And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.

NUMBERS 21:33KJV
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Numbers 21:33 (KJV)

What does Numbers 21:33 mean?

Numbers 21:33 tells how the Israelites, traveling through the wilderness, turned and went up toward the region called Bashan. Og, the king of Bashan, came out with all his people to fight against the Israelites at a place called Edrei.

This verse describes a moment in the Israelites’ journey when they faced a new threat after moving past previous obstacles. The focus is on the confrontation with Og, a local ruler, who gathers his people for battle as the Israelites approach his territory. The verse sets the stage for a significant encounter that follows in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 21:33

  • "turned" (פָּנָה, panah): This word means to change direction or to turn. It highlights that the Israelites deliberately shifted their route, not just continuing straight on.
  • "Bashan" (בָּשָׁן, Bashan): This is the name of a fertile region northeast of the Jordan River, known in ancient times for its strong cities and giant inhabitants. Mentioning Bashan signals the importance and challenge of the area.
  • "Og" (עֹג, Og): The name of the king of Bashan. Og is remembered in the Bible as a formidable opponent, often associated with legends of great size and strength.
  • "battle" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah): This word means a fight or war. Its use here makes clear that what is about to happen is not just a skirmish but a significant military engagement.
  • "Edrei" (אֶדְרֶעִי, Edrei): The name of the city where the battle takes place. Naming the location grounds the story in a real, historical setting.

Why Numbers 21:33 matters

  • Numbers 21:33 marks a turning point where the Israelites face a new and powerful enemy, showing that their journey to the Promised Land involves ongoing challenges.
  • The mention of Og and Bashan connects this verse to other biblical stories about giants and strongholds, adding weight to the victory that follows.
  • By naming Edrei, the verse roots the story in a specific place, which helps readers see the events as part of real history rather than legend.