Numbers 21:33

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:33 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing their strategic turn northward towards the fertile region of Bashan and the immediate confrontation with its formidable king, Og. This verse sets the stage for another divinely ordained battle, following their recent victory over Sihon, underscoring God's continued guidance and provision as His people advanced towards the Promised Land, encountering powerful regional rulers who sought to impede their progress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 21:33 immediately follows Israel's decisive victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites, and the conquest of his territory (Numbers 21:21-32). This triumph secured Israel a significant portion of Transjordanian land east of the Jordan River. The narrative then shifts, indicating Israel's continued movement, now "by the way of Bashan," signaling a northward trajectory. This verse serves as the introduction to the next major military engagement, the battle against Og, which is fully recounted in the subsequent verses (Numbers 21:34-35) and further elaborated in [Deuteronomy 3](/deuteronomy/3 "Deuteronomy 3 - Conquest of Og and Division of Land"). It highlights a pattern of divine leading into conflict, where God empowers His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles on their path to inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Bashan was a highly fertile and strategically important region located northeast of Gilead, known for its rich pastures, strong oak forests, and fortified cities. Its king, Og, was a figure of significant renown and fear, described elsewhere as one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants (cf. [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Stature")). The city of Edrei, mentioned as the site of the battle, was a key stronghold within Og's kingdom, indicative of the formidable defenses Israel was about to face. The willingness of Og to "go out against them" suggests a preemptive strike, mirroring Sihon's earlier aggression, and reflects the common practice of regional kings defending their territories against perceived threats or encroaching powers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Guidance and Providence**, demonstrating that Israel's movements and encounters were not random but part of God's sovereign plan to lead them into the land He promised. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Facing Formidable Opposition**, as Israel, having just defeated one powerful king, immediately confronts another even more imposing figure in Og. This highlights God's faithfulness to empower His people for [victory over even the most formidable foes](/deuteronomy/3-3 "Deuteronomy 3:3 - God's Promise to Deliver Og"). Thirdly, the impending battle with Og is crucial for **Conquest and Territorial Expansion**, as the defeat of Bashan would secure all of Transjordan for Israel, fulfilling God's [covenant promises to Abraham](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham") to give his descendants the land, even before they crossed the Jordan into Canaan proper.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _bāšān'_):** This geographical name refers to a rich, fertile plateau region east of the Jordan River, north of Gilead. It was renowned for its robust cattle, strong oaks, and fortified cities. In biblical literature, Bashan is often associated with strength, prosperity, and at times, the presence of powerful, giant-like inhabitants (Rephaim). Its mention here immediately signals a formidable challenge for Israel, as it was a well-defended and significant kingdom.
* **Og (Hebrew, _‘ôg'_):** The name of the king of Bashan. Og is famously depicted as one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants, whose iron bedstead was over thirteen feet long (cf. [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Stature and Iron Bedstead")). His personal stature and the strength of his kingdom made him a legendary figure and a symbol of overwhelming power. His appearance in this verse signifies a direct, imposing threat that only divine intervention could overcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan:"** This phrase indicates a change in direction for the Israelites, moving from their previous southward or eastward trajectory after the defeat of Sihon, now heading northward towards the region of Bashan. The "way of Bashan" suggests a recognized route or path leading into this territory, signifying their deliberate, divinely guided advance into new, hostile lands.
* **"and Og the king of Bashan went out against them,"** This clause introduces the antagonist, Og, explicitly identifying him as the sovereign ruler of Bashan. His action of "going out against them" implies an aggressive, confrontational stance, likely intended to repel the Israelite advance and protect his kingdom. This mirrors Sihon's earlier decision to engage Israel in battle rather than grant them passage.
* **"he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei."** This final phrase specifies the scale of the confrontation – Og was not alone but brought "all his people," indicating a full-scale military engagement involving the entire strength of his kingdom. Edrei is identified as the specific location where the battle was joined, a significant city and stronghold within Bashan, emphasizing the strategic importance and intensity of the impending conflict.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:33 employs several literary devices to heighten the narrative tension and underscore the significance of the impending conflict. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the verse explicitly states that Og "went out against them... to the battle at Edrei," preparing the reader for the detailed account of the conquest that follows. This creates a sense of **Anticipation** for the reader, building suspense around how Israel, having just overcome Sihon, will fare against this new, seemingly even more formidable foe. The precise naming of **Geographical Markers** like "Bashan" and "Edrei" grounds the narrative in a specific, tangible reality, lending credibility to the historical account and allowing the reader to visualize the strategic movements. The direct, declarative statement of Og's aggression also serves as a form of **Direct Characterization**, immediately establishing him as an enemy to be reckoned with.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The encounter with Og in Numbers 21:33, following the victory over Sihon, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His active presence in the lives of His people. It demonstrates that God not only leads His people but also clears the path before them, even when that path is blocked by seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The scale of the opposition, personified by the giant king Og and his entire kingdom, magnifies the greatness of God's power in granting victory. This narrative assures Israel, and future generations, that no enemy is too great for the Lord, and His purposes for His people will ultimately prevail. The conquest of Bashan was not merely a military victory but a theological declaration of God's sovereignty over all earthly powers and His faithfulness to deliver on His promise of land.

