Joshua 13:12 (KJV)

What does Joshua 13:12 mean?

Joshua 13:12 describes how the territory once ruled by Og, king of Bashan, included the cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei, and that Og was one of the last of the "giants" whom Moses defeated and drove out. The verse highlights that Moses had already conquered these lands and removed their powerful inhabitants before the Israelites entered the Promised Land.

In this verse, the narrator is recounting to the Israelites which lands were taken under Moses’ leadership, specifically focusing on the region of Bashan and its king, Og. The mention of Og as a remnant of the "giants" emphasizes the extraordinary nature of this victory, since these people were seen as unusually large and strong. This sets the stage for dividing the land among the tribes, showing that even the most intimidating enemies had already been overcome.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 13:12

• "giants" (רְפָאִים, rephaim): This word refers to a group of ancient people known for their great size and strength, often understood as "giants." Mentioning Og as one of the last of the רְפָאִים (rephaim) underlines the significance of his defeat.
• "remnant" (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means what is left or remaining. Here, it stresses that Og was among the last survivors of these formidable people, making his defeat notable.
• "smite" (נָכָה, nakah): This verb means to strike down or defeat. The use of נָכָה (nakah) highlights the completeness of Moses’ victory over these strong opponents.
• "out" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This word means to dispossess or drive out. It shows that Moses not only defeated Og and his people but also took their land away from them.

Why Joshua 13:12 matters

• Joshua 13:12 clarifies that the defeat of Og and the conquest of Bashan happened before Joshua’s campaigns, under Moses’ leadership, which helps explain why this territory was already available for division among the tribes.
• The verse emphasizes that even the most intimidating enemies, described as "giants," had already been overcome, reinforcing the theme that God had prepared the land for Israel.
• By naming specific places and people, the verse connects the story to earlier events in Numbers and Deuteronomy, helping readers see the continuity in Israel’s journey and the fulfillment of earlier victories.