Numbers 21:33-35
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While Bashan was known for its fertile lands and strong oaks, the truly striking detail is that Og, king of this prosperous region, marched out with "all his people" to confront Israel. This wasn't just a border skirmish; it was the king of a significant, well-established territory throwing his entire might against the approaching Israelites, believing he could win.
Then they turned and went up by the way to Bashan. And Og the king of Bashan came out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. But the LORD said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people, and his land. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.” So they defeated him and his sons and all his people, until he had no survivor left. And they possessed his land.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off their victory over Sihon, the Israelites turn north towards the fertile region of Bashan, a land known for its rich pastures and sturdy oaks. The powerful Amorite king Og of Bashan, hearing of their approach, mobilizes his entire army to meet them in a decisive battle at Edrei. This encounter sets the stage for another significant conquest, demonstrating God's continued protection and provision for His people as they advance toward the Promised Land.
This land the Israelites entered wasn't just any territory. It was renowned for its fertility and resources. What does this say about God's provision, even in unexpected places?
A Land of Plenty
The passage mentions Bashan, a region east of the Jordan River. Ancient commentators and modern scholars alike highlight its exceptional richness. It was known for:
This wasn't just a random patch of land; it was a prime territory, a prize. God was leading His people not into scarcity, but into a land already blessed with resources, a foreshadowing of the Promised Land's richness.
The appearance of Og, the king of Bashan, isn't just a historical footnote. He represents a significant obstacle, a 'giant' in the path. What does his defiance reveal about the spiritual battles we face?
More Than Just a King
Og is presented not just as a ruler, but as a formidable opponent, a king of giants (as noted in Deuteronomy 3:11). His appearance signals:
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God's intervention in defeating Og (as detailed in the verses immediately following) demonstrates His power over even the most imposing adversaries.
This encounter with Og wasn't an isolated event; it was part of a larger divine plan. How does God's victory here assure Israel of His ongoing commitment?
Sustained Divine Support
The narrative of conquering Bashan and defeating Og serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness.
God's actions here weren't just about removing an obstacle; they were about securing His people's future and demonstrating His power to fulfill His promises.
Understand the original words
Bashan · Hebrew Proper Noun
A region east of the Jordan River known for its fertility and size; in the Old Testament, it serves as a site of divine victory for Israel over formidable foes.
melek · Hebrew Noun
A royal title for one who exercises authority over a nation or territory; biblically, all human kingship is ultimately subordinate to the sovereign reign of Yahweh.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God in the Old Testament, signifying His self-existence, faithfulness, and the personal relationship He maintains with His people.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
An emotional response to danger or presence of the divine; scripturally, the command 'do not fear' is an exhortation to trust in God's presence and sovereignty rather than the threat of enemies.
nakah · Hebrew Verb
To strike down, defeat, or slaughter; often used in military contexts to describe the execution of divine judgment against enemies of Israel.
sarid · Hebrew Noun
One who remains or survives after a catastrophic event or judgment; often used in contexts of judgment where only a remnant is left, or in total victory where none escape.
yarash · Hebrew Verb
To take possession of, inherit, or occupy; in the Old Testament, this often refers to Israel receiving the land promised by God as a divine gift and inheritance.
This encounter with Og wasn't just another battle; it was a pivotal moment showing God's continued power and faithfulness in securing territory for His people, clearing the path for their eventual entry into the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Amorites Settle Bashan
The Amorites, originally from Canaan, expand eastward and conquer the land of Bashan, displacing its former inhabitants.
c. 1300 BC
Sihon Rules Heshbon
Sihon, an Amorite king, establishes his rule over the region of Heshbon, east of the Jordan River.
c. 1300 BC
Og Rules Bashan
Og, another Amorite king, rules over the fertile territory of Bashan, known for its rich pastures and oak forests.
c. 1300 BC
Israelites Defeat Sihon
The Israelites, led by Moses, defeat Sihon, king of the Amorites, and conquer his territory east of the Jordan River.
c. 1300 BC— this verse
Israelites Confront Og
The Israelites turn towards Bashan and confront Og, king of this land, who mobilizes his army to fight them at Edrei.
c. 1300 BC
Israelites Conquer Bashan
Following God's assurance, the Israelites decisively defeat Og and his people at Edrei, taking possession of the land of Bashan.
This passage provides the direct account of Israel's victory over King Og and the conquest of his land, recounting the same event from Deuteronomy's perspective.
Psalm 135:10-12This psalm memorializes the significant victories over Sihon and Og, highlighting God's power in giving their land as an inheritance to Israel.
Joshua 12:1-6This chapter lists the kings conquered by Moses and the Israelites, including Og king of Bashan, reinforcing the historical significance of this battle.
Jeremiah 51:34This prophetic passage alludes to the conquest of Bashan, using it as imagery for Babylon's complete destruction and the removal of its oppressors.
pooleNumbers 21:33: "And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei."
Og also was a king of the Amorites, of whom see Deu 3:1,11 . And it may seem that Sihon and Og were the leaders or captains of two great colonies which came out of Canaan, and drove out the former inhabitants of these places. Bashan, a rich country, famous for its pastures and breed of cattle, Deu 32:14 Psalm 22:12 Jeremiah 1:19 , an…
calvinNumbers 21:33-35: "And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei."
And the Lord said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
Tunc dixit Jehova ad Mosen, Ne timeas eum: quia in manu tua dedi cumcet universum populum ejus, ae terram eju…
While Bashan was known for its fertile lands and strong oaks, the truly striking detail is that Og, king of this prosperous region, marched out with "all his people" to confront Israel. This wasn't just a border skirmish; it was the king of a significant, well-established territory throwing his entire might against the approaching Israelites, believing he could win.
Fresh off their victory over Sihon, the Israelites turn north towards the fertile region of Bashan, a land known for its rich pastures and sturdy oaks. The powerful Amorite king Og of Bashan, hearing of their approach, mobilizes his entire army to meet them in a decisive battle at Edrei. This encounter sets the stage for another significant conquest, demonstrating God's continued protection and provision for His people as they advance toward the Promised Land.
Fresh off their victory over Sihon, the Israelites turn north towards the fertile region of Bashan, a land known for its rich pastures and sturdy oaks. The powerful Amorite king Og of Bashan, hearing of their approach, mobilizes his entire army to meet them in a decisive battle at Edrei. This encounter sets the stage for another significant conquest, demonstrating God's continued protection and provision for His people as they advance toward the Promised Land.
"Then they turned and went up by the way to Bashan. And Og the king of Bashan came out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. But the LORD said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his p…" — While Bashan was known for its fertile lands and strong oaks, the truly striking detail is that Og, king of this prosperous region, marched out with "all his people" to confront Israel. This wasn't j…
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Last reviewed October 2026
