Joshua 13:12 - all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (the same was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); for Moses attacked these, and drove them out.

Generated Verse: Joshua 13:12

What does "Joshua 13:12" mean?


This verse from Joshua 13:12 is part of a larger description outlining the territory that was allocated to the Israelite tribes after their conquest of Canaan. It highlights a significant victory against a powerful enemy and reinforces the divine promise of land. Let's break down the verse phrase by phrase:

"all the kingdom of Og in Bashan": This refers to the entire territory ruled by King Og of Bashan. Bashan was a fertile and strategically important region east of the Jordan River, known for its strength and resources.

"who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei": These were the two major cities of Og's kingdom, serving as his royal capitals. They were likely centers of power and religious significance.

"(the same was left of the remnant of the Rephaim)": This is a crucial part of the verse. The Rephaim were a people known for their great stature and strength, often associated with giants. The phrase indicates that King Og was one of the last remaining members of this powerful group. This emphasizes the scale of the Israelite victory, as they were overcoming a formidable, almost legendary foe. Some scholars also interpret "Rephaim" not necessarily as giants but as a ruling elite or warriors.

"for Moses attacked these, and drove them out.": This emphasizes that the victory over Og was not just a military achievement but a fulfillment of God's command to Moses. Moses, before his death, led the Israelites in defeating Og and seizing his land. This establishes the historical context and the divine authorization behind the conquest.

In Summary:

The verse signifies:

Territorial Control: It marks the extent of the territory formerly controlled by Og that was now part of the Israelite inheritance.
Victory Over a Powerful Enemy: The defeat of Og, a king associated with the Rephaim, was a significant achievement. It highlights the power of God working through the Israelites.
Fulfillment of Divine Promise: The conquest of Og's kingdom was part of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan.
Historical Context: It links the conquest to Moses' leadership and the events that occurred before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River.

Significance in Context of Joshua:

This verse, within the broader context of Joshua 13, serves to:

Define Boundaries: It helps define the eastern boundary of the land promised to the tribes.
Reinforce Divine Authority: It reminds the Israelites that their possession of the land is due to God's power and faithfulness.
Highlight Past Victories: It serves as a reminder of past victories and a encouragement to continue trusting in God as they face future challenges.

In conclusion, Joshua 13:12 is a concise but powerful statement about the extent of the Israelite conquest, the strength of their enemies, and the fulfillment of God's promise to give them the land. It serves as a reminder of their past victories and a testament to God's faithfulness.

What categories does "Joshua 13:12" have?