Numbers 21:35

KJV

So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

KJV (with Strong's)

So they smote {H5221} him, and his sons {H1121}, and all his people {H5971}, until there was none {H1115} left {H7604} him alive {H8300}: and they possessed {H3423} his land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they struck him down, with his sons and all his people, until there was no one left alive; and then they took control of his land.

Berean Standard Bible

So they struck down Og, along with his sons and his whole army, until no remnant was left. And they took possession of his land.

American Standard Version

So they smote him, and his sons and all his people, until there was none left him remaining: and they possessed his land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:35 records the decisive and complete victory of the Israelites over King Og of Bashan, a formidable ruler whose kingdom lay east of the Jordan River. This verse marks the total annihilation of Og, his family, and his people, ensuring no survivors, and culminates in Israel's successful acquisition and permanent possession of his land. This triumph, divinely ordained and enabled, represents a significant step in the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to grant Israel territory and secure their path towards the Promised Land, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 21:35 serves as the climactic conclusion to the narrative of Israel's second major military engagement in the Transjordan region, immediately following their equally decisive victory over Sihon, King of the Amorites, detailed in [Numbers 21:21-26](/numbers/21-21-26 "Numbers 21:21-26 - Defeat of Sihon, King of the Amorites"). As the Israelites continued their divinely guided journey towards the Promised Land, King Og of Bashan, without any provocation from Israel, chose to confront them in battle at Edrei. The preceding verse, [Numbers 21:34](/numbers/21-34 "Numbers 21:34 - God's Divine Assurance to Moses Regarding Og"), is foundational, as it records God's explicit command to Moses not to fear Og, promising to deliver him and his entire kingdom into Israel's hand. This divine assurance sets the stage for the swift and total victory described in verse 35, highlighting God's faithfulness and active participation in Israel's conquest. The narrative then transitions to the plains of Moab, leading into the significant account of Balaam and the subsequent preparations for entering Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The victory over King Og occurred as the Israelites were nearing the end of their forty-year wilderness wandering, strategically positioned to enter the Promised Land from the east. King Og was a legendary figure, famously described in [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead and Stature") as the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants, whose massive iron bedstead was a remarkable relic preserved as a testament to his formidable stature. His kingdom, Bashan, was a fertile and strategically important region known for its rich pastures, strong cities, and a reputation for producing strong, mighty warriors. The complete destruction of Og and his people, leaving "none left him alive," aligns with the ancient Near Eastern concept of *herem*, or "devotion to destruction." This practice, often applied to enemies in holy war, signified a total eradication as an act of divine judgment. While appearing harsh, this was part of God's plan to purify the land of its deeply entrenched idolatrous and morally corrupt inhabitants, preparing it for the establishment of His holy nation and preventing the spread of pagan practices among Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The defeat of King Og powerfully reinforces several major theological and narrative themes central to the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Victory and God's Faithfulness**. The swift and comprehensive defeat of such a formidable ruler as Og underscores that this was not merely a human military triumph but a direct divine intervention, showcasing God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to Israel, as promised in [Deuteronomy 3:2](/deuteronomy/3-2 "Deuteronomy 3:2 - God's Assurance to Moses Regarding Og"). This victory also highlights the theme of **Conquest and Possession**, serving as a tangible fulfillment of God's long-standing promise to give the Israelites the land flowing with milk and honey. The phrase "and they possessed his land" marks the initial stages of Israel's territorial acquisition before crossing the Jordan, setting a precedent for the subsequent conquests of Canaan. Furthermore, the complete destruction of Og and his people aligns with the theme of **Judgment on Wickedness**, reflecting God's righteous judgment against the inhabitants of Canaan due to their extreme moral depravity and idolatry, as articulated in passages like [Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24-25 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - The Land Vomits Out Its Inhabitants").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This verb (H5221) signifies a decisive and often destructive blow, indicating a complete military rout. In biblical contexts, *nakah* frequently implies divine agency or enablement behind the action, as seen here where God had already promised to deliver Og into Israel's hands. It conveys the totality and effectiveness of the Israelite assault, demonstrating God's power working through His people.
