### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bâshân**, represented by `{{H1316}}`, refers to **Bashan**, a region East of the Jordan. It appears **60 times** across **53 unique verses** in the Bible. The name's derivation is uncertain, but it consistently points to this specific geographical area known for its fertility and strength.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Bâshân** is depicted in several key contexts. It is frequently portrayed as a land of immense fertility and natural wealth, renowned for its strong **bulls** `{{H6499}}` and **rams** `{{H352}}` ([[Psalms 22:12]], [[Deuteronomy 32:14]]), its rich pastures that **feed** `{{H7462}}` the people of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[Jeremiah 50:19]], and its mighty **oaks** `{{H437}}` [[Isaiah 2:13]]. The region was famously ruled by **Og** `{{H5747}}`, a **king** `{{H4428}}` described as one of the last of the **giants** `{{H7497}}`, whose **kingdom** `{{H4467}}` was conquered by **Moses** `{{H4872}}` and the Israelites ([[Numbers 21:33]], [[Deuteronomy 3:11]]). Subsequently, this territory was given as an **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` to the half-tribe of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}` [[Numbers 32:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names provide further context for the region of **Bâshân**:
* `{{H5747}}` **ʻÔwg** (Og): The Amorite **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Bashan** who was defeated by the Israelites under **Moses** `{{H4872}}`. He is described as a remnant of the **giants** `{{H7497}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:11]].
* `{{H4519}}` **Mᵉnashsheh** (Manasseh): The Israelite **tribe** `{{H7626}}` that received the kingdom of Og and the territory of **Bashan** as its **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` ([[Numbers 32:33]], [[Joshua 17:1]]).
* `{{H437}}` **ʼallôwn** (oak): **Bashan** was famous for its strong **oaks** `{{H437}}`, which are mentioned in prophetic judgments and used to make **oars** `{{H4880}}` ([[Isaiah 2:13]], [[Ezekiel 27:6]]).
* `{{H7497}}` **râphâʼ** (giants): The land of **Bashan** was known as the **land** `{{H776}}` of **giants** `{{H7497}}` before the Israelite conquest, with **Og** `{{H5747}}` being one of their last representatives [[Deuteronomy 3:13]].
* `{{H1568}}` **Gilʻâd** (Gilead): A region frequently mentioned alongside **Bashan**, forming a large part of the Israelite territory east of the Jordan. Both regions are depicted as places of pasture and restoration [[Micah 7:14]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of **Bâshân** extends beyond its geography, carrying symbolic weight in scripture.
* **Symbol of Earthly Strength:** The region's powerful **bulls** `{{H6499}}` and towering **oaks** `{{H437}}` are used to symbolize formidable, often arrogant, earthly power. The "strong bulls of **Bashan**" represent overwhelming adversaries [[Psalms 22:12]], while the "kine of **Bashan**" depict the oppressive elite of **Samaria** `{{H8111}}` [[Amos 4:1]].
* **A Testament to God's Power:** The defeat of **Og** `{{H5747}}`, the giant **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Bashan**, serves as a recurring reminder of the **LORD's** `{{H3068}}` power to overcome any obstacle for His people, **Israel** `{{H3478}}` ([[Deuteronomy 3:3]], [[Psalms 136:20]]). This victory secured the land as an inheritance for the tribe of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}`.
* **A Land of Divine Provision and Restoration:** **Bashan** is portrayed as a place of immense fertility, a land of **butter** `{{H2529}}`, **milk** `{{H2461}}`, and prime livestock [[Deuteronomy 32:14]]. In prophecy, the promise to let Israel **feed** `{{H7462}}` again in **Bashan** signifies a time of restoration and satisfaction for God's people ([[Jeremiah 50:19]], [[Micah 7:14]]).
* **Integral Part of the Promised Inheritance:** As part of the land given to the Israelite tribes, **Bashan** contained **Golan** `{{H1474}}`, one of the cities of refuge assigned for the slayer `{{H7523}}` [[Joshua 20:8]], underscoring its role within the covenant land.
### Summary
In summary, **Bâshân** `{{H1316}}` is a significant geographical and symbolic region in the Old Testament. Primarily known as the fertile kingdom of the giant **king** `{{H4428}}` **Og** `{{H5747}}`, its conquest by Israel became a testament to God's power. Its rich pastures and strong livestock made it a symbol of both divine blessing and, at times, arrogant strength destined for judgment. As part of the inheritance for the tribe of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}`, **Bashan** stands as a landmark of God's faithfulness in providing for and establishing His people in the promised land.
TRV