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.

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}.

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.

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,

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

Commentary on Joshua 13:12 (KJV)

Joshua 13:12 is part of a crucial section in the book of Joshua that outlines the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. Specifically, this verse recounts the significant victory achieved by Moses over Og, the king of Bashan, whose territory was east of the Jordan River. It highlights the formidable nature of Og and his kingdom, emphasizing that he was a remnant of the "giants," a term often associated with the powerful and ancient Rephaim. This conquest was a foundational act by Moses, securing the land that would be allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Context

The thirteenth chapter of Joshua marks a transition from conquest to inheritance. While much land west of the Jordan still needed to be subdued, God instructs Joshua to begin the distribution, reminding him of what has already been accomplished. Verses 8-12 serve as a summary of the territories east of the Jordan that Moses had already conquered and assigned. This includes the kingdom of Og, a powerful Amorite king who ruled from strategic cities like Ashtaroth and Edrei in the fertile region of Bashan. The mention of Og being a "remnant of the giants" underscores the divine assistance given to Israel in overcoming seemingly insurmountable foes, paving the way for their settlement.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment: The conquest of Og's kingdom, initiated by Moses, demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to giving Israel the land He promised their forefathers. Even against formidable enemies, God empowers His people.
  • Overcoming Formidable Obstacles: The description of Og as a "remnant of the giants" (or 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. Og was noted for his great stature and iron bedstead, underscoring his formidable presence.
  • Continuity of God's Plan: This verse highlights that God's work through Moses seamlessly transitions into His work through Joshua. 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.
  • Remembering Past Victories: The inclusion of this historical detail in Joshua serves to remind the Israelites (and us) of God's past faithfulness and power, encouraging trust for future challenges.

Linguistic Insights

The term "giants" in this verse translates from the Hebrew `Rephaim` (ר׀אים). The Rephaim were an ancient, often described as a race of formidable, tall people who inhabited Canaan and surrounding regions before the Israelites. Their presence often signified a significant obstacle to Israel's conquest. The fact that Og was "of the remnant" indicates he was one of the last remaining of this powerful lineage, making Moses's victory over him even more significant and demonstrating God's power to conquer even the most daunting adversaries.

Practical Application

Joshua 13:12 offers encouragement for believers today. Just as God enabled Moses to conquer the "giants" and formidable kingdoms like Og's, He empowers us to overcome the challenges and obstacles in our lives. We are called to remember God's past faithfulness and victories, whether in our personal history or in the biblical narrative, as a source of strength and confidence for present and future battles. Our "giants" may be spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial, but the same God who fought for Israel is with us. This verse reminds us that God's plan is continuous, and He equips His people to fulfill His purposes, building upon the foundations laid by those who came before us.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 12:4 (4 votes)

    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 (2 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 (2 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.

  • Numbers 21:23 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.