“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.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah. It contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This verse is found in the section where Moses recounts the victories of the Israelites over various kings and territories.
King Og of Bashan: Og was a powerful king and one of the last remaining giants, descendants of the Nephilim mentioned in Genesis 6:4. His kingdom, Bashan, was located east of the Jordan River. The defeat of Og and his kingdom is mentioned in Numbers 21:33-35.
The bedstead of Og: The verse describes the enormous size of Og’s bedstead, which was made of iron and was kept as a spectacle in Rabbath, the capital city of the Ammonites. The bedstead’s measurements of nine cubits in length (approximately 13.5 feet or 4.1 meters) and four cubits in breadth (approximately 6 feet or 1.8 meters) highlight the size and strength of Og.
Symbolic significance: This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and power in delivering the Israelites from their enemies. It emphasizes the might of the conquered king and highlights the extraordinary victory that God granted to His people. The mention of Og’s bedstead may also signify the complete overthrow of the power and dominion of the giants, symbolizing the triumph of God’s people over seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Lessons for us: While this verse may seem specific and unrelated to our lives today, it can still teach us several valuable lessons. It reminds us that no matter how great the challenges we face, God is able to deliver us and grant us victory. It encourages us to trust in God’s strength rather than our own, recognizing that He can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. Additionally, it serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness throughout history and encourages us to have faith in His promises.
In summary, Deuteronomy 3:11 showcases the victory of the Israelites over Og, the king of Bashan, and the enormous size of his bedstead. This verse symbolizes God’s faithfulness, power, and ability to overcome any obstacle. It reminds us to trust in God and serves as a testament to His faithfulness throughout history.
