Joshua 13:12
the whole kingdom of Og in Bashan, who had reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei and had remained as a remnant of the Rephaim. Moses had struck them down and dispossessed them,
all the kingdom of Og in Bashan
This phrase refers to the territory ruled by Og, the king of Bashan, a region east of the Jordan River. The Hebrew root for "Bashan" is "בָּשָׁן" (Bashan), which is often associated with fertile lands and strongholds. Historically, Bashan was known for its rich pastures and mighty oaks, symbolizing strength and prosperity. The mention of Og's kingdom highlights the significant victory God granted Israel over formidable foes, emphasizing God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

who reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei
Ashtaroth and Edrei were major cities in Og's kingdom. "Ashtaroth" (עַשְׁתָּרוֹת) is linked to the Canaanite goddess Astarte, indicating the city's religious significance and the idolatrous practices prevalent in the region. "Edrei" (אֶדְרֶעִי) was another strategic city, often associated with military strength. The reign of Og in these cities underscores the challenge Israel faced in conquering the land, yet it also serves as a testament to God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

He was one of the last of the Rephaim
The term "Rephaim" (רְפָאִים) refers to a group of ancient giants known for their great size and strength. Og being "one of the last" signifies the end of an era of formidable adversaries in the land. This phrase highlights the miraculous nature of Israel's victories, as they overcame not just ordinary enemies but giants, through God's intervention. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the assurance that no obstacle is too great for those who trust in Him.

whom Moses had defeated and driven out
This part of the verse recalls the historical account of Moses' conquest over Og, as recorded in Numbers 21:33-35. The Hebrew root for "defeated" (נָכָה, nakah) implies a decisive victory, while "driven out" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) suggests a complete dispossession. Moses' triumph over Og is a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to the Promised Land, demonstrating God's faithfulness in leading His people and His ability to fulfill His promises despite seemingly insurmountable odds. It serves as an encouragement to believers to trust in God's power and provision in their own lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Og
King of Bashan, one of the last of the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants. His defeat by Moses is a significant event in Israel's conquest of the Promised Land.

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

3. Ashtaroth
One of the royal cities of Og, associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Astarte. It was a significant cultural and religious center.

4. Edrei
Another royal city of Og, where a major battle took place between the Israelites and the forces of Bashan.

5. Rephaim
An ancient race of giants mentioned in the Bible, often seen as formidable opponents to the Israelites. Their presence in the land posed a significant challenge to Israel's conquest.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Battles
The defeat of Og illustrates God's power and sovereignty in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Believers can trust God to fight their battles and deliver them from challenges.

Faithfulness to God's Promises
The conquest of Bashan is a fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land. This encourages believers to hold fast to God's promises, knowing He is faithful to fulfill them.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as Israel faced physical giants, Christians face spiritual giants. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. We must rely on God's strength and armor.

Legacy of Faith
The account of Og's defeat is a reminder of the legacy of faith and obedience left by Moses and Joshua. Believers are called to leave a legacy of faith for future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the defeat of Og in Bashan demonstrate God's power and faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can the account of Og's defeat encourage us in our own spiritual battles today?

3. How does the concept of spiritual giants relate to the challenges we face in our Christian walk, and what biblical strategies can we employ to overcome them?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses and Joshua's leadership in the conquest of Bashan that apply to our roles as leaders in our communities or families?

5. How can we ensure that we leave a legacy of faith and obedience for future generations, as seen in the account of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 3:1-11
Provides a detailed account of the battle against Og and the conquest of Bashan, highlighting God's role in delivering Og into Israel's hands.

Numbers 21:33-35
Describes the initial encounter and victory over Og, emphasizing the Lord's command and promise of victory to Moses.

