Og
"The giant King of Bashan who was the last of the Rephaim and a powerful enemy of Israel."
Biblical Profile
Og, the King of Bashan, was a figure of legendary proportions in both physical stature and military reputation. He ruled over a region famous for its sixty fortified cities and its giant inhabitants, the Rephaim. Og himself was the last of this ancient race. His defeat was so significant that it is celebrated in the Psalms and recounted multiple times throughout Jewish history as a sign of God's favor.
When the Israelites moved through the Transjordan, Og encountered them at Edrei. Unlike the typical fear associated with giants, God instructed Moses: "Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands." The conquest of Bashan was absolute; Israel struck down Og, his sons, and his entire army, leaving no survivors. They took possession of the entire kingdom, from the heights of Mount Hermon to the plains of Gilead. The most enduring legacy of Og was his "iron bed" (possibly a basalt sarcophagus), which measured over thirteen feet long and four feet wide, standing as a silent witness to the size of the man the God of Israel had defeated.
Theological Significance
Og’s defeat carries significant theological weight in the narrative of the Exodus and Conquest:
1. Conqueror of Giants: Og represents the "impossible" obstacle. Just as the Nephilim had terrified the spies a generation earlier, Og was a literal giant in a fortified city. His defeat proved that God's power transcends any physical or military superiority.
2. Legal Possession: The conquest of Og and Sihon provided Israel with their first actual territory—the Transjordan. This fulfilled God's promise of land and served as a legal and military "down payment" on the Promised Land across the Jordan.
3. The Sovereignty of God: The repeated mention of Og in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 136) emphasizes that the victory was God’s, not Israel’s. He is the one who "struck down great kings" and "killed mighty kings," including Og, for His "steadfast love endures forever."
Scripture References
FAQ
Identity
How tall was Og?expand_more
While his exact height isn't stated, his bed was over 13 feet long (9 cubits), suggesting he was of extraordinary, giant stature, belonging to the race of the Rephaim.
Theology
What is the significance of Og's defeat?expand_more
The defeat of Og and Sihon was a major milestone for Israel, demonstrating that no enemy—not even giants in fortified cities—could stand against the power and promises of God.
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