Joshua 13:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the kingdom {H4468} of Og {H5747} in Bashan {H1316}, which reigned {H4427} in Ashtaroth {H6252} and in Edrei {H154}, who remained {H7604} of the remnant {H3499} of the giants {H7497}: for these did Moses {H4872} smite {H5221}, and cast them out {H3423}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that is, all the kingdom of 'Og in Bashan, who ruled in 'Ashtarot and Edre'i. 'Og was one of those remaining from the Refa'im, whom Moshe defeated and expelled.

Berean Standard Bible

the whole kingdom of Og in Bashan, who had reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei and had remained as a remnant of the Rephaim. Moses had struck them down and dispossessed them,

American Standard Version

all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (the same was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); for these did Moses smite, and drove them out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:12 serves as a crucial historical recapitulation within the broader narrative of land distribution, specifically detailing the conquest of Og, king of Bashan. This verse highlights the formidable nature of Og, described as a "remnant of the giants," and underscores the decisive victory achieved by Moses over his kingdom, including the strategic cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei. This foundational triumph east of the Jordan River paved the way for the subsequent allocation of territory to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, demonstrating God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel through the hands of His appointed leaders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 13 marks a significant transition in the book of Joshua. Following the major campaigns of conquest detailed in chapters 1-12, this chapter shifts focus to the division of the land among the Israelite tribes. Despite significant portions of the land west of the Jordan still remaining unconquered (as noted in [Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - God's Command to Divide the Land")), God instructs Joshua to begin the process of inheritance. Verses [Joshua 13:8-12](/joshua/13-8 "Joshua 13:8-12 - Summary of Land East of Jordan") specifically serve as a summary of the territories east of the Jordan River that Moses had already conquered and assigned to the Transjordanian tribes. This recapitulation of Moses's victories, particularly over Og, reinforces the divine mandate and the continuity of God's plan from Moses to Joshua, providing a historical basis for the upcoming land allotments.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The kingdom of Og was situated in Bashan, a fertile and strategically important region east of the Jordan River, renowned for its rich pastures and strong cities. Og himself was an Amorite king, one of the powerful indigenous groups in Canaan. The mention of his capital cities, Ashtaroth and Edrei, signifies his control over key trade routes and defensive positions. Culturally, the reference to Og as a "remnant of the giants" points to the ancient understanding of the Rephaim (Hebrew: `רפאים`), a formidable, often gigantic people group associated with the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan and surrounding areas. Their presence represented a significant obstacle to Israel's settlement, and their defeat, particularly by Moses, was a testament to divine power overcoming seemingly insurmountable human strength. This historical detail underscores the miraculous nature of Israel's early conquests, setting a precedent for God's continued intervention on their behalf.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment**. The conquest of Og's kingdom, initiated by Moses, is a tangible demonstration of God's unwavering commitment to giving Israel the land He promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Overcoming Formidable Obstacles**. Og's description as a "remnant of the giants" (Rephaim) emphasizes the immense power and stature of the adversaries Israel faced. His defeat, even before Joshua's primary campaigns, serves as a powerful reminder that God enables His people to triumph over seemingly impossible challenges, as also seen in the detailed account of his defeat in [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-1 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Moses Recounts the Defeat of Og")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Continuity of God's Plan and Leadership**. God's work through Moses seamlessly transitions into His work through Joshua, demonstrating a unified divine purpose across generations of leadership. The victories under Moses were not isolated events but integral steps in the larger plan for Israel's inheritance, laying the groundwork for Joshua's leadership and the subsequent land division.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Og (Hebrew, _ʿŌg_):** A powerful Amorite king of Bashan, known for his immense stature and formidable kingdom. His defeat by Moses was a significant early victory for Israel, recounted in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - Defeat of Og") and [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-1 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Moses Recounts the Defeat of Og"). His inclusion here emphasizes the divine power at work in Israel's conquests.
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _Bāšān_):** A highly fertile and strategically important region east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pastures and strong cities. Its conquest by Moses provided crucial territory for the Transjordanian tribes and symbolized the Lord's ability to give Israel even the most desirable lands.
* **Giants (Hebrew, _Rephāʾîm_):** This term refers to an ancient, formidable, and often large-statured people group who inhabited Canaan and surrounding regions before the Israelites. They are mentioned in various biblical texts (e.g., [Genesis 14:5](/genesis/14-5 "Genesis 14:5 - Chedorlaomer and the Rephaim"), [Deuteronomy 2:10-11](/deuteronomy/2-10 "Deuteronomy 2:10-11 - The Emim and Rephaim")). Og being a "remnant" of them signifies his exceptional strength and the extraordinary nature of his defeat, highlighting God's power to overcome even the most daunting adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the kingdom of Og in Bashan,"**: This phrase identifies the specific territory under discussion: the entire domain ruled by King Og, located in the fertile region of Bashan. It emphasizes the totality of the conquest, not just a partial victory.
* **"which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei,"**: These are the capital and a major city of Og's kingdom, respectively. Mentioning them highlights the strategic importance and strength of Og's rule, as these were fortified urban centers. Ashtaroth was also a center of pagan worship, particularly of the goddess Astarte.
* **"who remained of the remnant of the giants:"**: This clause underscores Og's formidable nature and lineage. He was not merely a powerful king but one of the last surviving members of the Rephaim, a race known for their imposing stature and strength. This detail magnifies the significance of his defeat.
* **"for these did Moses smite, and cast them out."**: This final clause attributes the decisive victory directly to Moses, acting under divine authority. "Smite" (Hebrew: `נָכָה`, _nakah_) implies a complete defeat, and "cast them out" (Hebrew: `יָרַשׁ`, _yarash_) signifies dispossessing them of their land, fulfilling God's promise to give Israel the land of the Canaanites. It serves as a historical reminder of God's prior faithfulness and power.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 13:12 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Historical Allusion** is prominent, recalling Moses's past victory over Og, which is detailed elsewhere in the Pentateuch. This allusion serves to establish continuity in God's redemptive plan and to remind the audience of God's consistent faithfulness. The phrase "remnant of the giants" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize Og's formidable nature, portraying him as a figure of immense power and stature, thereby magnifying the significance of his defeat. This hyperbole underscores the divine intervention required for such a victory. Furthermore, there is an element of **Summary** and **Recapitulation**, as this verse condenses a significant historical event into a concise statement, serving as a foundational reference point for the subsequent land distribution and reinforcing the legitimacy of Israel's claim to the land east of the Jordan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:12 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His sovereign power over all obstacles. The defeat of Og, a king of immense stature and a "remnant of the giants," serves as a powerful testament to the fact that no foe is too formidable for the Lord. This victory, achieved through Moses, demonstrates the continuity of God's work across different leaders and generations, laying the groundwork for Joshua's continued mission. It reminds Israel, and us, that God fights for His people, enabling them to inherit what He has promised, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. This historical triumph is not merely a past event but a foundational truth that instills confidence for future battles and the fulfillment of God's purposes.

