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Deuteronomy 3:4 - Divine victory over Og's kingdom

Deuteronomy 3:4 - דברים 3:4

Hebrew Text

וַנִּלְכֹּד אֶת־כָּל־עָרָיו בָּעֵת הַהִוא לֹא הָיְתָה קִרְיָה אֲשֶׁר לֹא־לָקַחְנוּ מֵאִתָּם שִׁשִּׁים עִיר כָּל־חֶבֶל אַרְגֹּב מַמְלֶכֶת עוֹג בַּבָּשָׁן׃

English Translation

And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, sixty cities, all the region of Argov, the kingdom of ῾Og in Bashan.

Transliteration

Vanilkod et-kol-arev ba'et hahi lo hayta kriya asher lo-lakachnu me'itam shishim ir kol-chevel Argov mamlechet Og baBashan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנִּלְכֹּ֤ד אֶת־כׇּל־עָרָיו֙ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔וא לֹ֤א הָֽיְתָה֙ קִרְיָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־לָקַ֖חְנוּ מֵֽאִתָּ֑ם שִׁשִּׁ֥ים עִיר֙ כׇּל־חֶ֣בֶל אַרְגֹּ֔ב מַמְלֶ֥כֶת ע֖וֹג בַּבָּשָֽׁן׃
וַנִּלְכֹּ֤ד אֶת־כׇּל־עָרָיו֙ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔וא לֹ֤א הָֽיְתָה֙ קִרְיָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־לָקַ֖חְנוּ מֵֽאִתָּ֑ם שִׁשִּׁ֥ים עִיר֙ כׇּל־חֶ֣בֶל אַרְגֹּ֔ב מַמְלֶ֥כֶת ע֖וֹג בַּבָּשָֽׁן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Conquest of Og's Kingdom

The verse describes the Israelite conquest of the kingdom of Og, king of Bashan, emphasizing the completeness of their victory—no city was left untaken. Rashi (Devarim 3:4) notes that this was a miraculous event, as Og was a fearsome giant (see also Bamidbar 21:33-35) whose defeat demonstrated Hashem's power. The mention of "sixty cities" highlights the extent of Og's dominion, which the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 42:8) connects to his lineage as a remnant of the Rephaim.

Significance of Argov

The region of Argov is singled out as the heart of Og's kingdom. Ramban (Devarim 3:4) explains that this area was particularly fortified, making its conquest even more remarkable. The Talmud (Niddah 61a) mentions that Argov was known for its strongholds, symbolizing the overcoming of seemingly insurmountable obstacles with divine assistance.

Og's Kingdom in Jewish Tradition

Og's status as a powerful enemy is elaborated in Midrashic sources:

  • Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer (16) describes Og as surviving the Mabul (Flood) by clinging to Noah's Ark, making his eventual defeat by Israel a fulfillment of divine justice.
  • Devarim Rabbah (1:25) teaches that Moshe feared Og due to his legendary strength, but Hashem assured him of victory (see Rashi on Devarim 3:2).

Historical and Moral Lessons

The conquest of Bashan is not merely a historical account but a lesson in trust in Hashem. The Kli Yakar (Devarim 3:1-4) emphasizes that the victory over Og—a descendant of the wicked Sichon and the Rephaim—symbolizes the triumph of kedushah (holiness) over impurity. The sixty cities, a number associated with strength in Jewish thought (e.g., the 60 letters of Birkat Kohanim), underscore the idea that even the most entrenched forces of evil can be overcome with divine help.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of capturing the 60 cities of Og in Deuteronomy 3:4?
A: The conquest of Og's 60 cities demonstrates Hashem's fulfillment of His promise to give the Land of Israel to the Jewish people. Og was a powerful giant (as mentioned in Talmud Niddah 61a), and this victory showed divine assistance in overcoming formidable enemies. Rashi explains that this conquest was part of preparing the Israelites to enter the Promised Land.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the number '60 cities' in this verse?
A: The Torah specifies 60 cities to emphasize the greatness of the miracle and the extent of the victory. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:25) notes that these were large, fortified cities, making the conquest even more impressive. The number also highlights the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Abraham of abundant land for his descendants.
Q: Who was Og, and why was his defeat important?
A: Og was the king of Bashan, a giant (referred to in Talmud Chullin 60a as the last of the Rephaim). His defeat was significant because he was a fearsome enemy, and his land (Bashan) was rich and fertile. The Ramban explains that conquering his territory strengthened the Israelites' position east of the Jordan River before entering Canaan.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the conquest of Og's cities?
A: This event teaches us that with faith in Hashem, even seemingly impossible challenges can be overcome. The Talmud (Berachos 54b) states that Moshe initially feared Og, but Hashem assured him of victory. This reminds us that divine help is present when we face difficulties in fulfilling our mission.
Q: How does the region of Argov (mentioned in this verse) connect to Jewish history?
A: Argov was a fertile region in Bashan, later settled by the tribe of Menasheh. The Talmud (Gittin 76a) mentions its agricultural richness. Capturing this area provided the Israelites with valuable land for settlement and showed that Hashem rewards those who follow His commandments with prosperity in the Land of Israel.