Deuteronomy 3:11

(For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)

Study Bible

For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim.
Og was the last of the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants mentioned in the Old Testament. The Rephaim were considered formidable and were often associated with the Anakim and other giant clans. Og's survival as the last of his kind highlights the Israelites' victory over seemingly insurmountable foes, emphasizing God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. The Rephaim are also mentioned in Genesis 14:5 and Joshua 12:4, indicating their presence in the land before Israel's conquest.

His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide,
The mention of Og's iron bed underscores his extraordinary size and strength, as a cubit is approximately 18 inches, making the bed about 13.5 feet long and 6 feet wide. This detail serves to emphasize the might of Og and the miraculous nature of Israel's victory over him. Iron was a valuable and durable material, suggesting Og's wealth and status. The size of the bed also serves as a tangible reminder of the giants' existence, reinforcing the historical reality of the biblical narrative.

is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.
Rabbah, the capital of the Ammonites, is modern-day Amman, Jordan. The reference to the bed's location suggests that it was a well-known artifact, possibly kept as a trophy or symbol of victory. This detail provides historical and geographical context, indicating the widespread recognition of Og's defeat. The Ammonites were descendants of Lot, and their interactions with Israel are documented throughout the Old Testament, including conflicts and alliances. The mention of Rabbah connects the narrative to a real location, grounding the biblical account in historical reality.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Og, King of Bashan
Og was one of the last of the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants. He was a formidable opponent defeated by the Israelites under Moses' leadership.

2. Bashan
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its fertile land and strong cities. It was part of the territory given to the half-tribe of Manasseh.

3. Rephaim
A term used to describe a group of ancient giants. They were considered mighty and fearsome, often associated with the Nephilim mentioned in Genesis.

4. Rabbah of the Ammonites
A city of the Ammonites, located east of the Jordan River. It was known for its strength and strategic importance.

5. Iron Bed
The mention of Og's iron bed highlights his extraordinary size and strength, emphasizing the miraculous nature of Israel's victory over him.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Giants
The defeat of Og demonstrates God's power over seemingly insurmountable obstacles. No matter how great the challenge, God is greater.

Faith in God's Promises
Israel's victory over Og is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust that God will accomplish what He has promised.

The Importance of Remembering God's Acts
The recounting of Og's defeat serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness, encouraging believers to remember and recount God's works in their own lives.

Overcoming Fear Through Faith
Just as Israel faced the fearsome Rephaim, believers today can face their fears with confidence in God's power and presence.

The Legacy of God's Deliverance
The account of Og is part of a larger account of God's deliverance, encouraging believers to see their lives as part of God's ongoing account of redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Og, King of Bashan, illustrate God's power over seemingly insurmountable challenges in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as seen in the defeat of Og, to our personal circumstances?

3. How can remembering God's past acts of deliverance, like the victory over Og, strengthen our faith in current trials?

4. What "giants" or fears are you facing today, and how can the account of Og encourage you to trust in God's power and presence?

5. How does the legacy of God's deliverance in the Bible inspire you to see your life as part of His ongoing account of redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 14
The Rephaim are mentioned as part of the coalition of kings defeated by Abraham, showing their longstanding presence and influence in the region.

Numbers 21
The defeat of Og is recounted, emphasizing God's provision and power in delivering Israel from formidable enemies.

Joshua 12
Lists the kings defeated by Israel, including Og, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promises to give Israel the land.

Psalm 136
Celebrates God's enduring love and mighty acts, including the defeat of Og, as part of Israel's history of deliverance.