Deuteronomy 3:11 - (For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. Behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron. Isn’t it in Rabbah of the children of Ammon? Nine cubits was its length, and four cubits its width, after the cubit of a man.)
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What does "Deuteronomy 3:11" mean?
This verse in Deuteronomy 3:11 is a powerful statement meant to emphasize the extraordinary strength and size of King Og of Bashan, one of the last of the Rephaim. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim." This indicates that Og was the last significant member of the Rephaim, an ancient people believed to be giants or of extraordinary stature. The Israelites had already defeated and driven out or destroyed most of them.
"Behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron." This highlights the extraordinary nature of Og's bed. It wasn't just a normal bed, but one made of iron. At that time, iron was a valuable and difficult to work material, so an iron bed would have been a mark of immense status and wealth, suitable for a powerful king. Moreover, the need for an iron bedstead suggests that a wooden frame could not support his weight.
"Isn’t it in Rabbah of the children of Ammon?" This implies that the bedstead (or perhaps its measurements or a replica/representation of it) was a well-known landmark or artifact in Rabbah, a major city of the Ammonites. This would make it a verifiable testament to Og's immense size. The author is essentially saying, "You don't have to take my word for it; go see it for yourselves."
"Nine cubits was its length, and four cubits its width, after the cubit of a man." This gives the specific dimensions of the bedstead. A cubit is typically around 18 inches (though there are different interpretations). Using that estimate, the bed was approximately 13.5 feet long and 6 feet wide. Even considering variations in cubit length, the bed was enormous, implying an equally enormous occupant. The specification "after the cubit of a man" reinforces that the measurement used was the common human measurement.
In summary, the verse is saying:
King Og of Bashan was the last of a race of giants called the Rephaim. To prove how big he was, the author points to his iron bedstead, which was incredibly large and a famous object in the Ammonite city of Rabbah. The dimensions of the bed confirm Og's immense size and strength.
Significance and Interpretation:
Emphasis on God's Power: By defeating Og, a remnant of the giant Rephaim, the Israelites demonstrated God's power to overcome even seemingly insurmountable foes. It reinforces the idea that God's chosen people were capable of conquering the land of Canaan, despite the daunting challenges they faced.
The Fear Factor: The mention of Og's size and power may have been intended to inspire both awe and fear in the Israelites. It underscores the gravity of the task ahead but also serves as a reminder of God's unwavering protection.
Possible Exaggeration: It's important to acknowledge that some scholars interpret the account with a degree of skepticism, suggesting possible exaggeration or symbolic meaning. The story may be a legendary account used to emphasize the exceptional nature of the conquest.
Cultural Significance: The mention of the Rephaim ties into broader ancient Near Eastern beliefs about giants and mythical beings. These stories often served to explain the origins of certain peoples and territories.
Ultimately, Deuteronomy 3:11 is a memorable and impactful verse that speaks to the size, strength, and importance of the enemies the Israelites faced, and the power of God in overcoming them.
Deuteronomy 3:11 - (For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. Behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron. Isn’t it in Rabbah of the children of Ammon? Nine cubits was its length, and four cubits its width, after the cubit of a man.)
What does "Deuteronomy 3:11" mean?
This verse in Deuteronomy 3:11 is a powerful statement meant to emphasize the extraordinary strength and size of King Og of Bashan, one of the last of the Rephaim. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim." This indicates that Og was the last significant member of the Rephaim, an ancient people believed to be giants or of extraordinary stature. The Israelites had already defeated and driven out or destroyed most of them.
"Behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron." This highlights the extraordinary nature of Og's bed. It wasn't just a normal bed, but one made of iron. At that time, iron was a valuable and difficult to work material, so an iron bed would have been a mark of immense status and wealth, suitable for a powerful king. Moreover, the need for an iron bedstead suggests that a wooden frame could not support his weight.
"Isn’t it in Rabbah of the children of Ammon?" This implies that the bedstead (or perhaps its measurements or a replica/representation of it) was a well-known landmark or artifact in Rabbah, a major city of the Ammonites. This would make it a verifiable testament to Og's immense size. The author is essentially saying, "You don't have to take my word for it; go see it for yourselves."
"Nine cubits was its length, and four cubits its width, after the cubit of a man." This gives the specific dimensions of the bedstead. A cubit is typically around 18 inches (though there are different interpretations). Using that estimate, the bed was approximately 13.5 feet long and 6 feet wide. Even considering variations in cubit length, the bed was enormous, implying an equally enormous occupant. The specification "after the cubit of a man" reinforces that the measurement used was the common human measurement.
In summary, the verse is saying:
King Og of Bashan was the last of a race of giants called the Rephaim. To prove how big he was, the author points to his iron bedstead, which was incredibly large and a famous object in the Ammonite city of Rabbah. The dimensions of the bed confirm Og's immense size and strength.
Significance and Interpretation:
Emphasis on God's Power: By defeating Og, a remnant of the giant Rephaim, the Israelites demonstrated God's power to overcome even seemingly insurmountable foes. It reinforces the idea that God's chosen people were capable of conquering the land of Canaan, despite the daunting challenges they faced.
The Fear Factor: The mention of Og's size and power may have been intended to inspire both awe and fear in the Israelites. It underscores the gravity of the task ahead but also serves as a reminder of God's unwavering protection.
Possible Exaggeration: It's important to acknowledge that some scholars interpret the account with a degree of skepticism, suggesting possible exaggeration or symbolic meaning. The story may be a legendary account used to emphasize the exceptional nature of the conquest.
Cultural Significance: The mention of the Rephaim ties into broader ancient Near Eastern beliefs about giants and mythical beings. These stories often served to explain the origins of certain peoples and territories.
Ultimately, Deuteronomy 3:11 is a memorable and impactful verse that speaks to the size, strength, and importance of the enemies the Israelites faced, and the power of God in overcoming them.