TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 135 verses 5–14
The psalmist had suggested to us the goodness of God, as the proper matter of our cheerful praises; here he suggests to us the greatness of God as the proper matter of our awful praises; and on this he is most copious, because this we are less forward to consider.
I. He asserts the doctrine of God's greatness (Psa 135:5): The Lord is great, great indeed, who knows no limits of time or place. He asserts it with assurance, "I know that he is so; know it not only by observation of the proofs of it, but by belief of the revelation of it. I know it; I am sure of it; I know it by my own experience of the divine greatness working on my soul." He asserts it with a holy defiance of all pretenders, though they should join in confederacy against him. He is not only above any god, but above all gods, infinitely above them, between him and them there is no comparison.
II. He proves him to be a great God by the greatness of his power, Psa 135:6. 1. He has an absolute power, and may do what he will: Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he, and none could control him, or say unto him, What doest thou? He does what he pleases, because he pleases, and gives not an account of any of his matters. 2. He has an almighty power and can do what he will; if he will work, none shall hinder. 3. This absolute almighty power is of universal extent; he does what he will in heaven, in earth, in the seas, and in all the deep places that are in the bottom of the sea or the bowels of the earth. The gods of the heathen can do nothing; but our God can do any thing and does do every thing.
III. He gives instances of his great power,
1.In the kingdom of nature, Psa 135:7. All the powers of nature prove the greatness of the God of nature, from whom they are derived and on whom they depend. The chain of natural causes was not only framed by him at first, but is still preserved by him. (1.) It is by his power that exhalations are drawn up from the terraqueous globe. The heat of the sun raises them, but it has that power from God, and therefore it is given as an instance of the glory of God that nothing is hidden from the heat of the sun, Psa 19:6. He causes the vapours to ascend (not only unhelped, but unseen, by us) from the earth, from the ends of the earth, that is, from the seas, by which the earth is surrounded. (2.) It is he who, out of those vapours so raised, forms the rain, so that the earth is no loser by the vapours it sends up, for they are returned with advantage in fruitful showers. (3.) Out of the same vapours (such is his wonderful power) he makes lightnings or the rain; by them he opens the bottles of heaven, and shakes the clouds, that they may water the earth. Here are fire and water thoroughly reconciled by divine omnipotence. They come together, and yet the water does not quench the fire, nor the fire lick up the water, as fire from heaven did when God pleased, Kg1 18:38. (4.) The same exhalations, to serve another purpose, are converted into winds, which blow where they list, from what point of the compass they will, and we are so far from directing them that we cannot tell whence they come nor whither they go, but God brings them out of his treasuries with as much exactness and design as a prudent prince orders money to issue out of his exchequer.
2.In the kingdoms of men; and here he mentions the great things God had formerly done for his people Israel, which were proofs of God's greatness as well as of his goodness, and confirmations of the truth of the scriptures of the Old Testament, which began to be written by Moses, the person employed in working those miracles. Observe God's sovereign dominion and irresistible power, (1.) In bringing Israel out of Egypt, humbling Pharaoh by many plagues, and so forcing him to let them go. These plagues are called tokens and wonders, because they came not in the common course of providence, but there was something miraculous in each of them. They were sent upon Pharaoh and all his servants, his subjects; but the Israelites, whom God claimed for his servants, his son, his first-born, his free-born, were exempted from them, and no plague came nigh their dwelling. The death of the first-born both of men and cattle was the heaviest of all the plagues, and that which gained the point. (2.) In destroying the kingdoms of Canaan before them, Psa 135:10. Those that were in possession of the land designed for Israel had all possible advantages for keeping possession. The people were numerous, and warlike, and confederate against Israel. They were great nations. Yet, if a great nation has a meek and mean-spirited prince, it lies exposed; but these great nations had mighty kings, and yet they were all smitten and slain - Sihon and Og, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, Psa 135:10, Psa 135:11. No power of hell or earth can prevent the accomplishment of the promise of God when the time, the set time, for it has come. (3.) In settling them in the land of promise. He that gives kingdoms to whomsoever he pleases gave Canaan to be a heritage to Israel his people. It came to them by inheritance, for their ancestors had the promise of it, though not the possession; and it descended as an inheritance to their seed. This was done long before, yet God is now praised for it; and with good reason, for the children were now enjoying the benefit of it.
IV. He triumphs in the perpetuity of God's glory and grace. 1. Of his glory (Psa 135:13): Thy name, O God! endures for ever. God's manifestations of himself to his people have everlasting fruits and consequences. What God doeth it shall be for ever, Ecc 3:14. His name endures for ever in the constant and everlasting praises of his people; his memorial endures, has endured hitherto, and shall still endure throughout all generations of the church. This seems to refer to Exo 3:15, where, when God had called himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he adds, This is my name for ever and this is my memorial unto all generations. God is, and will be, always the same to his church, a gracious, faithful, wonder-working God; and his church is, and will be, the same to him, a thankful praising people; and thus his name endures for ever. 2. Of his grace. He will be kind to his people. (1.) He will plead their cause against others that contend with them. He will judge his people, that is, he will judge for them, and will not suffer them to be run down. (2.) He will not himself contend for ever with them, but will repent himself concerning his servants, and not proceed in his controversy with them; he will be entreated for them, or he will be comforted concerning them; he will return in ways of mercy to them and will delight to do them good. This verse is taken from the song of Moses, Deu 32:36.
"And slew mighty kings, Sehon king of the Amorites, and Og the king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan." All these things which the Psalm records simply, do we read likewise in others of the Lord's books, and there the hand of the Lord is great. When you see what has been done to the wicked, take heed lest it be done to you....But when the good man sees what the wicked has suffered, let him cleanse himself from all iniquity, lest he fall into a like punishment, a like chastisement. Then you have thoroughly understood these things. What did God then? He drove out the wicked.
