NEXT Moses recounts of how they turned “and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand... and we smote him until none was left to him raining.”
They took all his cities, 70 all told, cities fenced with high walls, gates and bars; besides unwalled towns a great many. Thus the judgment on the giant king of Bashan and his mighty people was utter destruction. The half tribe of Manasseh took over “the land of the giants.”
Many of the dwellings of the giant race remain until the present day, a silent but powerful witness to the divine accuracy of this book of God. Massive dwellings still exist, built of huge blocks of black stone, with great doors, gates and enormous bars by which they were secured. Travelers have said that they are just such structures as a race of giants would rear up. The rich and fertile country, and the power and strength of the people are frequently referred to in the Psalms and elsewhere.
Verse 11 is of special interest where we read that the bedstead of Og, the last of the giants, was of iron. It was about 13 ½ feet in length and 6 feet wide.
No matter how great and powerful men may be in the world, how foolish for them to oppose God and His people. Israel had spoken peaceably to Sihon, but he turned on them to his own destruction. It was largely so with Og. God gave Israel victory over these great powers because of their obedience and the great destruction of their enemies was a pledge and earnest of what He would yet do for His people.
The oaks of Bashan (Isa, 2:13; Zech. 11:22Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down. (Zechariah 11:2)) in Scripture speak of great strength and loftiness of men which God in His judgment humbles and lays low. Bulls of Bashan speak of strong ruthless enemies whom God will judge. The blessed Lord, when hanging on the cross, spoke of the leaders and great ones who put Him there as “strong bulls of Bashan.” They beset Him round and gaped upon Him with their mouths, “as a ravening and a roaring lion.”
When the children of Israel had conquered these mighty nations, then the people of those nations across the Jordan in Canaan began to fear and tremble. God told Israel not to fear their enemies. If we are obedient and walk to please Him, He will give us the victory. Let us always fear God, but not men! “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Prov. 29:2525The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25).
ML-11/03/1974