Learn more about Og

Introduction to Og

Og is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known as the last of the Rephaim—a race of giants—and the king of Bashan during the time of Israel's conquest of Canaan. His defeat by Moses and the Israelites marked a significant military and theological victory, demonstrating God’s power over formidable enemies. Og is often remembered for his immense size and as a symbol of opposition to Israel during their wilderness journey.

Og Pronunciation

“Og” is pronounced as awg, rhyming with “dog.”

Og in the Bible

Og appears in several key passages of the Old Testament, mostly centered around the Israelite conquest east of the Jordan River:

• Deuteronomy 3:1-11: Describes Israel's battle with Og at Edrei, where Og and his people are utterly defeated. This victory is notable for Israel because Og was a giant, and the defeat of such a formidable enemy bolstered Israel’s confidence.
• Numbers 21:33-35: Recounts the military encounter with Og after defeating Sihon, king of the Amorites. God commands Moses not to fear Og, promising victory just as He did with Sihon.
• Deuteronomy 1:4: Mentions Og’s defeat as a chronological marker for Moses' address to Israel before entering Canaan.
• Joshua 12:4; 13:12: Lists Og among the kings conquered by Moses, emphasizing the vast area of land taken from him, which was given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
• Psalm 135:10-11 and 136:19-20: Celebrates the defeat of kings like Og as an act of God's enduring love and power.

Og in Biblical History and Context

Og ruled over Bashan, a fertile and strategically vital region located east of the Jordan River, north of the land of the Ammonites. Bashan was known for its rich pastures, large cities, and strongholds. The Bible highlights Og’s physical stature and his iron bed, which was reportedly 9 cubits long and 4 cubits wide (approximately 13.5 feet by 6 feet), to emphasize his size and strength (Deuteronomy 3:11).

Og is described as one of the last of the Rephaim—a term used in the Bible to refer to a race of giants who inhabited Canaan before the Israelite conquest. His existence served as a lingering memory of a terrifying and now-vanquished foe. The victory over Og was critical to Israel's morale and theological identity; it showcased God's deliverance and strength against even the mightiest of enemies.

Related Themes and Meanings to Og

• Giants in the Bible: Og’s lineage ties him to the Rephaim, along with other giants such as the Anakim and possibly the Nephilim, symbolizing opposition to God’s people.
• Conquest and Divine Victory: The defeat of Og illustrates the theme of God's faithfulness in delivering His promises through military triumphs over intimidating foes.
• Fear and Encouragement: God’s command to not fear Og (Numbers 21:34) mirrors His encouragement throughout the conquest narratives, reinforcing trust in divine aid.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Og

• Og’s bed is described as made of iron, possibly to highlight his immense size or to evoke awe and fear. Some scholars believe this might refer to a sarcophagus or a symbolic artifact rather than a literal bed.
• In Jewish tradition, Og is sometimes depicted in Midrashic literature with legendary and exaggerated traits, including surviving the Flood by holding onto Noah’s Ark, though these are not biblical accounts.
• The region of Bashan remained significant even after Og’s defeat, becoming part of the territory for the tribe of Manasseh and known for its cattle and oak forests.
• Og's legacy as a symbol of divine victory is preserved in Israel's national memory through its liturgical use in Psalms praising God's past acts.

Conclusion

Og, king of Bashan, stands as a towering figure in biblical history—both literally and metaphorically. His defeat is more than a historical military event; it is a theological testimony to God's power to overcome the seemingly impossible. His story is woven into the narrative of Israel’s faith journey and conquest, reminding readers that no enemy is too great when God is with His people.