Deuteronomy 3:4-5
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. All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides very many unwalled villages.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights an astonishing completeness to the conquest: "there was not a city that we did not take." It’s not just about winning battles, but about utterly dispossessing Og, leaving no stronghold behind, which underscores God's power to grant total victory.
After defeating Og, the giant king of Bashan, the Israelites completely conquered his territory. This wasn't just a minor skirmish; they captured all sixty of his fortified cities, including the entire region of Argob, leaving no stronghold unconquered. This victory secured a vast and prosperous land for Israel east of the Jordan River, setting the stage for future inheritance.
Did Israel leave any of Og's cities standing? The text is crystal clear, and it points to something bigger than just military might.
This verse emphasizes the totality of Israel's victory over Og. It wasn't just a few skirmishes; they 'took all his cities.' The phrase 'there was not a city that we did not take from them' leaves no room for doubt. This wasn't a partial victory or a negotiation; it was complete and utter conquest. It highlights God's power to grant His people comprehensive victory, even over formidable enemies and well-fortified territories. This was a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to lead them into the land.
What do 'sixty cities' and the mysterious 'region of Argob' tell us about the land God gave Israel?
The mention of 'sixty cities' and 'all the region of Argob' provides specific details about the conquered territory. Bashan was a significant kingdom, known for its fertile land and strongholds. The 'region of Argob' is particularly interesting, described by scholars as a rugged, lava-covered plateau (modern-day Lejah) that was heavily fortified. This wasn't just empty land; it was a well-developed and defensible area. The sheer number of cities and the distinct region of Argob emphasize the substantial inheritance God was giving the Israelites, a land ready for them to possess, despite its formidable nature.
Who was Og, and what does his defeat signify for Israel's journey?
The text identifies this land as 'the kingdom of Og.' Og was known not only as a king but also as one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants. His immense stature and iron bedstead (mentioned in verse 11) served as a symbol of his power and the formidable opposition Israel faced. His defeat, along with his kingdom, was a crucial step for Israel. It demonstrated that no enemy, however fearsome or gigantic, could stand against the God of Israel. This victory not only secured territory but also served as a powerful reassurance to the Israelites, showing them that God was mightier than any force they would encounter.
Understand the original words
betsuroth · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to architectural defenses intended to protect a city from invaders. In Scripture, these symbolize human security, which is often contrasted with the ultimate protection found only in God.
This verse describes a pivotal military victory for the Israelites in their journey to the Promised Land, highlighting God's power in conquering fortified cities and vast territories, demonstrating His provision for His people.
c. 15th century BC
Israelites Cross the Red Sea
Following their liberation from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites embarked on their journey to the Promised Land under Moses' leadership.
c. 15th century BC
Conquest of Sihon's Kingdom
The Israelites defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, who had occupied territory east of the Jordan River, taking possession of his lands.
c. 15th century BC— this verse
Battle of Edrei and Conquest of Og's Kingdom
The Israelites confronted and defeated Og, the king of Bashan, a land also east of the Jordan. They captured all his cities, including the region of Argob.
c. 15th century BC
Settlement East of the Jordan
The victorious tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were granted lands in the conquered territories of Sihon and Og, east of the Jordan River.
This passage lists the defeated kings and lands, directly echoing the conquest of Og and the land of Bashan mentioned in Deuteronomy, reinforcing the completeness of Israel's victory.
Numbers 21:33-35This passage describes the initial defeat of Og and his people before the Israelites even reached Bashan, setting the stage for the extensive conquest detailed in Deuteronomy 3:4.
Psalm 135:10-12This psalm recounts God's mighty acts in giving land to Israel, specifically mentioning the conquest of Bashan and the kings of Canaan, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through these victories.
1 Kings 4:13This verse mentions 'the region of Argob,' showing that this specific area conquered by the Israelites under Moses continued to be a recognized and significant territory even centuries later.
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…
This verse highlights an astonishing completeness to the conquest: "there was not a city that we did not take." It’s not just about winning battles, but about utterly dispossessing Og, leaving no stronghold behind, which underscores God's power to grant total victory.
After defeating Og, the giant king of Bashan, the Israelites completely conquered his territory. This wasn't just a minor skirmish; they captured all sixty of his fortified cities, including the entire region of Argob, leaving no stronghold unconquered. This victory secured a vast and prosperous land for Israel east of the Jordan River, setting the stage for future inheritance.
After defeating Og, the giant king of Bashan, the Israelites completely conquered his territory. This wasn't just a minor skirmish; they captured all sixty of his fortified cities, including the entire region of Argob, leaving no stronghold unconquered. This victory secured a vast and prosperous land for Israel east of the Jordan River, setting the stage for future inheritance.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Deuteronomy 3:4-5 is available in the Sola app.
c. 1406 BC
Crossing the Jordan River
After the conquest of lands east of the Jordan, the remaining Israelites crossed the Jordan River to begin the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's command.
"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. All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides ver…" — This verse highlights an astonishing completeness to the conquest: "there was not a city that we did not take." It’s not just about winning battles, but about utterly dispossessing Og, leaving no str…
