Bashan

(from the Arabic — sandy, soft; according to others — basalt land) (Num. 21:33) — a hilly region east of the Jordan, between the mountains of Hermon to the north and those of Gilead to the south. Its later name was Batanea. The ancient name of this region probably derived from the lofty Mount Bashan, lying in its very center, which the psalmist calls “the mountain of God” and “an high hill” (Ps. 68 [67]:15, 16). This region was famed even in antiquity for its enormous oaks (Isa. 2:13), rich pastures (Micah 7:14), and fine breeds of cattle (Ps. 22 [21]:12).

In the days of Moses the region of Bashan was ruled by king Og, who, joining with Sihon, king of the Amorites, declared war on Israel, but both of them were defeated and utterly routed at Edrei (Num. 21:33–35). After this Bashan passed as an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh. From the testimony of modern-day travelers it is evident that this locality, though distinguished by its beautiful picturesque views, recalling many of the loveliest countries and localities of Europe, has its cities and settlements ruined, abandoned, without inhabitants, in desolation.

Thus have been, and continue to be, fulfilled in a striking manner the prophecies of God concerning the land of Bashan, Gilead, and other cities, for their impiety. “For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up,” foretold Isaiah, “and upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan” (2:12, 13). “The highways lie waste,” exclaim, in the spirit of prophetic inspiration, the prophets Isaiah, Amos, Micah, and Zechariah, “the wayfaring man ceaseth: the earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits” (Isa. 33:8, 9).

“Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down” (Zech. 11:2). “The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up” (Amos 5:2).