Giants

What do you do when the thing in front of you looks like a giant? Israel faced literal giants in the Promised Land and learned that faith, not fear, wins the day.

“Now these are the kings of the land whom the people of Israel defeated … [including] Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim” (Joshua 12:1, 4).

When the 12 spies scouted out the Promised Land, their dominant discovery wasn’t its abundance or potential but the presence of giants! They were terrified by these giants. When they reported back to the rest of the Israelites, the whole nation was filled with fear. As a result, God wouldn’t allow them to move into the land.

When it finally did come time to enter the Promised Land, the Israelites knew what they faced. God told them that “only Og the king of Bashan was left of the remnant of the Rephaim.” He was so famed that they even knew his bedstead was made of iron (Deuteronomy 3:11).

Og was a giant. He was intimidating, and the Israelites had good reason to be afraid. Armed with faith, they were able to defeat this mighty foe, and the territory over which Og ruled was given to them for their possession.

Who are the giants we face today? Mighty armies equipped with terrifying weapons. Powerful media companies that fill the airwaves with propaganda. Zealots from other religions who vow to annihilate God’s people.

When we see giants like these, do we assume that defeat is inevitable and victory is impossible?

Again and again, God brings His people victory … if they trust Him, act in faith, and believe that, with Him on their side, they can be victorious over foes or problems of any size.

Reflection Question: When you face giants, are you filled with fear or faith?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the Rephaim mentioned in Joshua 12?

The Rephaim were a people remembered for great stature; Og of Bashan is called one of their last survivors (Deuteronomy 3:11). The term recurs in the conquest accounts to stress that Israel’s victories came against genuinely formidable foes.

Why did Israel wander 40 years before entering the land?

After the twelve spies returned, ten spread fear about the giants and the people refused to enter (Numbers 13–14). God let that unbelieving generation pass away in the wilderness so their children entered instead—fear, not the giants, caused the delay.