* [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Stature and Iron Bedstead")
* [Joshua 12:4](/joshua/12-4 "Joshua 12:4 - Summary of Og's Defeat")
* [Psalm 135:11](/psalm/135-11 "Psalm 135:11 - God's Conquest of Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:33 offers a profound lesson for believers navigating their own journeys of faith. Just as Israel, having overcome one significant challenge in Sihon, immediately faced another, even more imposing one in Og, so too does the Christian life often present successive trials. This verse reminds us that progress in God's will does not guarantee an absence of opposition; rather, it often leads us directly into confrontations with forces that seem overwhelming. The key takeaway is not the presence of giants, but the presence of God. Our response to such formidable adversaries should not be fear, but a renewed trust in the God who has already demonstrated His power to deliver. This passage encourages us to press forward, knowing that the same God who led Israel to victory over Og is faithful to equip and empower us to overcome every obstacle that stands in the way of His purposes for our lives, transforming perceived threats into opportunities for His glory to be revealed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Israel's immediate transition from one major battle (Sihon) to another (Og) resonate with the pattern of challenges in my own life?**
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles am I currently facing, and how does the account of Og challenge my perspective on them?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage me to trust in God's continued guidance and power, even when the path ahead seems daunting?**

### FAQ
**Why was the confrontation with Og significant for Israel's journey?**

Answer: The confrontation with Og was profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was crucial for Israel's **territorial expansion** and the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to give them the land. The defeat of Og secured the entire Transjordan region, from the Arnon to Mount Hermon, for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, providing a vital staging ground before crossing the Jordan into Canaan proper. Secondly, it served as a powerful **demonstration of God's power and faithfulness**. Og was a legendary figure, one of the last of the Rephaim (giants), and his kingdom of Bashan was known for its strength and fortified cities. Overcoming such a formidable foe, especially immediately after the victory over Sihon, unequivocally proved that no enemy was too great for the Lord to deliver into Israel's hands. This victory built Israel's faith and confirmed God's active presence as their divine warrior, preparing them for the greater challenges of conquering Canaan (see [Deuteronomy 3](/deuteronomy/3 "Deuteronomy 3 - Conquest of Og and Division of Land")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter with Og, the formidable giant king, and Israel's subsequent victory, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Og represented an overwhelming physical obstacle to Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land, humanity faces spiritual enemies far more formidable: sin, death, and the devil. These spiritual "giants" stand in the way of our true inheritance—eternal life and fellowship with God. Jesus, the true and greater Israel, did not merely encounter these enemies; He decisively conquered them. Through His death and resurrection, Christ triumphed over all principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He disarmed the one who held the power of death, that is, the devil, and set free those who were held in slavery by their fear of death (cf. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). Thus, the physical conquest of Og by Israel foreshadows the spiritual conquest of sin and death by Christ, who leads His people not into an earthly inheritance, but into the eternal Kingdom of God, securing for us a victory far greater than any earthly triumph (cf. [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Victorious Warrior")).

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 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].