and Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and at Edrei
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss here is the specific mention of Og belonging to the "remnant of the Rephaim." This isn't just a detail about his lineage; it highlights that these formidable, giant-like people, once a dominant force, were now diminished, and Og was among the last of their kings. His defeat thus represents not just the conquest of a powerful ruler, but the final extinguishment of an ancient, imposing lineage.
and Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and at Edrei
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chapter begins a crucial list of conquered kings and their lands east of the Jordan River, territories that Moses had already claimed for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Following the defeat of Sihon king of the Amorites, the focus shifts to Og, a formidable king of Bashan, who was a survivor from an ancient race of giants. His vast domain and formidable cities, including Ashtaroth and Edrei where he resided, were also decisively conquered by Moses and the Israelites.
Joshua's list of defeated kings begins with formidable foes whose very names sound ancient and imposing. Who were these 'giants,' and why does Scripture highlight them?
The chapter opens with a review of kings conquered east of the Jordan, laying the groundwork for the conquest of Canaan. The first two mentioned, Sihon and Og, are singled out. Og, specifically, is described as 'one of the remnant of the Rephaim.' The Rephaim were a legendary people, often depicted as giants, who inhabited the land before the Israelites arrived.
This detail isn't just historical trivia. It serves a theological purpose. By mentioning Og as a 'remnant of the giants,' the text reminds us of the incredible power and sheer size of the people God's people were up against. These weren't ordinary armies; they were peoples associated with immense stature and strength, perhaps even mythical beings in the ancient world's imagination.
Joshua 12:4 explicitly places Og as a descendant of this lineage, dwelling in key cities like Ashtaroth and Edrei. This framing magnifies the victory. It wasn't just a military win; it was God granting His people victory over seemingly insurmountable, almost legendary, opposition.
Og ruled from two cities, Ashtaroth and Edrei. What does this tell us about his reign and the nature of his defeat?
The verse names Ashtaroth and Edrei as the dwelling places of Og king of Bashan. Commentaries suggest these were not just random cities but likely his royal residences or administrative centers.
This detail hints at the extent of his kingdom and his authority. Having multiple seats of power implies a well-established monarchy.
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However, the narrative of conquest, which is the backdrop for this list in Joshua 12, reveals that these royal strongholds ultimately became sites of his downfall. Moses defeated Og and his people at Edrei (Numbers 21:33-35; Deuteronomy 3:1-2), and the land was then given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. The mention of both cities in Joshua 12 serves as a historical marker of where this powerful, giant-descended king held sway before his land was possessed by Israel.
Understand the original words
yether · Hebrew Noun
A term describing a surviving group or a remaining portion of a people; often used in the context of judgment or the lingering presence of enemies before final conquest.
Rephaim · Hebrew Noun
Ancient legendary people often described as giants or mighty warriors inhabiting regions of Canaan before the Israelite conquest; associated with the Nephilim or other pre-flood groups.
The mention of Og as a 'remnant of the Rephaim' highlights that Israel's conquest involved overcoming not only contemporary kings but also the remnants of ancient, formidable peoples, showcasing God's power over long-established regional powers.
c. 14th century BC
Rephaim inhabit Bashan
The Rephaim, an ancient and presumably giant-like people, were a significant presence in the Transjordanian region, including Bashan, before being displaced by other groups.
c. 14th century BC
Amorites conquer Bashan
The Amorites, led by Sihon in some areas and Og in Bashan, established dominance over the Transjordan, displacing or subjugating earlier inhabitants like the Rephaim.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Moses defeats Og
Moses and the Israelites decisively defeated Og, king of Bashan, at Edrei, conquering his kingdom and securing the land for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites possess Transjordan
Following their victory over Og, the Israelites took possession of the rich lands of Bashan and Gilead east of the Jordan River, fulfilling God's promise.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua begins conquest of Canaan
After Moses' death, Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River to begin the conquest of the land of Canaan, facing numerous kings and fortified cities.
This passage recounts the battle where Israel, led by Moses, defeated Og king of Bashan, directly setting the stage for the conquest mentioned in Joshua 12.
Deuteronomy 3:11This verse provides a specific detail about Og's immense iron bedstead, emphasizing his formidable nature and the supernatural strength that must have been with Israel to defeat him.
Genesis 15:20This passage lists the Rephaim among the nations inhabiting Canaan, showing that Og was not an isolated giant but part of a larger, ancient people whom God promised to dispossess.
Joshua 13:12This verse describes the territory of Og, king of Bashan, that was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh, highlighting the extent of his former kingdom and its subsequent inheritance by Israel.
calvinJoshua 12:1-24: "Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east:"
Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east:
Hi sunt reges terrae quos…
gillJoshua 12:4: "And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,"
And the coast of Og king of Bashan,.... The country that he reigned over, who was another king of the Amorites, smitten by Israel in the times of Moses: which was of the remnant of the giants; See Gill on Deuteronomy 3:11, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei; of which two places see Deuteronomy 1:4; it seems as if Og had a palace in each of those cities, and sometime…
What's easy to miss here is the specific mention of Og belonging to the "remnant of the Rephaim." This isn't just a detail about his lineage; it highlights that these formidable, giant-like people, once a dominant force, were now diminished, and Og was among the last of their kings. His defeat thus represents not just the conquest of a powerful ruler, but the final extinguishment of an ancient, imposing lineage.
This chapter begins a crucial list of conquered kings and their lands east of the Jordan River, territories that Moses had already claimed for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Following the defeat of Sihon king of the Amorites, the focus shifts to Og, a formidable king of Bashan, who was a survivor from an ancient race of giants. His vast domain and formidable cities, including Ashtaroth and Edrei where he resided, were also decisively conquered by Moses and the Israelites.
This chapter begins a crucial list of conquered kings and their lands east of the Jordan River, territories that Moses had already claimed for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Following the defeat of Sihon king of the Amorites, the focus shifts to Og, a formidable king of Bashan, who was a survivor from an ancient race of giants. His vast domain and formidable cities, including Ashtaroth and Edrei where he resided, were also decisively conquered by Moses and the Israelites.
"and Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and at Edrei" — What's easy to miss here is the specific mention of Og belonging to the "remnant of the Rephaim." This isn't just a detail about his lineage; it highlights that these formidable, giant-like people, o…
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Last reviewed October 2026