Joshua 12:5

KJV

And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And reigned {H4910} in mount {H2022} Hermon {H2768}, and in Salcah {H5548}, and in all Bashan {H1316}, unto the border {H1366} of the Geshurites {H1651} and the Maachathites {H4602}, and half {H2677} Gilead {H1568}, the border {H1366} of Sihon {H5511} king {H4428} of Heshbon {H2809}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he ruled Mount Hermon; Salkhah; all Bashan, to the border with the G'shuri and the Ma'akhati; and half of Gil'ad, to its border with Sichon king of Heshbon.

Berean Standard Bible

He ruled over Mount Hermon, Salecah, all of Bashan up to the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and half of Gilead to the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.

American Standard Version

and ruled in mount Hermon, and in Salecah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 12:5 meticulously details the vast and fertile territory of Og, king of Bashan, one of the two formidable Amorite kings defeated by Moses on the east side of the Jordan River. This verse, a crucial component of Joshua's summary of conquered lands, specifically outlines the geographical extent of Og's dominion, stretching from the majestic Mount Hermon in the north to the borders of the Geshurites and Maachathites, encompassing all of Bashan, and extending into half of Gilead, bordering the realm of Sihon king of Heshbon. It serves as a precise historical and legal record of the land God delivered to Israel, affirming the divine faithfulness that enabled such a significant conquest before the main campaigns in Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 12 functions as a pivotal summary chapter, serving as a comprehensive catalog of the kings and territories that the Israelites conquered under both Moses and Joshua. The chapter is naturally divided into two main sections: verses 1-6 enumerate the victories achieved by Moses in the Transjordanian region, while verses 7-24 detail Joshua's subsequent conquests in Canaan proper, west of the Jordan. Joshua 12:5 specifically elaborates on the kingdom of Og, king of Bashan, immediately following the description of Sihon's territory in [Joshua 12:4](/joshua/12-4 "Joshua 12:4 - Sihon's Territory"). This meticulous listing underscores the thoroughness of God's provision and the complete fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, setting the stage for the detailed distribution of land to the tribes that commences in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land Distribution East of Jordan").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Og, king of Bashan, was a formidable figure, described as one of the last of the Rephaites, a race of giants, whose iron bedstead was famously preserved in Rabbah of the Ammonites ([Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Stature and Bedstead")). His kingdom of Bashan was renowned for its fertility, rich pasturelands, and strong cattle, making its conquest a significant strategic and economic gain for the nascent Israelite nation. The defeat of Og, alongside Sihon, was a miraculous demonstration of Yahweh's power over seemingly invincible foes, occurring before Israel even entered the promised land west of the Jordan ([Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - Defeat of Og")). This conquest established the initial inheritance for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who chose to settle in this Transjordanian territory ([Numbers 32:1-5](/numbers/32-1 "Numbers 32:1-5 - Request for Transjordanian Settlement")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of Joshua 12, contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness**, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham")). The detailed enumeration of conquered territories emphasizes the **Thoroughness of Conquest and Defined Borders**, highlighting that God's victory was not partial but complete, providing clear and precise boundaries for the subsequent tribal inheritances. Furthermore, the chapter serves as a vital **Historical Record of Inheritance**, acting as a legal document that authenticated Israel's claim to the land and provided the basis for the future allotments, particularly for the Transjordanian tribes mentioned in [Joshua 13:29-31](/joshua/13-29 "Joshua 13:29-31 - Inheritance of Half-Manasseh"). This meticulous accounting reinforces the theme of God's **Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating His power to depose kings and grant kingdoms according to His divine will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _Bashan'_):** This region, located east of the Jordan River, was renowned for its extraordinary fertility, rich pasturelands, and strong cattle. Its name itself likely derives from a root meaning "soft, fertile soil." The conquest of Bashan was not merely a territorial gain but the acquisition of a highly prosperous and strategically significant agricultural area, symbolizing the abundance God was providing for His people.
