Joshua 13:12
“all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (the same was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); for Moses attacked these, and drove them out.”
What does Joshua 13:12 mean?
After the Israelites conquered major cities in Canaan, Joshua divided the conquered territory among the tribes. This verse describes the land that went to the tribe of Gad, specifically the kingdom that had belonged to Og, a giant king whose defeat is recounted earlier in Joshua's story. The phrase about the Rephaim (an ancient people known for their size) helps explain why Og's defeat was significant, the way ancient writers would note when someone overcame a legendary or formidable opponent. The final note that "Moses attacked these, and drove them out" connects back to events from the book of Numbers, reminding readers that this territory was already secured before Joshua began his conquest, so Joshua was distributing land that God had already helped His people take.