Why was King Og’s bed made of iron, and why was that detail included?

King Og’s bed was made of iron to emphasize his extraordinary size and strength, underscoring the miraculous nature of Israel’s victory over him. This detail appears in Deuteronomy 3:11 and serves both historical and theological purposes. Og was the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants known for their intimidating stature. Mentioning his iron bed highlighted how formidable he appeared to human eyes.

“For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the giants. Indeed his bedstead was an iron bedstead. (Is it not in Rabbah of the people of Ammon?) Nine cubits is its length and four cubits its width, according to the standard cubit.” (Deuteronomy 3:11)

The bed, roughly thirteen feet long and six feet wide, was not included for curiosity but as a testimony to God’s power. By defeating such a powerful ruler, Israel saw that no enemy was too great when the Lord fought for them. The iron construction also pointed to his wealth and status, yet none of this could shield him from divine judgment. Moses included this to strengthen Israel’s faith as they prepared to face other enemies in the land of Canaan.