from their own mouth” and borne knowledge on their lips. It is clear that Moses saw in his mind the truth of the law and the allegorical meanings related to the anagogical sense of the stories he recorded, and that Joshua understood the true distribution of land which took place after the overthrow of the twenty-nine kings, since he could see better than us that the things accomplished through himself were shadows of certain realities.
Whoever believes in me will also do the works which I do, and will do even greater ones. And where is this word which he said, “The disciple is not greater than his master” [illustrated]? For example, Moses killed only three kings, but Joshua killed thirty. [Moses] persevered in prayer, made supplication, but did not enter [the promised land]. It was Joshua rather who entered and shared out the inheritance. Likewise, Samuel was greater than Eli, and Elisha received a double portion of his master’s spirit after his ascension, like the Lord our Savior, for his disciples effected twice through their signs.
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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
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Of uncertain derivation, Bashan refers to a fertile and strategically significant region located east of the Jordan River. It was known for its rich pasturelands and fortified cities, and its conquest by Moses marked a pivotal early victory for Israel, providing crucial territory for the Transjordanian tribes.
Properly meaning "an overhanging" or "excess," this term here denotes what is left over or a residue. In the context of Og, it signifies that he belonged to the surviving portion of the formidable Rephaim, emphasizing that even a small remaining group of such powerful adversaries was still a significant force requiring divine intervention to overcome.
Derived from a root suggesting "invigorating," this term refers to the Rephaim, an ancient people group renowned for their immense stature and formidable strength. Their presence in the land underscored the intimidating nature of the opposition Israel faced, thereby magnifying the divine power and intervention required for God's people to secure victory over seemingly insurmountable foes.
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. 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.
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
FAQ
Who were the "giants" mentioned in this verse?
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). 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?
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). 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). He is the true King who subdues all enemies, not merely physical kings, but the very dominion of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). Through Him, believers are granted victory over sin's power (Romans 6:14) 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). His victory ensures our ultimate dwelling in the promised land of God's eternal presence.