* **Survivor (Hebrew, _sârîyd'_):** This noun (H8300) refers to one who escapes or remains after a catastrophe. The phrase "none left him alive" is a translation of a construction involving this word (along with H1115, _biltîy_, meaning "not," and H7604, _shâʼar_, meaning "to leave"). The emphasis is on the absolute and utter annihilation of Og's forces and people, meaning "not a survivor was left to him." This idiom in ancient Near Eastern conquest narratives and biblical accounts of holy war signifies a thorough and complete eradication, leaving no remnants or future threats.
* **Possessed (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb (H3423) means "to inherit, to take possession of, to dispossess." It implies not just a temporary occupation but a permanent and rightful acquisition of the land by driving out previous tenants. In the context of Israel's covenant with God, *yarash* underscores that their taking of the land was a fulfillment of divine promise, establishing their legitimate claim and permanent settlement in the territory east of the Jordan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people":** This clause describes the comprehensive nature of the Israelite victory. The target of the assault was not merely King Og himself, but also his lineage ("his sons") and his entire populace ("all his people"). This signifies the complete dismantling of Og's kingdom, power structure, and potential for future resistance. It underscores the thoroughness of the military operation and the extent of the divine judgment executed through Israel, leaving no part of Og's dominion untouched.
* **"until there was none left him alive":** This phrase emphasizes the absolute totality of the destruction. It means that no one from Og's kingdom, including his family, soldiers, or civilians, survived the battle. This level of annihilation, while stark, is consistent with the concept of *herem* often associated with the conquest narratives, ensuring the eradication of a threat and the purification of the land from its idolatrous inhabitants, as commanded by God. It highlights the divine judgment upon a wicked people.
* **"and they possessed his land":** This final clause articulates the culmination and purpose of the military action. The defeat of Og and the annihilation of his people directly led to Israel's successful acquisition and permanent occupation of his territory. This act was a tangible fulfillment of God's long-standing promise to give Israel land, establishing their presence east of the Jordan River and setting the stage for the broader conquest of Canaan. It signifies the transition from military victory to territorial inheritance and the faithfulness of God to His covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:35 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The use of **Hyperbole** or **Total Annihilation** in the phrase "until there was none left him alive" emphasizes the completeness and decisiveness of the victory. While it might not imply the literal extinction of every single individual in the kingdom, it certainly communicates the utter defeat of Og's military and political power, leaving no organized resistance or future threat. This is typical of ancient Near Eastern conquest narratives and biblical accounts of divine judgment, aiming to convey the overwhelming nature of the triumph. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as this victory over a formidable enemy east of the Jordan foreshadows the greater, divinely enabled conquests that await Israel west of the Jordan, particularly the taking of Jericho and the broader Canaanite land. Furthermore, there is an **Implied Divine Passive**; although the verse states "they smote," the preceding verse ([Numbers 21:34](/numbers/21-34 "Numbers 21:34 - God's Command to Moses Regarding Og")) makes it clear that God "delivered" Og into their hands, indicating that Israel's victory was not merely by their own strength but by divine enablement. This subtly reinforces the theme of God fighting for His people. Finally, the verse contributes to the **Repetition of Theme** concerning God's faithfulness in granting land, building upon earlier promises and the recent victory over Sihon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:35 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His active involvement in the history of His people. The complete and decisive victory over King Og, a seemingly insurmountable foe, underscores the principle that the battle belongs to the Lord. This event is not merely a military conquest but a divinely orchestrated act of judgment against the wickedness of the land's inhabitants and a significant step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan to establish His holy nation in the promised territory. It demonstrates that when God commands, He also empowers, providing the means for His people to overcome obstacles and inherit their destiny. This victory served to build Israel's faith and confirm God's presence among them as they prepared for the greater challenges of conquering Canaan, reminding them that their success was contingent upon His power and presence.

