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Commentary on Psalms 136 verses 10–22
The great things God for Israel, when he first formed them into a people, and set up his kingdom among them, are here mentioned, as often elsewhere in the psalms, as instances both of the power of God and of the particular kindness he had for Israel. See Psa 135:8, etc. 1. He brought them out of Egypt, Psa 136:10-12. That was a mercy which endured long to them, and our redemption by Christ, which was typified by that, does indeed endure for ever, for it is an eternal redemption. Of all the plagues of Egypt, none is mentioned but the death of the first-born, because that was the conquering plague; by that God, who in all the plagues distinguished the Israelites from the Egyptians, brought them at last from among them, not by a wile, but with a strong hand and an arm stretched out to reach far and do great things. These miracles of mercy, as they proved Moses's commission to give law to Israel, so they laid Israel under lasting obligations to obey that law, Exo 20:2. 2. He forced them a way through the Red Sea, which obstructed them at their first setting out. By the power he has to control the common course of nature he divided the sea into two parts, between which he opened a path, and made Israel to pass between the parts, now that they were to enter into covenant with him; see Jer 34:18. He not only divided the sea, but gave his people courage to go through it when it was divided, which was an instance of God's power over men's hearts, as the former of his power over the waters. And, to make it a miracle of justice as well as mercy, the same Red Sea that was a lane to the Israelites was a grave to their pursuers. There he shook off Pharaoh and his host. 3. He conducted them through a vast howling wilderness (Psa 136:16); there he led them and fed them. Their camp was victualled and fortified by a constant series of miracles for forty years; though they loitered and wandered there, they were not lost. And in this the mercy of God, and the constancy of that mercy, were the more observable because they often provoked him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert. 4. He destroyed kings before them, to make room for them (Psa 136:17, Psa 136:18), not deposed and banished them, but smote and slew them, in which appeared his wrath against them, but his mercy, his never-failing mercy, to Israel. And that which magnified it was that they were great kings and famous kings, yet God subdued them as easily as if they had been the least, and weakest, and meanest, of the children of men. They were wicked kings, and then their grandeur and lustre would not secure them from the justice of God. The more great and famous they were the more did God's mercy to Israel appear in giving such kings for them. Sihon and Og are particularly mentioned, because they were the first two that were conquered on the other side Jordan, Psa 136:19, Psa 136:20. It is good to enter into the detail of God's favours and not to view them in the gross, and in each instance to observe, and own, that God's mercy endureth for ever. 5. He put them in possession of a good land, Psa 136:21, Psa 136:22. He whose the earth is, and the fulness thereof, the world and those that dwell therein, took land from one people and gave it to another, as pleased him. The iniquity of the Amorites was now full, and therefore it was taken from them. Israel was his servant, and, though they had been provoking in the wilderness, yet he intended to have some service out of them, for to them pertained the service of God. As he said to the Egyptians, Let my people go, so to the Canaanites, Let my people in, that they may serve me. In this God's mercy to them endureth for ever, because it was a figure of the heavenly Canaan, the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
"And Og, the king of Basan" [Psalm 136:20]. The "heaper-together," such is the meaning of Og, and, king of "confusion," which Basan signifies. For what else does the devil heap together but confusion?
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SUMMARY
Psalms 136:20 continues this liturgical hymn of thanksgiving, celebrating God's enduring mercy by recalling His historical acts of deliverance for Israel. This specific verse highlights the divine conquest of Og, the formidable king of Bashan, serving as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and covenant loyalty, which is declared to "endure for ever" as the psalm's foundational refrain.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 136 is a unique responsorial psalm, often called "The Great Hallel," characterized by its repetitive refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This structure creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's hesed ( steadfast love). The psalm systematically recounts God's mighty deeds, beginning with creation in Psalms 136:1-9, moving through the Exodus in Psalms 136:10-15, the wilderness journey in Psalms 136:16, and culminating in the conquest of the Promised Land. This section specifically mentions the defeat of powerful kings like Sihon in Psalms 136:19 and Og. This progression demonstrates a consistent pattern of divine intervention on behalf of Israel, all rooted in God's eternal mercy.
Historical & Cultural Context: The mention of Og, king of Bashan, refers to a significant historical event during Israel's wilderness wanderings just before entering Canaan. Og was a formidable Amorite king, known for his immense stature; his iron bedstead was reportedly over 13 feet long, as noted in Deuteronomy 3:11. His kingdom, Bashan, was a fertile and strategically important region east of the Jordan River. The defeat of Og, along with Sihon, king of the Amorites, was a crucial victory for Israel, recounted in detail in Numbers 21:33-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-7. These kings represented powerful, seemingly insurmountable obstacles to Israel's progress towards the Promised Land. Their defeat, therefore, was a clear demonstration of God's superior power over earthly rulers and His commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises to His people.