Psalm 135:11
and Psalm 136:20
Both psalms recount the defeat of Og as a testament to God's enduring love and faithfulness to Israel.
God Takes Note of Our ,Failing StrengthJ. Parker, D.D.Joshua 13:1-33
Joshua's Old AgeW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 13:1-33
More BeyondJoshua 13:1-33
On Progress in ReligionW. Jay.Joshua 13:1-33
Territory Yet to be Taken by the ChurchW. Seaton.Joshua 13:1-33
The Christian's WorkT. Guthrie, D. D.Joshua 13:1-33
The Uncompleted WorkF. B. Meyer, B. A.Joshua 13:1-33
Unconquered TerritoryCharles Vince.Joshua 13:1-33
People
Ammonites, Amorites, Arah, Ashdodites, Ashdothites, Ashkelonites, Avites, Avvites, Balaam, Beor, Canaanites, Debir, Ekronites, Eshkalonites, Evi, Gad, Gadites, Gazathites, Gazites, Gebalites, Geshurites, Giblites, Gittites, Hur, Israelites, Jair, Joshua, Levi, Maacah, Maacathites, Maachathites, Machir, Machirites, Manasseh, Og, Reba, Rekem, Rephaites, Reuben, Reubenites, Sidonians, Sihon, Zereth, Zidonians, Zur
Places
Aphek, Aroer, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ashtaroth, Baal-gad, Bamoth-baal, Bashan, Beth-baal-meon, Beth-baal-peor, Beth-haram, Beth-jeshimoth, Beth-nimrah, Betonim, Debir, Dibon, Edrei, Egypt, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Geshur, Gilead, Heshbon, Jahaz, Jair, Jazer, Jericho, Jordan River, Kedemoth, Kiriathaim, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Maacath, Mahanaim, Mearah, Medeba, Mephaath, Midian, Misrephoth-maim, Moab, Mount Hermon, Pisgah, Rabbah, Ramath-mizpeh, Salecah, Sea of Chinnereth, Shihor, Sibmah, Succoth, Tirzah, Valley of the Arnon, Zaphon, Zereth-shahar
Topics
Alone, Ashtaroth, Ash'taroth, Attacked, Bashan, Cast, Defeated, Dispossess, Dispossessed, Driven, Driving, Drove, Edrei, Ed're-i, Giants, Kingdom, Og, Overcome, Reigned, Remnant, Rephaim, Reph'aim, Rephaites, Residue, Ruling, Smite, Smote, Struck, Survived
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 13:12

     7145   remnant

Joshua 13:1-33

     5235   boundary

Library
October 2. "Moses Gave not any Inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their Inheritance, as He Said unto Them" (Josh. xiii. 33).
"Moses gave not any inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as He said unto them" (Josh. xiii. 33). This is very significant. God gave the land to the other tribes but He gave Himself to the Levites. There is such a thing in Christian life as an inheritance from the Lord, and there is such a thing as having the Lord Himself for our inheritance. Some people get a sanctification from the Lord which is of much value, but which is variable, and often impermanent. Others have learned
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Unwon but Claimed
'There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed, ... them will I drive out from before the children of Israel; only divide thou it by lot unto Israel for an inheritance'--Joshua xiii. 1-8. Joshua was now a very old man and had occupied seven years in the conquest. His work was over, and now he had only to take steps to secure the completion by others of the triumph which he would never see. This incident has many applications to the work of the Church in the world, but not less important ones
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. Jewish Idumean.
The Talmudic girdle ends, as you see, in "Kadesh, Barnea, and Ascalon." Hence it cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel; and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded,--to wit, fifty-four miles. And one might, indeed, almost see some footsteps of that exclusion under the first Temple, in that very common expression, "From Dan even to Beer-sheba." This country, that was excluded, was something barren. The Talmudists speak thus
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon.
Pliny writes, "From Pelusium are the intrenchments of Chabrias: mount Casius: the temple of Jupiter Casius: the tomb of Pompey the Great: Ostracine: Arabia is bounded sixty-five miles from Pelusium: soon after begins Idumea and Palestine from the rising up of the Sirbon lake." Either my eyes deceive me, while I read these things,--or mount Casius lies nearer Pelusium, than the lake of Sirbon. The maps have ill placed the Sirbon between mount Casius and Pelusium. Sirbon implies burning; the name of
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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