Who Was Og in the Bible?
King Living at the Time of Egypt and the Wilderness
Og was a formidable king of Bashan, a region east of the Jordan River known for its fertile land and large cities. He lived during the time of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The biblical narrative first mentions Og in Numbers 21:33. Notably, Og was described as a giant or a Rephaite, emphasizing his great size and strength (Deuteronomy 3:11).
The Encounter with Og
The encounter with Og is a significant event in the Bible, demonstrating God’s faithfulness and power in delivering the Israelites from their enemies. When the Israelites approached Bashan, God assured Moses not to fear Og and his people, promising victory over them.
Numbers 21:33-35 (ESV)
“Then they turned and went up by the way to Bashan. And Og the king of Bashan came out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. But the Lord said to Moses, ‘Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people and his land. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.’ So they defeated him and his sons and all his people, until he had no survivor left. And they possessed his land.”
Og’s Defeat and the Conquest of Bashan
The Israelites, under God’s guidance, defeated Og and his army, capturing all his cities and taking possession of his land. This victory was a fulfillment of God’s promise to give the Israelites the land of Bashan.
Deuteronomy 3:3-4 (ESV)
“So the Lord our God gave into our hand Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people, and we struck him down until he had no survivor left. And we took all his cities at that time—there was not a city that we did not take from them: sixty cities, the whole region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.”
The defeat of Og and the conquest of Bashan were clear demonstrations of God’s provision and protection for His people as they journeyed through the wilderness.
Og’s Legacy in Psalms
Og is also mentioned in the Psalms as part of the recounting of God’s deliverance of Israel from their enemies. These references celebrate God’s mighty works and His enduring love for His people throughout history.
Psalm 135:10-12 (ESV)
“Who struck down many nations and killed mighty kings, Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel.”
Psalm 136:19-21 (ESV)
“Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever; and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever; and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Trusting in God’s Promises
The story of Og serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. Just as God assured the Israelites of victory over Og, modern Christians are encouraged to trust in God’s promises. Even when faced with formidable challenges, believers can find strength and confidence in God’s assurance.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
God’s Sovereignty Over All
Og’s defeat underscores the sovereignty of God over all nations and rulers. It illustrates that no power, no matter how great, can stand against the will of God. This assurance helps believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God is in control of all circumstances.
Isaiah 46:10 (ESV)
“Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'”
The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites’ victory over Og came through their obedience to God’s commands. This highlights the importance of following God’s guidance and commands in our own lives. Obedience to God leads to His blessings and provision.
Deuteronomy 28:1 (ESV)
“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness and Provision
Og’s defeat is a testament to God’s faithfulness and provision for His people. Despite the Israelites’ fears and the formidable challenge posed by Og, God provided victory and ensured their protection. This reinforces the understanding of God’s unwavering commitment to His people.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
God’s Guidance Through Challenges
The encounter with Og demonstrates how God guides His people through challenges. By trusting in His direction, believers can navigate difficulties and emerge victorious, just as the Israelites did.
Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
Victory Over Giants
Og’s defeat prefigures the ultimate victory that Jesus Christ provides over sin and death. Just as God delivered the Israelites from their enemies, Jesus delivers believers from the power of sin, granting eternal life.
1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Fulfillment of God’s Promises
The victory over Og is a part of the broader narrative of God’s promises being fulfilled, culminating in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, providing salvation and eternal life to all who believe.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”
Conclusion
Og, the king of Bashan, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, illustrating God’s power, faithfulness, and sovereignty. His defeat by the Israelites serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ability to overcome any obstacle and deliver His people. For modern Christians, the story of Og encourages trust in God’s promises, obedience to His commands, and reliance on His provision and protection. Through this narrative, believers can see the foreshadowing of the ultimate victory achieved through Jesus Christ, who fulfills God’s redemptive plan for humanity.