Psalms 135:11

KJV

Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:

KJV (with Strong's)

Sihon {H5511} king {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, and Og {H5747} king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316}, and all the kingdoms {H4467} of Canaan {H3667}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Sichon king of the Emori, 'Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Kena'an.

Berean Standard Bible

Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan.

American Standard Version

Sihon king of the Amorites, And Og king of Bashan, And all the kingdoms of Canaan,

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 135 is a communal hymn of praise, structured as a powerful call to worship Yahweh, the one true God. It begins with an exhortation for the "servants of the Lord" to praise His name (verses 1-3), then transitions to declarations of God's unique greatness, His supremacy over all other gods, and His dominion over creation (verses 4-7). The psalm then shifts to a historical recounting of God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel, starting with the plagues in Egypt (verses 8-9) and the defeat of Pharaoh (verse 10). Within this historical litany, Psalm 135:11 specifically details the conquest of Transjordanian kings and the broader Canaanite kingdoms, setting the stage for the ultimate purpose of these victories: the giving of the land as an inheritance to Israel (verse 12). This progression reinforces the overarching theme of God's covenant faithfulness and His active intervention in history for His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan" immediately evokes the crucial moments of Israel's wilderness journey just before their entry into the Promised Land. Sihon and Og were powerful, established rulers whose territories lay east of the Jordan River. Their unexpected and decisive defeats, meticulously recorded in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Israel's Victory Over Sihon and Og") and [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-1-11 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Moses Recounts the Defeat of Og"), represented Israel's first major military and theological triumphs, paving the way for their initial settlement in Transjordan. The subsequent phrase, "and all the kingdoms of Canaan," broadens the scope to encompass the extensive and divinely orchestrated conquests west of the Jordan River under Joshua's leadership, as comprehensively listed in [Joshua 12](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - List of Conquered Kings"). Culturally, the defeat of such formidable kings and the dispossessing of their established kingdoms would have been seen as irrefutable proof of Yahweh's superior power, validating His claim as the supreme deity over the local, often impotent, gods of Canaanite polytheism.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several foundational themes within Psalm 135 and the broader biblical narrative. First, it powerfully highlights **God's Sovereign Power**, emphatically declaring His absolute ability to overcome even the most formidable earthly adversaries. The swift and total defeat of powerful kings like Sihon and Og serves as irrefutable evidence of the Lord's irresistible might and divine intervention, demonstrating that no human force or fortified kingdom can stand against His will. Second, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness** to His covenant promises. By dispossessing these nations and giving their lands to Israel, God meticulously fulfilled His ancient oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to grant their descendants the land of Canaan, as initially promised in [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land"). Finally, it emphasizes **Israel's Inheritance**, portraying the conquest of these kingdoms not merely as military victories but as the divinely ordained means by which God provided a secure, permanent, and prosperous homeland for His people, establishing them in the land He had prepared for them as a testament to His enduring love and provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sihon (Hebrew, _Çîychôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "tempestuous," Sihon was the formidable king of the Amorites, whose refusal to grant Israel passage through his territory led to a decisive and divinely orchestrated battle. His defeat, along with the subsequent capture of his territory, became the first major conquest for Israel east of the Jordan River, serving as a foundational victory that powerfully demonstrated God's ability to clear the way for His people's advance into their promised inheritance.
* **Og (Hebrew, _ʻÔwg'_):** Likely from a root meaning "round," Og was the colossal king of Bashan, renowned for his immense stature (Deuteronomy 3:11 describes his iron bedstead as over 13 feet long) and the strength of his kingdom. His defeat, immediately following Sihon's, further solidified Israel's control over the Transjordan region and served as another powerful testament to God's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable foes and establish His people.
* **kingdoms (Hebrew, _mamlâkâh'_):** This term refers to "dominion," encompassing both the abstract concept of rule or sovereignty and the concrete reality of the country or realm under that rule. In the context of "kingdoms of Canaan," it signifies not just the individual kings but the entire network of established political, military, and territorial entities that God comprehensively dispossessed. This emphasizes the totality and comprehensive nature of God's victory over all organized resistance in the land, ensuring Israel's complete inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sihon king of the Amorites,"**: This opening clause specifically names the first of two significant Transjordanian kings whose defeat was absolutely crucial for Israel's journey towards the Promised Land. Sihon, as ruler of the Amorites, represented a formidable obstacle, and his downfall, detailed in Numbers 21, marked the decisive beginning of Israel's divinely assisted conquest, demonstrating God's power to clear the path for His people.
* **"and Og king of Bashan,"**: Following the mention of Sihon, Og, the powerful king of Bashan, is named as the second major adversary overcome by God's might. His defeat, also recounted in Numbers 21 and Deuteronomy 3, further solidified Israel's control over the eastern territories and served as a continued, undeniable demonstration of God's irresistible power against even the most formidable and seemingly invincible opponents.
* **"and all the kingdoms of Canaan:"**: This concluding phrase significantly broadens the scope from specific Transjordanian kings to the entire collective of independent city-states and regional powers located within the Promised Land itself (west of the Jordan). It encompasses the entirety of the subsequent, extensive conquests under Joshua's leadership, signifying God's comprehensive, complete, and absolute victory over all the inhabitants and their organized resistance in the land of Canaan, thereby ensuring Israel's full and secure inheritance.

#### 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.

* [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21-35 "The Defeat of Sihon and Og")
* [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-1-11 "Moses Recounts the Defeat of Og")
* [Psalm 136:19-21](/psalms/136-19-21 "God's Steadfast Love in Defeating Kings")

### 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](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). 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
* **How does reflecting on God's past victories in Scripture, like those described in this verse, strengthen your faith when confronting present challenges in your life?**
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you currently facing, and how can the truth of God's power over Sihon and Og provide you with encouragement and hope?**
* **In what specific ways does God's historical faithfulness to Israel's inheritance promise give you confidence in His promises and provision for your life today?**

### 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](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Israel's Wilderness Journey and Victories") and [Deuteronomy 3](/deuteronomy/3 "Deuteronomy 3 - Moses Recounts the Conquests East of Jordan"), 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](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")). 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](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - List of Conquered Kings").

**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](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), 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](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Jesus Foretells His Glorification")) and all hostile spiritual forces, disarming them and triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). 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](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope, An Incorruptible Inheritance")). 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](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), establishing His eternal kingdom and securing an everlasting inheritance for His redeemed people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 12:7

¶ And these [are] the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel [for] a possession according to their divisions;

Joshua 12:24

The king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty and one.

Deuteronomy 29:7

And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:

Numbers 21:21

¶ And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,

Numbers 21:35

So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

Nehemiah 9:22

Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

Deuteronomy 2:30

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day.