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Deuteronomy 3:1 - Giant king's futile resistance?

Deuteronomy 3:1 - דברים 3:1

Hebrew Text

וַנֵּפֶן וַנַּעַל דֶּרֶךְ הַבָּשָׁן וַיֵּצֵא עוֹג מֶלֶךְ־הַבָּשָׁן לִקְרָאתֵנוּ הוּא וְכָל־עַמּוֹ לַמִּלְחָמָה אֶדְרֶעִי׃

English Translation

Then we 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 Edre῾i.

Transliteration

Vanefen vana'al derekh habashan vayetze og melekh-habashan likrateinu hu vechol-amo lamilkhamah edrei.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנֵּ֣פֶן וַנַּ֔עַל דֶּ֖רֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֑ן וַיֵּצֵ֣א עוֹג֩ מֶֽלֶךְ־הַבָּשָׁ֨ן לִקְרָאתֵ֜נוּ ה֧וּא וְכׇל־עַמּ֛וֹ לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה אֶדְרֶֽעִי׃
וַנֵּ֣פֶן וַנַּ֔עַל דֶּ֖רֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֑ן וַיֵּצֵ֣א עוֹג֩ מֶֽלֶךְ־הַבָּשָׁ֨ן לִקְרָאתֵ֜נוּ ה֧וּא וְכׇל־עַמּ֛וֹ לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה אֶדְרֶֽעִי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 3:1) recounts the Israelites' encounter with Og, king of Bashan, as they approached the Land of Israel. This event occurred after their victory over Sichon, king of the Amorites, and was part of the conquest of Transjordan before entering Eretz Yisrael.

Og's Background and Significance

Rashi (Devarim 3:1) explains that Og was a survivor of the generation of the Flood, citing the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 42:8) which identifies him as the fugitive who informed Avraham about Lot's capture (Bereishit 14:13). The Talmud (Niddah 61a) describes Og as a giant with extraordinary longevity, emphasizing his fearsome reputation.

The Battle Strategy

The phrase "וַיֵּצֵא עוֹג... לִקְרָאתֵנוּ" ("Og came out against us") is interpreted by Ramban (Devarim 3:1) as a preemptive strike by Og, who sought to attack Israel before they could invade his territory. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 1:22) elaborates that Og uprooted a mountain to hurl at the Israelites, but Moshe, empowered by Hashem, defeated him with Divine assistance.

Spiritual Dimensions of the Battle

  • The Kli Yakar (Devarim 3:1) notes that Og's name (עוֹג) relates to the word "עוגה" (circle), symbolizing his attempt to encircle and trap Israel spiritually.
  • The Baal HaTurim highlights that Og's attack at Edrei (אֶדְרֶעִי) alludes to his arrogance, as the word resembles "אדיר" (mighty), but his downfall came from underestimating Israel's Divine protection.

Lessons from the Encounter

The Sforno (Devarim 3:2) teaches that this victory demonstrated Hashem's promise to deliver even seemingly invincible enemies into Israel's hands, reinforcing the need for trust in Divine providence during conquest. The Or HaChaim adds that Og's defeat was a necessary step in removing spiritual barriers before entering the Land, as his evil influence could have hindered Israel's mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 54b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the miracles performed for the Israelites, particularly the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, highlighting God's intervention in battle.
📖 Niddah 61a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the physical stature and strength of Og, king of Bashan, and his defeat by the Israelites under Moses' leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Og, the king of Bashan?
A: Og was a giant king who ruled the land of Bashan. According to the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 26:7), he was the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants. The Talmud (Niddah 61a) mentions that Og was so large that he uprooted a mountain to throw at the Israelites.
Q: Why did Og attack the Israelites?
A: Og came out to battle against the Israelites because he feared they would conquer his land, just as they had conquered other lands. Rashi (Deuteronomy 3:1) explains that Og mistakenly thought the Israelites were weak after their long journey, but Hashem gave them victory over him.
Q: What is the significance of the battle with Og?
A: The battle with Og was significant because it demonstrated Hashem's protection of the Israelites against seemingly impossible enemies. The Talmud (Berachot 54b) teaches that we recite a blessing (Birkat HaGomel) after surviving danger, partly based on the miracles seen in battles like this one.
Q: Where was Edrei, the place of the battle?
A: Edrei was one of the main cities of Bashan, located in what is now southern Syria. Rashi (Deuteronomy 1:4) identifies it as a fortified city where Og gathered his forces to fight the Israelites.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches us to trust in Hashem even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Just as Og appeared as a giant threat but was defeated, we learn from Jewish tradition that with faith and righteousness, Hashem helps us overcome our greatest obstacles.