Topical Bible: Edrei: Joshua Defeats Og At

◄ Edrei: Joshua Defeats Og At ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Biblical Context and Location:
Edrei is a significant location in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. It is one of the two royal cities of Og, king of Bashan, the other being Ashtaroth. Edrei is situated in the region of Bashan, east of the Jordan River, and is mentioned in the context of Israel's military campaigns under the leadership of Moses and later Joshua.

Biblical Account:
The account of the battle at Edrei is primarily found in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy. In Numbers 21:33-35 , the Israelites, under Moses' leadership, confront King Og of Bashan:

"Then they turned and went up along the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan came out against them with his whole army to fight at Edrei. But the LORD said to Moses, 'Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.' So they struck him down, along with his sons and his whole army, until no remnant was left. And they took possession of his land."

This passage highlights the divine assurance given to Moses and the Israelites, emphasizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness in delivering their enemies into their hands.

Theological Significance:
The defeat of Og at Edrei is a testament to God's power and His covenant faithfulness to Israel. Og, described as one of the last of the Rephaim, was a formidable opponent, yet his defeat underscores the theme that no earthly power can withstand the will of God when He fights for His people. This victory is a precursor to the conquests that would follow under Joshua's leadership, as the Israelites continue to claim the land promised to their forefathers.

Historical and Archaeological Insights:
Edrei, identified with modern-day Daraa in southern Syria, was a strategic location in ancient times. The city's mention alongside Ashtaroth, another significant city in Bashan, indicates its importance in the region. Archaeological findings in the area have provided insights into the ancient cultures that inhabited Bashan, although direct evidence of the biblical battle remains elusive.

Legacy in Israel's Conquest Narrative:
The victory at Edrei is part of the broader narrative of Israel's conquest of the Transjordan region. It serves as a reminder of the divine mandate given to Israel to possess the land and the miraculous interventions that facilitated their victories. The defeat of Og and the subsequent possession of his territory are celebrated as acts of divine deliverance and fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

References in Scripture:
In addition to Numbers 21, the battle at Edrei is referenced in Deuteronomy 3:1-11, where Moses recounts the conquest of Og's kingdom as part of his farewell address to the Israelites. This passage reiterates the miraculous nature of the victory and the vastness of the territory acquired, which included sixty fortified cities.

Conclusion:
The account of Edrei and the defeat of Og serves as a powerful narrative of faith, obedience, and divine intervention, reinforcing the central biblical theme of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

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Numbers 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.
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Deuteronomy 1:4
After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelled in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelled at Astaroth in Edrei:
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Deuteronomy 3:1-3
Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
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