“All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.”
Context: The book of Joshua recounts the events after the death of Moses, where Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. In this verse, Joshua is dividing the land among the tribes of Israel. It specifically refers to the portion of land that belonged to Og, the king of Bashan.
Og and the Rephaim: Og was one of the last remaining giants, or Rephaim, who lived in the land of Canaan. The Rephaim were known for their great stature and were descendants of the Nephilim mentioned in Genesis 6:4. They were a powerful and intimidating people.
The Kingdom of Og: Og’s kingdom included Ashtaroth and Edrei, two prominent cities in the region of Bashan. Ashtaroth was a centre of idol worship, dedicated to the goddess Ashtoreth, while Edrei served as Og’s capital city.
Moses’ victory over Og: The verse highlights that it was Moses who defeated Og and his people. This event is recorded in Numbers 21:33-35, where the Israelites conquered the land of Bashan. Despite Og’s size and strength, the Lord gave victory to Moses and the Israelites.
God’s fulfilment of His promises: The conquest of Og’s kingdom was a fulfilment of God’s promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. It demonstrated God’s faithfulness and the fulfilment of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Symbolic significance: The defeat of Og and the giants represents the triumph of God’s people over seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It reminds us that with God’s strength and guidance, we can overcome any challenges we face. It also underscores the importance of trusting in God’s promises and following His appointed leaders.
Application: Joshua 13:12 encourages us to remember that God is faithful to His promises. It reminds us that even when we encounter intimidating situations or formidable adversaries, we can trust in God’s power to give us victory. It also encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and obedient to God’s commands, just as Moses and Joshua demonstrated. Remember, as you continue your study, it is beneficial to read the surrounding verses and explore the broader context of Joshua 13 to gain a comprehensive understanding of the passage.
