Joshua 12:4

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

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},

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;

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

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

Commentary

Context

Joshua chapter 12 provides a crucial summary of the kings and territories conquered by the Israelites under the leadership of both Moses and Joshua. This chapter serves as a comprehensive overview of the land God gave to His people. Verse 4 specifically focuses on one of the most formidable foes encountered east of the Jordan River: King Og of Bashan. His defeat, along with that of King Sihon, was a pivotal moment, securing the initial inheritance for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh before the main conquest of Canaan began under Joshua.

Understanding the Verse

This verse highlights the domain and nature of one of Israel's significant early victories:

  • Og king of Bashan: Og was a powerful Amorite king who ruled over the fertile and strategically important region of Bashan, east of the Jordan. His kingdom was known for its strong, fortified cities.
  • remnant of the giants: The Hebrew term for "giants" here is Rephaim (רְפָאִים). These were an ancient people group known for their immense stature and formidable strength. Og himself was famously described as having an iron bedstead nine cubits long (approximately 13.5 feet), emphasizing his extraordinary size and power (Deuteronomy 3:11). His defeat underscores God's ability to overcome even the most physically imposing enemies.
  • Ashtaroth and Edrei: These were major cities within Og's kingdom. Ashtaroth was likely his capital, a prominent center of pagan worship dedicated to the goddess Astarte. Edrei was the site of the decisive battle where Moses and the Israelites completely defeated Og and his army (Numbers 21:33).

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Victory: The defeat of Og, a giant and a powerful king, serves as a powerful testament to God's supernatural strength and His ability to grant victory to His people against seemingly insurmountable odds. This theme resonates throughout the conquest narratives, emphasizing that Israel's success came from God, not their own military prowess.
  • Fulfillment of God's Promises: The conquest of territories like Bashan and the defeat of its kings were direct fulfillments of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan (Genesis 15:18).
  • Clearing the Way: 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.

Linguistic Insight

The term "giants" in Joshua 12:4 is translated from the Hebrew word Rephaim (רְפָאִים). This specific term refers to a distinct group of ancient inhabitants of Canaan known for their unusual stature and strength. Their presence often highlighted the formidable nature of the opposition Israel faced, making God's victories over them even more significant.

Practical Application

The account of Og, king of Bashan, and the "remnant of the giants" offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us 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 imposing than themselves, He can enable us to overcome the "giants" in our own lives—whether they are personal struggles, daunting circumstances, or spiritual battles. This verse calls us to trust in God's mighty power and unwavering faithfulness, knowing that with Him, victory is assured.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 1:4 (6 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.