Who killed Og, the king of Bashan?

This blog post will explore who killed Og, the king of Bashan, the historical and biblical context of his demise, and the significance of his defeat for both ancient Israel and readers today.

Who Was Og, King of Bashan?

Og was the king of Bashan, a region located east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Syria. Bashan was known for its fertile lands, strong cities, and formidable warriors. According to the biblical account, Og was a giant, one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants mentioned in various passages. Deuteronomy 3:11 describes his bed as being made of iron and over thirteen feet long, a detail that has captured the imagination of many readers and scholars. Og’s imposing stature and his powerful kingdom made him a significant obstacle for the Israelites as they moved toward Canaan.

The Biblical Account of Og’s Death

The primary source for the story of Og’s death is found in the Old Testament. The Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. On their way, they encountered several powerful kings who opposed their passage. After defeating Sihon, the king of the Amorites, the Israelites came up against Og, king of Bashan.

The most detailed account of Og’s defeat appears in Numbers 21:33-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-11. According to these passages, Og and all his people came out to battle against Israel at Edrei. The Lord reassured Moses, telling him not to fear Og, for He had delivered Og, his people, and his land into Israel’s hands. The Israelites defeated Og, his sons, and all his people, leaving none remaining. They then possessed his land, which became part of the territory allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.

The Role of Moses in Og’s Demise

While the biblical text attributes the victory to the Israelites as a whole, it’s clear that Moses played a central role as the leader and military commander. Moses was the intermediary between God and the people, receiving divine instructions and conveying them to the Israelites. In the narrative, God tells Moses directly not to fear Og, promising victory (Deuteronomy 3:2). This divine assurance empowers Moses and the Israelites to engage in battle confidently.

The text does not describe Moses personally striking down Og in single combat; rather, it presents the victory as a communal effort led by Moses and blessed by God. Some traditions and commentaries embellish the story, depicting Moses as the one who delivered the fatal blow. However, the core biblical narrative emphasizes the collective action of Israel under Moses’ leadership.

Was God the True Victor?

A recurring theme in the account of Og’s defeat is the sovereignty of God. The biblical writers are careful to attribute the victory ultimately to God’s intervention. The Israelites, though outnumbered and facing a formidable enemy, were able to triumph because God delivered Og into their hands. This theme is echoed throughout the conquest narratives, highlighting the Israelites’ dependence on divine power rather than their own military might.

Some scholars argue that the repeated emphasis on God’s role serves to reinforce theological messages about faith, obedience, and trust in God’s promises. In this sense, while Moses and the Israelites were the human agents of Og’s demise, the ultimate credit is given to God, who orchestrated and ensured the victory.

The Historical Context of Og’s Defeat

Understanding the historical context provides further insight into the story. The region of Bashan was strategically important, controlling key trade routes and serving as a buffer between different kingdoms. Og’s defeat not only removed a political and military threat but also allowed the Israelites to secure valuable territory that would sustain them in the years to come.

Archaeological evidence for Og’s existence is limited, and much of what we know comes from biblical texts and later Jewish tradition. However, references to Bashan and its kings appear in various ancient Near Eastern sources, suggesting that the area was indeed known for its strength and significance. Og’s legendary size and iron bed may symbolize his might or serve as a literary device to emphasize the magnitude of Israel’s victory.

Og in Later Jewish and Christian Tradition

The story of Og did not end with his death. Over time, he became a figure of legend and folklore. Jewish tradition, particularly in the Talmud and Midrash, expanded on Og’s story, sometimes attributing miraculous elements to his defeat. In some accounts, Moses is said to have slain Og with a ten-cubit-long staff, while others describe Og attempting to uproot a mountain to crush the Israelites, only to be foiled by God’s intervention.

Christian tradition also references Og, often interpreting his defeat as a symbol of faith overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Og’s story is sometimes cited as an example of God’s faithfulness to His people and the importance of trusting in divine promises.

Theological Significance of Og’s Death

The defeat of Og, king of Bashan, holds deep theological significance. It serves as a testament to God’s power, the importance of faith, and the fulfillment of divine promises. For the Israelites, Og’s defeat marked a turning point in their journey, demonstrating that no enemy—no matter how great—could stand against them when God was on their side.

The story also reinforces the idea of collective action under divinely appointed leadership. While Moses was the visible leader, the victory was achieved by the entire community, united in purpose and obedient to God’s commands. This theme resonates throughout the scriptures and offers enduring lessons for faith communities today.

Lessons from the Story of Og

1. Trust in Divine Guidance: The Israelites’ victory over Og was not due to superior numbers or strength but to their reliance on God’s guidance and promises. This encourages readers to trust in divine wisdom, especially when facing daunting challenges.
2. The Power of Leadership: Moses’s role as leader was crucial, not just in military terms but in fostering faith and unity among the people. Effective leadership, grounded in faith and obedience, can empower communities to overcome great obstacles.
3. The Importance of Community: The narrative highlights the strength of collective action. The entire nation of Israel participated in the victory, showing that united communities can achieve what individuals alone cannot.
4. Remembering God’s Faithfulness: The story of Og serves as a reminder to remember and celebrate past victories, drawing strength and faith for present and future challenges.

Conclusion

So, who killed Og, the king of Bashan? According to the biblical account, Og was killed by the Israelites under the leadership of Moses, with God as the true source of victory. The story is not only a historical or legendary account but also a profound lesson in faith, leadership, and the power of community.