Psalms 136:20

KJV

And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Og {H5747} the king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and 'Og king of Bashan, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

and Og king of Bashan— His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

And Og king of Bashan; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 136:20 continues the 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 ([Psalms 136:1-9](/psalms/136 "Psalms 136:1-9 - God's Creation and Providence")), moving through the Exodus ([Psalms 136:10-15](/psalms/136 "Psalms 136:10-15 - Deliverance from Egypt")), the wilderness journey ([Psalms 136:16](/psalms/136 "Psalms 136:16 - Leading Through the Wilderness")), and culminating in the conquest of the Promised Land, specifically mentioning the defeat of powerful kings like Sihon ([Psalms 136:19](/psalms/136-19 "Psalms 136:19 - Defeat of Sihon")) 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](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead")). 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](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - The Defeat of Og") and [Deuteronomy 3:1-7](/deuteronomy/3-1 "Deuteronomy 3:1-7 - Moses Recounts Og's Defeat"). 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 ([Exodus 15:3](/exodus/15-3 "Exodus 15:3 - The Lord is a Warrior")) 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 ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Og (Hebrew, _ʻÔwg'_):** Derived from a root likely meaning "round," Og was a specific historical figure, the king of Bashan. His inclusion here, alongside Sihon, emphasizes the concrete, historical nature of God's interventions. The defeat of such a formidable and famously large king underscores the magnitude of God's power and His willingness to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles for His people.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This profound Hebrew term, *hesed*, is central to the entire psalm. It translates to "kindness," "goodness," "loving-kindness," or "steadfast love." More than mere pity, *hesed* denotes a loyal, enduring, and covenantal love that is active and faithful. In the context of God, it speaks to His unwavering commitment to His promises and His people, regardless of their circumstances or the passage of time. It is the very essence of His relationship with Israel.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This word signifies "eternity," "perpetuity," or "time out of mind." When paired with *hesed*, it emphasizes the unchanging, unending nature of God's steadfast love. It's not a temporary or conditional mercy, but one that extends through all generations and circumstances. This eternal quality provides ultimate assurance and hope for the recipients of God's *hesed*.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Og the king of Bashan:"**: This clause specifically names one of Israel's most formidable adversaries during their journey to the Promised Land. By naming Og, the psalmist grounds God's abstract "mercy" in a concrete, historical event that demonstrated His power and faithfulness. Og's defeat was a significant victory, paving the way for Israel to inherit land east of the Jordan.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever:"**: This is the recurring refrain of Psalm 136, serving as the theological lens through which all of God's actions are to be understood. The defeat of Og, a mighty king, is not presented as a random act of power, but as a direct manifestation of God's eternal, unwavering, and covenantal love (*hesed*) for His people. It attributes every act of deliverance and provision to this unchanging divine attribute.

#### 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 **Hyperbole** or **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.

* [Numbers 21:34](/numbers/21-34 "Numbers 21:34 - The Lord's Command to Moses Regarding Og")
* [Deuteronomy 3:3](/deuteronomy/3-3 "Deuteronomy 3:3 - The Lord Delivers Og")
* [Psalm 107:1](/psalms/107-1 "Psalm 107:1 - Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good")

### 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
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing in your life today?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, both in Scripture and in your own life, strengthen your faith in His enduring mercy?**
* **In what ways can you actively acknowledge and give thanks for God's steadfast love in your daily life?**

### 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](/psalms/136-19 "Psalms 136:19 - Defeat of Sihon")), 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 ([Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead")). 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 ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The victory over Og, a king of giant stature, foreshadows Christ's triumph over the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Judgment of This World")) and the powers of darkness ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). 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](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). 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](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")).

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

Numbers 21:33

And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.

Deuteronomy 3:1

¶ Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.

Deuteronomy 3:29

So we abode in the valley over against Bethpeor.