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Og was the Amorite king of Bashan who was defeated by Moses and the Israelites in the Book of Numbers. In Jewish tradition he is understood to have been a giant.
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Og and the Merit of Circumcision
KABBALAH
Og, a giant from biblical lore, believed that his circumcision alongside Abraham would protect him against Israel. The Zohar, a central text of Jewish mysticism, delves into the esoteric connections and spiritual significance of biblical figures.
Subduing Evil Forces
CHASIDUT
The battle against evil forces is a central theme in spiritual life, and understanding how to subdue them is crucial. Reb Noson of Breslov, in his Likutei Tefilot, uses biblical narratives to illustrate the spiritual battles we face and the power of prayer in overcoming these challenges.
The Dual Identity of Og
COMMENTARY
Og's identity is complex, being both an Amorite and a king of the Chivites, who are the Rephaim. The Siftei Chakhamim, a supercommentary on Rashi’s Torah commentary, delves into the multifaceted identity of Og and the distinctions between the terms 'Amorites' and 'Rephaim'.
The Giant King of Bashan
TANAKH
Og's immense size and the remnants of his iron bedstead highlight the extraordinary nature of the giants that once roamed the land. The Torah recounts the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, and the allocation of his vast kingdom to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and to half of the tribe of Manasseh.
Survival and the Nature of Fear
JEWISH THOUGHT
Og's arrogance when he fought against the Israelites stemmed from his having survived the great flood. Rabbi Isaac Arama’s medieval work, Akeidat Yitzchak, suggests that Og's confidence was misplaced, and he explains the real reason why Og was able to survive the deluge.
The Unique Measurement Standard of Og
COMMENTARY
The measurement standard attributed to Og was unique to his kingdom and established by him. Rabbeinu Bahya, a 13th-century Jewish commentator, provides an in-depth analysis of this unique measurement in his commentary on Deuteronomy.
The Swift Conquest of Og's Lands
MIDRASH
Og's death led the Israelites to inherit his lands without further conflict, highlighting divine intervention in their conquest. Louis Ginzberg's early 20th-century compilation, Legends of the Jews, recounts the Israelites' journey to the land of Israel, including their conquest of Og's territory.
No Peace for the Amorite King
COMMENTARY
Moses did not offer peace to the Amorite king Og because Og had already initiated battle against Israel. Ramban, a medieval Jewish scholar, provides a detailed commentary on Deuteronomy 2:34, explaining the biblical commandment regarding the treatment of Amorite cities during the Israelites' conquest of Canaan.
The Strongholds of Ashtarot and Edrei
COMMENTARY
The geographical and historical context of Ashtarot and Edrei is crucial for understanding the Israelites' journey to the land of Israel. Jacob ben Asher’s Tur HaArokh provides detailed historical context about these regions and the role of their inhabitants in gathering troops.
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