Numbers 21:33

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.

And they turned {H6437} and went up {H5927} by the way {H1870} of Bashan {H1316}: and Og {H5747} the king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316} went out {H3318} against {H7125} them, he, and all his people {H5971}, to the battle {H4421} at Edrei {H154}.

Then they turned and went up along the road to Bashan; and 'Og, the king of Bashan, marched out against them, he with all his people, to fight at Edre'i.

Then they turned and went up the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan and his whole army came out to meet them in battle at Edrei.

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 battle at Edrei.

Commentary

Numbers 21:33 introduces the next significant challenge for the Israelites on their journey toward the Promised Land: a confrontation with Og, the formidable king of Bashan. After their decisive victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites, the Israelites turned northward, encountering another powerful regional ruler who chose to oppose their passage.

Context

This verse is situated during Israel's final stages of wilderness wandering, immediately following their successful campaign against Sihon, which secured them territory east of the Jordan River. The journey "by the way of Bashan" indicates their continued movement towards the north, where the kingdom of Og was located. Bashan was a fertile and strategically important region known for its strong fortifications and its king, Og, who was described elsewhere as one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants (Deuteronomy 3:11). The city of Edrei, where the battle was joined, was a major city within Og's kingdom, serving as a stronghold.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Providence: Even as Israel faced another mighty king, their movement was directed by God. The encounter with Og was not an accident but part of God's plan to clear the way and grant them territory.
  • Facing Formidable Opposition: Og and his people represented a significant threat, yet God's command to conquer him (as seen in the subsequent verses) underscored His faithfulness to empower His people for victory over even the most formidable foes.
  • Conquest and Expansion: This battle, like the one against Sihon, was crucial for Israel's territorial expansion before entering Canaan proper, demonstrating God's commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises to give them the land.

Practical Application

Numbers 21:33 reminds believers that the path God sets for us often involves confronting significant challenges. Just as Israel faced Og after Sihon, we may overcome one obstacle only to find another, seemingly greater one, awaiting us. This verse encourages us to remember that God's presence and power are not diminished by the size of our adversaries. Our trust should remain in His ability to lead us through and grant us victory, fulfilling His purposes in our lives as He did for Israel on their journey to the Promised Land.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Deuteronomy 1:4

    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 29:7

    And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:

  • Deuteronomy 3:1

    ¶ 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.

  • Deuteronomy 3:6

    And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city.

  • Ezekiel 39:18

    Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.

  • Isaiah 33:9

    The earth mourneth [and] languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed [and] hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off [their fruits].
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