Deuteronomy 3:11

(For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)

Study Bible

For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim
The phrase "For only Og king of Bashan" introduces us to a significant figure in the narrative of Israel's conquest. Og was a formidable opponent, a king whose reputation was well-known. The Hebrew root for "Og" (עוג) suggests a roundness or circularity, possibly alluding to his strength or the completeness of his reign. "Bashan" was a fertile region east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pastures and strong cities. The "remnant of the Rephaim" refers to a group of ancient giants, often associated with great size and strength. The Rephaim were considered a mysterious and powerful people, and Og's survival as the last of them underscores his might and the significance of Israel's victory over him.

His bed was made of iron
The mention of Og's bed being "made of iron" is a testament to his extraordinary size and strength. Iron, in the ancient world, was a symbol of durability and power, often used for weapons and tools. The Hebrew word for iron, "barzel" (ברזל), conveys a sense of strength and resilience. This detail emphasizes the formidable nature of Og and the miraculous nature of Israel's triumph over him, as they were able to defeat a king who required such a massive and strong bed.

it is in Rabbah of the Ammonites
The location "Rabbah of the Ammonites" situates this narrative in a real historical and geographical context. Rabbah was the capital city of the Ammonites, a people often in conflict with Israel. The presence of Og's bed in Rabbah suggests that it was preserved as a relic or trophy, a testament to the might of Og and the victory of Israel. This detail highlights the historical reality of the biblical narrative and the tangible evidence of God's deliverance of His people.

It is nine cubits long and four cubits wide
The dimensions of Og's bed, "nine cubits long and four cubits wide," further emphasize his extraordinary size. A cubit, an ancient measure based on the length of the forearm, is approximately 18 inches. Thus, Og's bed would have been about 13.5 feet long and 6 feet wide, underscoring his giant stature. This detail serves to magnify the power of God in delivering Israel from such a formidable foe, reminding readers of the miraculous nature of God's interventions.

by the standard cubit
The phrase "by the standard cubit" indicates a specific and recognized measure, ensuring that the description of Og's bed is understood in its historical context. This precision underscores the authenticity and reliability of the biblical account. It serves as a reminder that the Bible is not merely a collection of accounts but a record of God's interactions with His people in real time and space. This detail invites readers to trust in the historical veracity of Scripture and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Og, King of Bashan
Og was one of the last of the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants. He was a formidable opponent defeated by the Israelites under Moses' leadership.

2. Bashan
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its fertile land and strong cities. It was part of the territory given to the half-tribe of Manasseh.

3. Rephaim
A term used to describe a group of ancient giants. They were considered mighty and fearsome, often associated with the Nephilim mentioned in Genesis.

4. Rabbah of the Ammonites
A city of the Ammonites, located east of the Jordan River. It was known for its strength and strategic importance.

5. Iron Bed
The mention of Og's iron bed highlights his extraordinary size and strength, emphasizing the miraculous nature of Israel's victory over him.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Giants
The defeat of Og demonstrates God's power over seemingly insurmountable obstacles. No matter how great the challenge, God is greater.

Faith in God's Promises
Israel's victory over Og is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust that God will accomplish what He has promised.

The Importance of Remembering God's Acts
The recounting of Og's defeat serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness, encouraging believers to remember and recount God's works in their own lives.

Overcoming Fear Through Faith
Just as Israel faced the fearsome Rephaim, believers today can face their fears with confidence in God's power and presence.

The Legacy of God's Deliverance
The account of Og is part of a larger account of God's deliverance, encouraging believers to see their lives as part of God's ongoing account of redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Og, King of Bashan, illustrate God's power over seemingly insurmountable challenges in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as seen in the defeat of Og, to our personal circumstances?

3. How can remembering God's past acts of deliverance, like the victory over Og, strengthen our faith in current trials?

4. What "giants" or fears are you facing today, and how can the account of Og encourage you to trust in God's power and presence?

5. How does the legacy of God's deliverance in the Bible inspire you to see your life as part of His ongoing account of redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 14
The Rephaim are mentioned as part of the coalition of kings defeated by Abraham, showing their longstanding presence and influence in the region.

Numbers 21
The defeat of Og is recounted, emphasizing God's provision and power in delivering Israel from formidable enemies.

Joshua 12
Lists the kings defeated by Israel, including Og, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promises to give Israel the land.

Psalm 136
Celebrates God's enduring love and mighty acts, including the defeat of Og, as part of Israel's history of deliverance.