Key Themes: This verse, within the broader context of Psalm 136, powerfully contributes to several key themes. Foremost is God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed), which is the psalm's central refrain and the underlying motivation for all divine actions, from creation to conquest. It signifies God's steadfast, covenantal love and faithfulness. The defeat of Og also highlights Divine Deliverance and Protection, showcasing God's active intervention to remove obstacles and protect His chosen nation from powerful adversaries. It underscores His role as a mighty warrior, as seen in Exodus 15:3, who fights for His people. Furthermore, the psalm emphasizes Historical Remembrance, encouraging Israel to recall God's past acts of faithfulness as a basis for present trust and future hope. Finally, God's ability to conquer even the strongest earthly rulers like Og, who was of giant stature, reinforces His Sovereignty Over Nations and His supreme authority over all human powers and kingdoms, as affirmed in Daniel 2:21.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device in Psalms 136:20, and indeed the entire psalm, is Repetition, specifically through the use of a responsorial refrain ("for his mercy endureth for ever"). This constant reiteration serves to engrain the central theological truth of God's eternal hesed into the minds of the worshippers. The naming of specific historical figures like Og also employs Allusion, referencing well-known narratives from Israel's history (e.g., Numbers and Deuteronomy) without needing to recount the full story. This assumes a shared understanding and reinforces the historical veracity of God's interventions. Furthermore, the selection of Og, a king of legendary stature, can be seen as a form of Emphasis, highlighting the extraordinary nature of God's power in overcoming seemingly insurmountable human strength. Og becomes a Symbol of any powerful obstacle that God's people might face, demonstrating that no foe is too great for the Lord's enduring mercy to overcome.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The defeat of Og, king of Bashan, is not merely a historical anecdote but a profound theological statement within the biblical narrative. It stands as a testament to God's active sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. This act of divine intervention, like all others recounted in Psalm 136, is attributed solely to God's hesed, His steadfast and loyal love. This enduring mercy is the very foundation of Israel's existence and their hope for the future. It demonstrates that God's character is unchanging, and His faithfulness is not dependent on human merit but on His own eternal nature. The victory over Og foreshadows God's ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and opposition, assuring His people of His constant protection and provision throughout history.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 136:20 calls believers to reflect on the unchanging nature of God's mercy in their own lives. Just as God delivered Israel from the formidable King Og, He continues to demonstrate His steadfast love and power in overcoming the "giants" and obstacles we face today—whether they are personal struggles, societal injustices, or spiritual battles. This verse encourages us to remember God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in our personal experiences, as a foundation for present trust. It invites a posture of deep gratitude and worship, knowing that every act of deliverance, provision, and guidance flows from His eternal hesed. When we are tempted to despair in the face of overwhelming challenges, this verse reminds us that God's mercy is perpetual, His power is limitless, and His commitment to His people is unwavering. We are called to live in the secure knowledge that the same God who conquered Og is actively working for our good, and His loving-kindness truly endures forever.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, specifically mentioned in this psalm of thanksgiving?
Answer: The defeat of Og, along with Sihon, king of the Amorites (mentioned in the preceding verse, Psalms 136:19), was a pivotal moment in Israel's history. These kings represented powerful and seemingly unconquerable foes who stood in the way of Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land. Og, in particular, was known for his immense stature and formidable kingdom of Bashan, as detailed in Deuteronomy 3:11. By specifically naming these defeated kings, the psalmist highlights the concrete, historical evidence of God's mighty power and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that God's "mercy" (Hebrew: hesed) is not an abstract concept but a dynamic force that actively intervenes to protect and provide for His people, overcoming even the greatest human opposition. This specific historical victory serves as a powerful reminder that no obstacle is too great for the Lord's enduring love.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The defeat of Og, king of Bashan, by the hand of God, and the declaration that "his mercy endureth for ever," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament accounts of God's hesed—His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness demonstrated through acts of deliverance—point forward to the supreme act of divine mercy in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from the physical tyranny of Og, Christ delivers humanity from the spiritual tyranny of sin and death, as proclaimed in Colossians 1:13-14. He is the ultimate embodiment of God's eternal mercy, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The victory over Og, a king of giant stature, foreshadows Christ's triumph over the "prince of this world" (John 12:31) and the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). Through Christ, God's hesed is not merely extended to a single nation but offered to all who believe, granting them an eternal inheritance far greater than any earthly land (Ephesians 1:11-14). Thus, the enduring mercy celebrated in Psalm 136 culminates in the person and work of Jesus, who is the faithful and true witness to God's love that truly endures for ever (Revelation 1:5).