Confronting the Giants of Our Lives

Deuteronomy 3:11 says, "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man." At first glance, this verse may seem merely historical, a relic of a distant time filled with stories of battles and conquests. However, it offers profound insights into our spiritual lives and the challenges we face today.

The mention of Og, the king of Bashan, holds significant weight in biblical narratives. He was one of the last of the giants, a symbol of the formidable and often terrifying obstacles that the Israelites had to confront in their journey toward the Promised Land. Og's stature—literally and metaphorically—represents the giants we encounter in life, whether they manifest as fears, doubts, sinful habits, or circumstances that seem insurmountable.

In the passage, we learn that Og’s bed was made of iron and measured nine cubits by four cubits, indicating not only his size but also the strength and durability of his legacy and the threats he posed. Just as Og existed as a remnant of a great evil, we too may find remnants of despair, negativity, and adversity in our lives. However, understanding that these 'giants' exist does not mean we must succumb to their power. Instead, we are called to confront them in faith, knowing full well that we are not alone.

The narratives surrounding Og remind us of God’s sovereignty. In Deuteronomy 3:1-10, we see the Israelites aided by the Lord, who commanded them to fearlessly drive out the giants from the land. God gave His people the assurance of victory despite the overwhelming presence of these adversaries. He is the same God who stands against the giants we face today, whether they be personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual conflicts. Just as He empowered the Israelites, He empowers us to face life’s challenges with the confidence that victory is already provided through Christ.

When we think about Og’s iron bedstead, it evokes the permanence and weight of the fears or temptations that can oppress us. Iron is unyielding; it speaks of something that seems impossible to break. However, our faith in God represents something much stronger. In Isaiah 54:17, we are reminded that "no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn." These words assure us that though we may encounter giant obstacles, they are no match for the power and authority of God.

Let us consider our personal giants. Have you encountered overwhelming difficulties in your life reminiscent of Og? Perhaps it is a health diagnosis that strikes fear in your heart, a financial burden that seems unshiftable, or a relationship shrouded in conflict. The Israelites had to advance into battle not by their might, but by trusting in the God who had promised them victory. Similarly, we are called to step forward with courage instead of retreating in fear.

Prayer is a potent tool against the giants that loom large over us. As we lay our concerns before God, we must pray for strength, wisdom, and fervor to confront these challenges. It is through prayer that we can identify our giants and summon the courage to face them head-on, grounded in the assurance of God’s promises.

In conclusion, the mention of Og in Deuteronomy 3:11 goes beyond a historical context—it serves as a waking call to acknowledge the giants in our lives and confront them with the power of God’s might. As we tread the path of faith, let us focus not on the size of our giants but on the strength of our God. With prayer, support from fellow believers, and trust in His plans, we can overcome even the greatest of obstacles, emerging victorious on the other side.

Artwork for Deuteronomy 3:11

Deuteronomy 3:11 - "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man."

"For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man." - Deuteronomy 3:11

King Og Deuteronomy 3:1-11

Deuteronomy 11:3 - "And his miracles, and his acts, which he did in the midst of Egypt unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and unto all his land;"

Deuteronomy 11:23

Deuteronomy 11:11 - "But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:"

Create a picture of Deuteronomy 11:20

Deuteronomy 14:11 - "¶ Of all clean birds ye shall eat."

Deuteronomy 18:11 - "Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer."

Deuteronomy 27:11 - "¶ And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,"

Create a graphic for Deuteronomy 11. God disciplines.

Create a graphic for Deuteronomy 11. Blessing and curse

Create a graphic for Deuteronomy 11. God disciplines.

Create a graphic for Deuteronomy 11. God disciplines.

Deuteronomy 11:26 - "¶ Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;"

Deuteronomy 3:15 - "And I gave Gilead unto Machir."

Moses addressing the people in Deuteronomy 3

Deuteronomy 3:23 - "And I besought the LORD at that time, saying,"

"And his miracles, and his acts, which he did in the midst of Egypt unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and unto all his land;" - Deuteronomy 11:3

Deuteronomy 22:11 - "¶ Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together."

Deuteronomy 14:3 - "¶ Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing."

Deuteronomy 2:11 - "Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims."

Deuteronomy 11:5 - "And what he did unto you in the wilderness, until ye came into this place;"

Deuteronomy 11:15 - "And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full."

Deuteronomy 11:7 - "But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which he did."

Deuteronomy 3:29 - "So we abode in the valley over against Beth-peor."

Deuteronomy 3:7 - "But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves."

Deuteronomy 28:3 - "Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field."

Deuteronomy 30:11 - "¶ For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off."

Deuteronomy 3:9 - "(Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)"