* **Hermon (Hebrew, _Chermon'_):** Mount Hermon is a majestic and prominent mountain range marking the northernmost extent of Og's kingdom. Its snow-capped peaks provided a natural and formidable boundary. The mention of Hermon emphasizes the vastness and geographical reach of Og's former dominion, underscoring the magnitude of the victory achieved by Israel.
* **Gilead (Hebrew, _Gil'ad'_):** A mountainous region east of the Jordan, Gilead was divided between the kingdoms of Og and Sihon. The phrase "half Gilead" precisely delineates the portion that belonged to Og, indicating the careful and exact demarcation of the conquered territories. Gilead was known for its balm and its strategic location, making its inclusion in the conquered lands significant for both resources and defense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And reigned in mount Hermon":** This clause establishes the northernmost boundary of Og's kingdom. Mount Hermon, a towering and imposing natural landmark, signifies the vast reach and geographical importance of Og's former rule. It indicates that Og held sway over a significant and strategically vital northern frontier.
* **"and in Salcah":** Salcah was a city located on the eastern edge of Bashan, near the desert. Its inclusion here marks the easternmost extent of Og's dominion, demonstrating that his kingdom encompassed the entire breadth of the Bashan region, from its western fertile plains to its more arid eastern fringes.
* **"and in all Bashan":** This phrase serves as the central descriptor, emphasizing that the entirety of the fertile and prosperous region of Bashan was under Og's control. It highlights the core of his kingdom, known for its agricultural wealth and strategic importance, which now fell entirely into Israelite hands.
* **"unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites":** These were small Aramaean kingdoms situated to the north and northeast of Bashan. Their borders defined the northern and northeastern limits of Og's territory. This detail not only further specifies the precise boundaries but also implicitly notes that these smaller kingdoms, though bordering Og's realm, were not fully subdued by Israel at this point, indicating the extent of Og's former influence rather than Israel's current complete control over these specific groups.
* **"and half Gilead":** This specifies the southern portion of Og's kingdom, indicating that the larger region of Gilead was split. This "half" was the part adjacent to Bashan and under Og's control, distinguishing it from the other half that belonged to Sihon's kingdom. This precise division was crucial for the subsequent allocation of land to the Israelite tribes.
* **"the border of Sihon king of Heshbon":** This final clause connects Og's territory to that of the other Amorite king defeated by Moses, Sihon, whose kingdom lay to the south of Bashan. It clarifies that Og's southern border was contiguous with Sihon's northern border, thereby completing the geographical description of the entire Transjordanian conquest under Moses.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 12:5, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The verse meticulously lists geographical locations and boundaries, creating a detailed inventory of the conquered territory. This precise **Geographical Precision** serves a crucial function: it provides a legal and historical record, verifying the completeness of God's promise and the legitimacy of Israel's claim to the land. The detailed listing of cardinal points and specific regions (Mount Hermon in the north, Salcah in the east, half Gilead in the south, and the borders of the Geshurites and Maachathites) also creates an implicit **Merism**, where the mention of extreme points suggests the inclusion of everything in between, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Og's former dominion and, by extension, the thoroughness of Israel's conquest. This dry listing, far from being mere trivia, is a testament to the factual and divinely orchestrated fulfillment of prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 12:5, though a geographical listing, is profoundly theological. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Abrahamic covenant concerning the land. The defeat of Og, a king of formidable stature and dominion, demonstrates God's sovereign power to overcome any obstacle, fulfilling His word to give Israel their inheritance. This detailed accounting of conquered territory underscores that God's deliverance is comprehensive and precise, laying a concrete foundation for the nation of Israel. It reminds us that God's promises are not vague assurances but specific commitments that He meticulously brings to pass, providing a tangible inheritance for His people.

