Psalms 136:20

Psalm 136:20 KJV continues the psalmist's recounting of God's mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, specifically highlighting the defeat of powerful enemies. This verse focuses on Og, the king of Bashan, reiterating the central theme of the entire psalm: "for his mercy endureth for ever."

Context

Psalm 136 is a unique liturgical psalm, often referred to as "The Great Hallel," characterized by its responsorial structure where each declaration of God's goodness is met with the repeating refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This psalm serves as a powerful hymn of thanksgiving, recalling God's creative power (verses 5-9) and His redemptive acts in Israel's history, particularly the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan (verses 10-22). The mention of Og, king of Bashan, along with Sihon, king of the Amorites (Psalm 136:19), refers to significant victories God granted Israel as they journeyed towards the promised land, detailed in books like Numbers 21:33-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-11. These kings represented formidable obstacles, yet God's power ensured their defeat and Israel's inheritance.

Key Themes

• God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed): The repeated refrain emphasizes that every act of God, from creation to the defeat of mighty kings, flows from His unchanging, steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. This "mercy" (Hebrew: hesed) is not mere pity, but a deep, loyal, and enduring lovingkindness that underpins His relationship with His people.
• Divine Deliverance and Protection: The defeat of powerful adversaries like Og demonstrates God's active intervention to protect and provide for His chosen nation. It underscores His role as a mighty warrior who fights for His people.
• Historical Remembrance: The psalm encourages remembering God's past acts of faithfulness. By recalling specific historical events, the psalmist builds a foundation for present trust and future hope in God's unfailing character.
• Sovereignty Over Nations: God's ability to conquer even the strongest earthly rulers like Og, who was famously of giant stature (Deuteronomy 3:11), highlights His supreme authority over all creation and all human powers.

Linguistic Insights

The core of this verse, like the entire psalm, lies in the Hebrew word hesed (חֶסֶד), translated as "mercy" in the KJV. Hesed is a rich theological term that conveys much more than simple pity. It signifies steadfast love, faithfulness, covenant loyalty, and unfailing kindness. When the psalm declares "his mercy endureth for ever," it speaks to the eternal and unchanging nature of God's committed love and loyalty to His promises and His people, regardless of circumstances or the passage of time. This divine attribute is the foundation of Israel's deliverance and the hope for all believers.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 136:20 serves as a powerful reminder that the same God who delivered Israel from formidable foes continues to exercise His enduring mercy in our lives. When we face our own "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we can look to God's track record of faithfulness. His steadfast love, or hesed, is our constant assurance. This verse encourages us to trust in God's unchanging character and to give thanks for His continuous provision and protection, knowing that His mercies are new every morning and truly endure forever.