Deuteronomy 3:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 3:11
11 For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 3 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, creation, obedience. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 3:11
11 For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.
Analysis
The parenthetical note about Og's bedstead—'only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants'—highlights his exceptional size and the magnitude of Israel's victory. The iron bedstead measuring 'nine cubits... in length' (13.5 feet) was preserved in Rabbath as physical evidence. Archaeological detail grounds the narrative in history, showing this wasn't mythology but actual events. God's power over impressive physical obstacles testifies to His sovereignty.
Historical Context
The Rephaim (giants) were ancient peoples of exceptional stature mentioned throughout Scripture. Og represented the last significant remnant of these peoples. The iron bedstead's preservation in Rabbath (Ammon's capital) served as a physical monument to God's deliverance, much like Goliath's sword kept as a memorial (1 Samuel 21:9).
Reflection
- What physical reminders of God's past victories can you preserve to strengthen future faith?
- How do you respond when facing challenges that seem larger than life?
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Genesis 14:5
- Parallel theme: 2 Samuel 12:26, Jeremiah 49:2