* [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Moses' Victory Over Og and Sihon")
* [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - The Defeat of Og, King of Bashan")
* [Joshua 13:29-31](/joshua/13-29 "Joshua 13:29-31 - Inheritance of the Half-Tribe of Manasseh in Bashan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous record of Og's defeated kingdom in Joshua 12:5 offers a profound spiritual lesson for believers today. Just as God meticulously delivered the land to Israel, overcoming formidable kings and clearly defining their inheritance, so too does He work in our lives. This verse reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even when the "giants" (our challenges, fears, or spiritual enemies) seem insurmountable. It encourages us to trust in His power to conquer obstacles in our spiritual walk, secure our identity in Christ, and lead us into the "territories" He has prepared for us. Understanding that God's past faithfulness is a guarantee for His future provision builds our confidence and encourages us to press forward, knowing that our spiritual inheritance in Christ is secure and precisely delineated by His grace. We are called to live in light of the victories already won by God on our behalf, trusting Him to complete what He has started.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's historical faithfulness, as seen in the conquest of Og's kingdom, encourage your trust in His promises for your life today?**
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing, and how can the account of Og's defeat inspire you to rely on God's power?**
* **In what ways does understanding your spiritual inheritance in Christ (e.g., peace, joy, righteousness) impact your daily walk and perspective?**

### FAQ
**Who was Og, King of Bashan?**

Answer: Og was one of the two powerful Amorite kings, alongside Sihon, who ruled east of the Jordan River. He was a Rephaite, a race known for their giant stature, and his kingdom of Bashan was vast, fertile, and strategically important. His defeat by Moses and the Israelites, as detailed in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - The Defeat of Og") and [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Moses' Victory Over Og and Sihon"), was a significant pre-Canaan conquest that demonstrated God's power and faithfulness.

**Why is this detailed geographical list important in the Bible?**

Answer: The meticulous geographical descriptions, like those in [Joshua 12:5](/joshua/12-5 "Joshua 12:5 - Og's Conquered Territory"), served several crucial purposes. They acted as a legal and historical record, validating Israel's claim to the land promised by God. They underscored the completeness and thoroughness of God's victory, showing that no part of the promised territory was left unconquered. Furthermore, these precise boundaries were essential for the subsequent tribal allotments, ensuring that each tribe received its rightful inheritance as detailed in chapters like [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land Distribution East of Jordan").

**What is the significance of "half Gilead" in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "half Gilead" highlights the careful delineation of conquered territories between Og and Sihon. Gilead was a larger, mountainous region east of the Jordan. Og's kingdom encompassed the northern portion of Gilead, while Sihon's kingdom lay to the south and included the other half. This distinction was vital for understanding the precise boundaries of each defeated kingdom and, consequently, for the accurate distribution of land to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh who settled in this Transjordanian region ([Numbers 32:33](/numbers/32-33 "Numbers 32:33 - Allotment to Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The historical conquest of Og's kingdom in Joshua 12:5, a physical victory over a formidable earthly king and the acquisition of a tangible inheritance, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the spiritual conquest and eternal inheritance secured by Jesus Christ. Just as God empowered Moses to defeat the giant Og and deliver the land to Israel, so too has God, in Christ, defeated the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and Satan. Jesus, the true King, did not merely conquer earthly territories but triumphed over spiritual principalities and powers, leading captivity captive ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Ascension and Gifts")). Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ secured for His people a far greater and more enduring inheritance—not a plot of land in Bashan, but a spiritual kingdom and a heavenly dwelling, "blessed... with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). He has "delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Deliverance from Darkness")). The detailed boundaries of Og's kingdom point to the precision of God's fulfillment of His promises; similarly, Christ's work is complete and perfect, guaranteeing our eternal inheritance and His reign over all creation, for He "must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet" ([1_corinthians/15-25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Subdued")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, establishing a kingdom that will have no end ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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 3:14

Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair, unto this day.

1 Samuel 27:8

¶ And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those [nations were] of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.

Joshua 13:11

And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;

Deuteronomy 3:8

And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that [was] on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

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.

2 Samuel 15:8

For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.

Deuteronomy 4:47

And they possessed his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, which [were] on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;