Joshua 12:4
And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Og ruled Bashan, the fertile territory north of Gilead, famous for its cattle and oak forests. Ashtaroth and Edrei were major cities; Edrei especially was strongly fortified with extensive underground chambers (archaeological excavations confirm). The Rephaim were ancient peoples associated with great size and strength, mentioned in Genesis 14:5 and elsewhere. Whether Og was literally giant-sized or the term indicates his power and fearsome reputation, the point remains: he was a formidable opponent. Israel's defeat of him (Numbers 21:33-35) demonstrated God's power to overcome humanly impossible obstacles. The victory was so significant that it's repeatedly memorialized in Scripture (Deuteronomy 3:1-11, Psalm 135:11, 136:20). The lesson: with God, His people overcome enemies that seemed invincible. David's later defeat of Goliath (another giant) echoed this pattern—God's power, not human strength, defeats giants.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'giants' (overwhelming obstacles) has God enabled you to defeat that previously seemed impossible?
- How does remembering past victories over impossible odds strengthen courage for present challenges?
- What does God's power to defeat 'giants' teach about His ability to handle your current seemingly impossible situations?
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Analysis & Commentary
The second Transjordan king: 'And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei.' Og's identification as 'remnant of the giants' (yeter harefaim, יֶתֶר הָרְפָאִים) connects him to the Rephaim, ancient people known for extraordinary size. Deuteronomy 3:11 notes Og's iron bedstead was nine cubits long (over thirteen feet), confirming his gigantic stature. This detail matters theologically: Israel defeated seemingly invincible enemies through God's power. The two capitals—Ashtaroth and Edrei—show Og's significant kingdom. The 'giant' designation recalls Israel's earlier fear of giants (Numbers 13:33), which caused forty years wilderness wandering. Now, under Joshua's leadership and God's blessing, they defeat the giants their fathers feared. This demonstrates that faith and obedience enable victory over threats that terrified previous generations.