Continue studying Psalms 135:11 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Psalm 135:11 functions as a pivotal historical declaration within a broader hymn of praise, celebrating God's unparalleled might and unwavering faithfulness. It specifically recounts the Lord's decisive victories over formidable earthly powers—Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan—culminating in the comprehensive conquest of "all the kingdoms of Canaan." This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and history, demonstrating His power to dispossess the wicked and secure the promised inheritance for His chosen people, Israel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 135:11 predominantly employs Enumeration, systematically listing specific historical figures and territories (Sihon, Og, and the kingdoms of Canaan) to underscore the concrete and verifiable nature of God's powerful actions in history. This serves as a potent form of Historical Allusion, referencing well-known and pivotal events in Israel's past that would have resonated deeply with the original audience, reminding them of God's consistent faithfulness. The concluding phrase, "and all the kingdoms of Canaan," functions as Comprehensive Language or Synecdoche, representing the totality of God's victory not merely over individual rulers but over the entire established political, military, and spiritual landscape of the land. This comprehensive statement emphasizes the absolute nature of God's power and His unwavering commitment to securing the promised inheritance for His people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 135:11 powerfully articulates God's active and decisive involvement in human history, demonstrating His absolute sovereign power over nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. The defeat of Sihon, Og, and all the kingdoms of Canaan is far more than a mere recounting of military victories; it is a profound theological statement about Yahweh's unique identity as the only true God who acts decisively and victoriously on behalf of those He has chosen. These historical acts serve as a perpetual and tangible reminder of God's ability to overcome any obstacle, fulfill seemingly impossible promises, and establish His people in their divinely appointed place. This foundational truth of God's demonstrated power and faithfulness in the past provides a firm and enduring basis for trust, worship, and confident expectation in the present and future.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Remembering God's past, decisive victories, such as His triumphant conquests over Sihon, Og, and the formidable kingdoms of Canaan, provides profound encouragement and significantly strengthens faith for believers today. Just as God powerfully cleared the way for ancient Israel to enter and possess their promised inheritance, He continues to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and faithfully fulfill His promises in our lives. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that no enemy, challenge, or circumstance is too great or too complex for the Lord to handle. It calls us to place our complete trust in His unchanging power and unwavering faithfulness, knowing with certainty that He is able to bring us through any difficulty and lead us into the blessings He has prepared. When facing daunting circumstances—whether they are personal struggles, spiritual battles, or societal challenges—we can confidently look back at God's historical acts of deliverance and be absolutely confident in His ability to act on our behalf, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Our faith is not rooted in our own limited strength or the fluctuating nature of our circumstances, but in the omnipotent God who has proven Himself mighty to save and utterly faithful to His every word.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were Sihon and Og, and why are their defeats significant?
Answer: Sihon was the king of the Amorites, and Og was the king of Bashan. Both were powerful, well-established rulers whose territories lay strategically east of the Jordan River. Their defeats, meticulously detailed in Numbers 21 and Deuteronomy 3, were profoundly significant because they represented the very first major military victories for Israel as they approached the Promised Land. These initial conquests not only secured vital territory for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh but also served as undeniable and tangible proof of God's supreme power and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promise to give Israel the land. Their decisive defeat demonstrated unequivocally that no earthly king, no matter how mighty, nor any army, no matter how formidable, could stand against the Lord God of Israel.
What does "all the kingdoms of Canaan" refer to in this context?
Answer: While Sihon and Og ruled territories east of the Jordan, the phrase "all the kingdoms of Canaan" refers to the numerous independent city-states, regional powers, and various ethnic groups (such as the Hittites, Jebusites, Girgashites, etc.) located west of the Jordan River, within the land specifically promised by God to Abraham's descendants (Genesis 15:18-21). This comprehensive phrase encompasses the broader, extensive conquest of the entire Promised Land that occurred under Joshua's leadership after Moses' death. It signifies the complete and comprehensive nature of God's victory over all the inhabitants and their organized resistance, ensuring that Israel would indeed inherit the entirety of the land God had promised them, as meticulously detailed in books like Joshua 12.
How does this verse contribute to the overall message of Psalm 135?
Answer: Psalm 135 is a magnificent hymn of praise that extols the incomparable greatness and unique identity of God. This verse contributes powerfully to the psalm's central message by providing concrete, irrefutable historical examples of God's unparalleled power and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. Following declarations of God's universal sovereignty over creation (verses 5-7) and His miraculous acts in Egypt (verses 8-10), the specific mention of Sihon, Og, and the kingdoms of Canaan serves as further, compelling evidence that the Lord is indeed greater than all other gods and earthly powers. It reinforces the psalm's core assertion that God actively intervenes in human history to fulfill His divine purposes for His people, making Him supremely worthy of all praise, worship, and adoration.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The historical victories of God over Sihon, Og, and the kingdoms of Canaan, as powerfully recounted in Psalm 135:11, find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God, in His sovereign power, dispossessed formidable earthly kings and nations to secure a physical inheritance for Israel, so Christ, the true King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16), has achieved a far greater and eternal victory over the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness. His sacrificial death on the cross and His triumphant resurrection represent the decisive and cosmic defeat of the "prince of this world" (John 12:31) and all hostile spiritual forces, disarming them and triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). Through Christ, believers receive not merely a temporal land but an eternal, spiritual inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them (1 Peter 1:3-4). The God who powerfully cleared the way for Israel's physical dwelling now, in Christ, clears the way for all who believe to enter into eternal life and a spiritual kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). Thus, the historical triumphs of the Old Testament serve as powerful foreshadows of the cosmic, definitive victory of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), establishing His eternal kingdom and securing an everlasting inheritance for His redeemed people.