* [Deuteronomy 3:3](/deuteronomy/3-3 "Deuteronomy 3:3 - God Delivers Og to Israel")
* [Joshua 12:4](/joshua/12-4 "Joshua 12:4 - Og's Kingdom Listed Among Conquered Kings")
* [Psalm 135:10-12](/psalms/135-10-12 "Psalm 135:10-12 - God's Defeat of Kings and Granting Land to Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Israel's victory over King Og of Bashan in Numbers 21:35 offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as God delivered Og and his kingdom into Israel's hands, enabling them to overcome a seemingly insurmountable giant and possess his land, so too can we trust that God will empower us to overcome the "giants" and obstacles in our own lives. This narrative reminds us that our battles, whether spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial, are ultimately God's to fight. We are called to obey His commands and step forward in faith, knowing that His power is made perfect in our weakness. The complete annihilation of Og's kingdom also serves as a stark reminder of God's justice against wickedness and His ultimate plan to establish His righteous kingdom. This should inspire us to live in holiness, to stand against the spiritual forces of evil, and to trust in His sovereign plan for history, which includes both righteous judgment and the ultimate redemption of His people and creation. Our inheritance in Christ is secured by His decisive victory over all opposing powers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the completeness of Israel's victory over Og encourage us to trust in God's power over seemingly insurmountable challenges in our lives?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "possess the land" by trusting God to overcome obstacles and fulfill His promises?**
* **What does this account teach us about God's justice and His ultimate plan for judgment and redemption, and how does that inform our understanding of His character?**

### FAQ
**Why was King Og specifically targeted for complete destruction?**

Answer: King Og was targeted for complete destruction for several key reasons, demonstrating God's sovereign judgment and strategic plan for Israel. Firstly, he was a formidable and aggressive adversary who, without provocation, marched out to fight Israel, directly opposing God's chosen people on their journey to the Promised Land. Secondly, Og is identified in [Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead and Stature") as the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants, making him a symbol of the formidable pagan powers that God intended to dispossess from the land. His destruction, therefore, served as a powerful demonstration of God's ability to overcome even the most intimidating foes. Lastly, his kingdom, Bashan, was part of the broader Canaanite territory whose inhabitants were marked for judgment due to their deep-seated idolatry and moral corruption, as God sought to purify the land for His holy nation. This act was part of God's divine judgment and His plan to clear the way for Israel's inheritance of the land.

**How does this victory relate to Israel's overall journey to the Promised Land?**

Answer: The victory over King Og of Bashan, immediately following the defeat of Sihon, King of the Amorites, was profoundly significant for Israel's overall journey to the Promised Land. These two victories secured the entire Transjordan region (east of the Jordan River), providing a crucial staging ground and initial territory for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, as detailed in [Joshua 13:12](/joshua/13-12 "Joshua 13:12 - Og's Territory Given to Manasseh"). More importantly, these triumphs served as powerful affirmations of God's continued presence, faithfulness, and power with His people after decades of wilderness wandering. They bolstered Israel's faith and confidence in God's ability to fulfill His promises, preparing them psychologically and militarily for the greater challenges of crossing the Jordan River and conquering the central and western parts of Canaan. It demonstrated that God was indeed fighting for them and would deliver the land into their hands, fulfilling His ancient covenant with Abraham.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The decisive victory of Israel over King Og in Numbers 21:35, where a formidable enemy is utterly defeated and his land possessed, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and complete triumph of Jesus Christ. Just as Og represented a seemingly insurmountable obstacle to Israel's inheritance, so too did sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness stand as insurmountable foes to humanity's true inheritance. Yet, Christ, the true King, engaged these enemies not with physical weaponry but through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. On the cross, He "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through His victory, Jesus has not only "smote" the dominion of sin and death but has also secured for His people a spiritual inheritance, a "land" of eternal life and fellowship with God, which no enemy can take away ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). He is the true "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), who will ultimately establish His eternal kingdom, where all enemies will be put under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")), and His people will possess the new heavens and new earth, a land of perfect righteousness and peace ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 3:3

So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.

Deuteronomy 3:17

The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.

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.

Psalms 135:10

Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;

Psalms 135:12

And gave their land [for] an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.

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 29:8

And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.