Definition: And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, [being] the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 3:13. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage that speaks about God’s plan for the future. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is giving a portion of his kingdom – his rule and power – to a specific group of people, specifically the tribe of Manasseh and the region of Bashan (which includes parts of modern-day Israel and surrounding areas). It’s like God is dividing up his inheritance. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Deuteronomy 3:13..." : This is a specific section from the Old Testament, focusing on laws and instructions for the Israelites as they were leaving Egypt and entering the Promised Land. "...and the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan..." : This refers to the tribe of Gilead – a group of people who were part of the Israelite nation. “Bashan” is a large area in the Middle East that includes modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Turkey. "[being] the kingdom of Og..." : This is where it gets interesting. "Og" is a very ancient name for Israel. The verse says this group is the “kingdom” of Og. It’s not clear exactly what "Og" was – perhaps a mythical ruler or a specific historical figure associated with that region. "...gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh..." : God is giving a portion (a piece) of his kingdom to a specific tribe, Manasseh. The word “gave” indicates a transfer, not a full takeover. "all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants." : This is where it gets really complex. The verse describes a huge area – the entire region of Bashan – that is now known as the “land of giants.” This area was historically very mountainous and sparsely populated. The phrase "the land of giants" suggests a place with immense natural challenges and a rich history. So, what’s the big picture? This verse speaks about a future time when God will establish his kingdom in this region – a larger, more powerful kingdom than Israel had at that point. He is strategically dividing up his dominion to ensure stability and protect his people. It's a foundational piece of understanding how God's plan unfolds over millennia. Important Note: The exact meaning and significance of this verse have been debated by scholars for centuries. There isn’t one single, definitive interpretation. It’s often seen as a symbolic representation of God’s plan for the future and his ultimate triumph over evil. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (Are you curious about its meaning, historical context, or theological significance?)