Joshua 12:4
and Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and at Edrei
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse doesn't just list a king, but points to Og as a "remnant of the Rephaim," hinting that this mighty warrior was a survivor of a legendary, ancient people known for their formidable size. It also reveals he had multiple royal residences, ruling from not one, but two significant cities, Ashtaroth and Edrei.
This chapter begins a historical summary, listing the defeated kings and their lands east of the Jordan River that Moses and Israel conquered. It specifically highlights the defeat of Sihon the Amorite, followed by the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, who was a formidable survivor of an ancient giant-like people. These victories paved the way for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh to claim this territory as their inheritance.
Joshua 12 isn't just a tally of defeated kings. It reminds us of the ancient, formidable powers Israel faced. Who were these 'giants,' and why were they so terrifying?
The verse mentions Og as being "of the remnant of the Rephaim." This name, 'Rephaim,' likely means 'the shades' or 'the departed,' pointing to an ancient, almost mythical people. Think of them as the titans of their day. They were known for their imposing stature and strength. The Bible mentions them multiple times, often portraying them as a formidable group that inhabited Canaan and surrounding areas before the Israelites arrived.
They were a real threat, a people so imposing that their very name struck fear. Even though Og is called a 'remnant,' indicating their power had waned, he himself was incredibly powerful, ruling a vast territory. This detail highlights the sheer magnitude of God's power in delivering Israel from such formidable enemies.
Joshua 12:4 names two cities where Og dwelled: Ashtaroth and Edrei. These weren't just random towns; they were centers of power. What do these locations tell us about Og's reign?
The verse states Og 'dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei.' Commentaries suggest these were likely his primary royal residences, possibly used alternately. This wasn't a nomadic king but one with established centers of power, reflecting significant authority and a developed kingdom.
Ashtaroth was a major city in Bashan, known for its fertility. Edrei, meaning 'strength' or 'the strong city,' was strategically important, possibly a fortified capital. The fact that Og ruled from these strongholds underscores the substantial kingdom he commanded. His defeat meant not just the end of a king, but the dismantling of a powerful, established regime. The conquest of these cities symbolized the comprehensive victory God granted 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 the deep history of the land and the ancient conflicts that preceded Israel's conquest, emphasizing that they were dispossessing peoples who themselves had taken or held territory from earlier inhabitants.
c. 1400 BC
Rephaim and other ancient peoples inhabit Canaan
Ancient texts mention various large peoples, including the Rephaim, Anakim, Zuzim, and Emim, who inhabited lands later known as Canaan and surrounding territories. These groups were established in the region before the arrival of the Israelites.
c. 1400 BC
Og rules Bashan and parts of Gilead
Og, king of Bashan and an Amorite, controlled a significant territory east of the Jordan River, including populous cities like Ashtaroth and Edrei. His rule was considered a continuation of the Rephaim's ancient domain.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Israel defeats Sihon and Og east of the Jordan
Under Moses' leadership, the Israelites defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, and subsequently Og, king of Bashan. This victory secured the lands of Heshbon and Bashan for the Israelites.
c. 1400 BC
Land east of Jordan divided among tribes
Following the victories over Sihon and Og, Moses granted their conquered territories to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, establishing Israelite presence east of the Jordan River.
This passage recounts the conquest of Og and his kingdom by Moses, detailing his defeat and the possession of his land, directly setting the stage for Joshua's inheritance.
Deuteronomy 3:4-6Here, Moses describes the cities and strongholds of Og's kingdom, emphasizing its vastness and the complete destruction of its inhabitants, highlighting the formidable nature of the opposition Israel faced.
Genesis 14:5This earlier mention of the Rephaim, the people group Og belonged to, shows they were known even before the time of Abraham, indicating their long-standing presence and power in the region.
Joshua 13:12This verse further describes the territory of Og, emphasizing that the Israelites had not yet driven out the inhabitants of this land, connecting Joshua's later conquest to ongoing battles.
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…
This verse doesn't just list a king, but points to Og as a "remnant of the Rephaim," hinting that this mighty warrior was a survivor of a legendary, ancient people known for their formidable size. It also reveals he had multiple royal residences, ruling from not one, but two significant cities, Ashtaroth and Edrei.
This chapter begins a historical summary, listing the defeated kings and their lands east of the Jordan River that Moses and Israel conquered. It specifically highlights the defeat of Sihon the Amorite, followed by the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, who was a formidable survivor of an ancient giant-like people. These victories paved the way for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh to claim this territory as their inheritance.
This chapter begins a historical summary, listing the defeated kings and their lands east of the Jordan River that Moses and Israel conquered. It specifically highlights the defeat of Sihon the Amorite, followed by the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, who was a formidable survivor of an ancient giant-like people. These victories paved the way for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh to claim this territory as their inheritance.
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c. 1400 BC
Israel prepares to enter Canaan proper
After securing the lands east of the Jordan, the Israelites, now led by Joshua, prepared to cross the Jordan River and conquer the remaining territories of Canaan on the west.
"and Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and at Edrei" — This verse doesn't just list a king, but points to Og as a "remnant of the Rephaim," hinting that this mighty warrior was a survivor of a legendary, ancient people known for their formidable size. It…
