Spoils and Fallen Giants

Deuteronomy 3:6-17         1/20/2018

Moses recounted how the spoils from the defeat of Sihon and Og were divided amongst the three tribes: Reuben, Gad and Manasseh. It is parenthetically mentioned that Og, king of Bashan, had been the last of the giant Rephaim (He had a bed of iron that was 13 1/2 feet long and 6 feet wide).

The Last Giant

The modern tendency is to see the Israelite invasion of Palestine as an act of pre-civilized aggression. A grab for land. Often, this interpretation is used as evidence that God is not a God of peace. By extension, that this faith tradition is at odds with a modern understanding of justice and righteousness.

But Moses’ view was that the giants who dwelled in Canaan were evil. Evil, in the way that a modern person might say “Nazi” or “Fascist” – that kind of evil. The fight then was to rid the world of this evil. It was a war not unlike twentieth century wars intended to eliminate Nazism and Fascism.

So declaring Og the last Rephaim was a little like declaring Adolph Hitler the last Nazi. There is danger in naively believing that the evil of fascism is dead.

The Species Isn’t Extinct

I’m always amazed at how often scientist have concluded that certain animals have been extinct for thousands – or even millions of years – suddenly to find a living specimen at the bottom of some infrequently visited ocean.

I’m similarly amazed when I come to the conclusion that I’ve overcome some sinful tendency in my life. Experience tells me this is the sure sign that I’m about to encounter circumstances that prove my weakness is still alive.

Paul once wrote, “Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall”. Declaring the giants dead is a dangerous thing. So here’s a note to self: The giants are never dead. There is no last giant. As long as I have breath – I am subject to the temptation of the knowledge of good and evil.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be victory. That doesn’t mean there won’t be rest. It’s simply a caution against declaring extinct that which is still lurking.

“Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8