* [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - The Defeat of Og")
* [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-1 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Moses Recounts the Defeat of Og")
* [Psalm 135:10-12](/psalms/135-10 "Psalm 135:10-12 - God's Mighty Deeds for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 13:12 offers profound encouragement for believers today. Just as God empowered Moses to conquer the "giants" and formidable kingdoms like Og's, He remains the same God who equips and enables us to overcome the challenges and obstacles in our lives. Our "giants" may not be physical kings of immense stature, but they can manifest as spiritual strongholds, overwhelming anxieties, systemic injustices, or deeply entrenched personal struggles. This verse calls us to remember God's past faithfulness—both in the grand narrative of Scripture and in our personal histories—as a wellspring of strength and confidence for present and future battles. It reminds us that God's plan is continuous, and He builds upon the foundations laid by those who came before us, equipping each generation to fulfill His purposes. We are to trust in His power, not our own, knowing that the Lord who dispossessed the mighty Og is able to dispossess whatever stands in the way of His will for our lives and His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing in your life today?**
* **How does remembering God's past victories, both in Scripture and in your personal experience, strengthen your faith for current challenges?**
* **In what ways can you actively trust God to "smite and cast out" the spiritual or circumstantial foes that hinder your walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "giants" mentioned in this verse, and why is their defeat significant?**

Answer: The "giants" in Joshua 13:12 refer to the Rephaim (Hebrew: `רפאים`), an ancient, powerful, and often large-statured people group who inhabited Canaan and surrounding regions before the Israelites. They are mentioned in various biblical texts as formidable adversaries. Og, king of Bashan, is specifically noted as a "remnant" of this group, emphasizing his exceptional strength and intimidating presence. His defeat by Moses, as recounted in [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-1 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Moses Recounts the Defeat of Og"), is significant because it demonstrates God's sovereign power to overcome even the most imposing human or spiritual obstacles. It served as a clear sign to Israel that no enemy was too great for the Lord to conquer on their behalf, instilling confidence in God's ability to fulfill His promises of giving them the land.

**Why is Moses's victory over Og recounted here in the book of Joshua, which focuses on Joshua's leadership?**

Answer: Moses's victory over Og is recounted in [Joshua 13:12](/joshua/13-12 "Joshua 13:12 - Moses's Victory over Og") for several crucial reasons. Firstly, this chapter marks a transition from conquest to land distribution, and the territory of Og in Bashan was part of the land already conquered and assigned by Moses to the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh). Therefore, its inclusion provides the historical and legal basis for the land allocation that follows. Secondly, it emphasizes the **continuity of God's redemptive plan** and leadership. The victories under Moses were not isolated events but integral steps in God's larger purpose for Israel's inheritance, seamlessly transitioning into Joshua's leadership. It serves as a reminder that the same God who empowered Moses is now empowering Joshua, reinforcing divine faithfulness and the unified nature of God's work across generations. It also serves to remind the Israelites of God's past faithfulness and power, encouraging trust for the ongoing challenges of land possession.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The defeat of Og, king of Bashan, a "remnant of the giants," by Moses, foreshadows the ultimate and decisive victory of Jesus Christ over the far greater "giants" of sin, death, and spiritual darkness. Just as Og represented a formidable, seemingly insurmountable obstacle to Israel's inheritance of the promised land, so too do the powers of evil stand as an insurmountable barrier to humanity's inheritance of eternal life and fellowship with God. Christ, the greater Moses, did not merely conquer a regional king but utterly triumphed over the cosmic powers that held humanity captive. His death on the cross and resurrection broke the power of sin ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")), disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), and swallowed up death in victory ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Through His sacrifice, Christ "cast out" the dominion of darkness, opening the way for all who believe to inherit the true promised land—the eternal kingdom of God ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). The historical victory over Og in Bashan, a testament to God's power to overcome the impossible, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the cross and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we are more than conquerors ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")).

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

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,

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.

Numbers 21:23

And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

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.

Joshua 14:3

For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.

Joshua 14:4

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell [in], with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.