Deuteronomy 3:4
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What's striking here is the completeness of the conquest – "there was not a city that we did not take." This wasn't just a few skirmishes; it was the utter dismantling of Og's kingdom, leaving no stronghold untouched. The listing of sixty cities and the entire region of Argob underscores the immense power of God at work, making the impossible conquest a swift reality.
And we took all his cities at that time—there was not a city that we did not take from them—sixty cities, the whole region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following God's assurance and Israel's decisive victory over King Og, Moses recounts the complete conquest of Og's territory. This wasn't just a minor skirmish; the Israelites utterly destroyed all sixty of his fortified cities and took possession of the entire region known as Argob within the kingdom of Bashan. This detailed account emphasizes the totality of God's provision and the extent of the land now allocated to the tribes east of the Jordan.
The text declares 'not a city that we did not take.' What does this absolute statement tell us about God's power and provision for His people?
This verse isn't just a military report; it's a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
A Sweeping Victory
The language here – 'all his cities,' 'not a city that we did not take' – emphasizes the totality of the conquest. There were no holdouts, no exceptions. Every single city belonging to Og's kingdom fell.
Divine Enablement
This wasn't just about Israel's strength. The conquest of sixty cities, many described as heavily fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, was a supernatural act. It demonstrates God's direct intervention, providing His people with complete victory and security in their new territory. As the commentary notes, it was as if they were 'travelling through a peaceful land in security.'
What's the deal with 'Argob'? This specific region within Og's kingdom has a unique description that hints at its character and the nature of the conquest.
The mention of 'the whole region of Argob' adds a fascinating layer to this conquest.
A Difficult Terrain
Scholars and ancient commentators point to Argob being a rugged, perhaps stony or uneven, region. Its modern identification as the Lejah, a volcanic plateau of black basalt, further paints a picture of a challenging landscape. The description suggests a terrain marked by fissures and sharp edges, almost like a 'cloddy' or 'heaped up' land.
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Strategic Significance
Despite its ruggedness, Argob was a significant part of Og's kingdom, containing numerous fortified cities. The fact that all of these, even in such a difficult area, were taken speaks volumes about the thoroughness of the Israelite victory, empowered by God. This region, later known as Trachonitis, was known for its defensive capabilities due to its natural formations.
This verse details the complete conquest of Og's kingdom, highlighting the strategic importance and extent of the land captured. The historical context shows this victory was a pivotal moment, securing a crucial territory for the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River to conquer the rest of Canaan.
c. 13th Century BC— this verse
Israelites Conquer Amorite Kingdoms
The Israelites, having been led out of Egypt and wandering for 40 years, defeat and conquer the kingdoms of Sihon and Og east of the Jordan River. This victory secures land for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
c. 13th Century BC
Og's Kingdom in Bashan Captured
Following their victory over Og, king of Bashan, the Israelites take possession of his entire kingdom, including sixty fortified cities in the region of Argob.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites Settle East of the Jordan
After conquering Sihon and Og, the tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half of the tribe of Manasseh, are granted land east of the Jordan River by Moses, to aid in the future conquest of the land west of the Jordan.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Farewell Speeches
Leading up to the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land, Moses delivers several speeches, including Deuteronomy, recounting their history and God's commands. He reiterates the victory over Og and the extent of the conquered territory.
This passage lists Og as the king of Bashan and mentions his kingdom of Argob, directly correlating with the conquered territory described in Deuteronomy.
Numbers 21:33-35This passage describes the defeat of King Sihon and then Og, King of Bashan, right before the detailed account of taking their cities, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the victory.
1 Kings 4:13This verse refers to the 'region of Argob' in Bashan, showing its continued significance as a distinct area even centuries later and confirming its identity as part of Og's former kingdom.
Jeremiah 49:28This prophecy against the people of Kedar mentions 'the region of Argob,' suggesting that 'Argob' was a known geographical area, possibly even a refuge, with a long-standing identity.
gillDeuteronomy 3:4: "And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan."
And we took all his cities at that time,.... Not only Edrei where the battle was fought, and Ashteroth his capital city, but all the rest in his kingdom: there was not a city which we took not from them; not one stood out, but all surrendered on summons; the number of which follows: three score cities; which was a…
calvinDeuteronomy 3:1-11: "Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei."
And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
Et dixit Jehova ad me, ne timeas illum, nam in manu tua dedi eum, et universum populum ejus, ac terram ejus: faeiesque ei…
What's striking here is the completeness of the conquest – "there was not a city that we did not take." This wasn't just a few skirmishes; it was the utter dismantling of Og's kingdom, leaving no stronghold untouched. The listing of sixty cities and the entire region of Argob underscores the immense power of God at work, making the impossible conquest a swift reality.
Following God's assurance and Israel's decisive victory over King Og, Moses recounts the complete conquest of Og's territory. This wasn't just a minor skirmish; the Israelites utterly destroyed all sixty of his fortified cities and took possession of the entire region known as Argob within the kingdom of Bashan. This detailed account emphasizes the totality of God's provision and the extent of the land now allocated to the tribes east of the Jordan.
Following God's assurance and Israel's decisive victory over King Og, Moses recounts the complete conquest of Og's territory. This wasn't just a minor skirmish; the Israelites utterly destroyed all sixty of his fortified cities and took possession of the entire region known as Argob within the kingdom of Bashan. This detailed account emphasizes the totality of God's provision and the extent of the land now allocated to the tribes east of the Jordan.
"And we took all his cities at that time—there was not a city that we did not take from them—sixty cities, the whole region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan." — What's striking here is the completeness of the conquest – "there was not a city that we did not take." This wasn't just a few skirmishes; it was the utter dismantling of Og's kingdom, leaving no str…
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Last reviewed October 2026
