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Devarim 3:11 desribes Og's bed as being made from iron. What does the the Torah add by describing Og's bed as being made from iron? The Ramban comments that it demonstrates how tall he was, that wood would not have been strong enough. But surely a bed could be made of wood with the appropriate construction to carry any amount of weight. Also, being tall does necessarily equate to being heavy.

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A citation for the verse in the Torah and Ramban's comments would make this question far more valuable. – Seth J Jul 25 '12 at 13:07
See Gershon Gold's answer and consider revising your question. Are you asking for an explanation of the verse or an explanation of Ramban's interpretation of the verse? – Seth J Jul 25 '12 at 14:47
+1. Re "being tall does necessarily equate to being heavy", well, it kinda does. – msh210 Jul 25 '12 at 16:06
which Ramban was that (not the person, but where is his explanation located)? – Menachem Jul 25 '12 at 23:40

1 Answer

The Rashbam explains that due to his strength he broke the wooden beds when he was younger and therefore they made a metal bed for him.

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So is the Rashbam arguing with the Ramban? Or does this come to explain the Ramban? If the latter, how so? – Seth J Jul 25 '12 at 14:46
It sounds to me like they are very similar, although the Rashbam is adding in that he actually broke the wood beds, and the Ramban just says that it would not be strong enough. – Gershon Gold Jul 25 '12 at 14:54
The Rashbam explains that it is referring to when he was a baby (translating "Arisaso" as "his crib"). His uncontrolled strength broke the wooden crib, so they made him a metal one. When he as older, and in control of himself, he no longer needed a metal bed. – Menachem Jul 25 '12 at 23:38

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