Psalms 136:20

And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for euer. Psalms 136:20 (KJV)

Psalm 136 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise, often referred to as the Great Hallel. It is known for its repetitive structure, with the phrase “His mercy endureth forever” repeated at the end of each verse. The psalm recounts God’s mighty acts of creation, deliverance, and provision for His people throughout history.

Understanding Og the king of Bashan: Og was a king who ruled over the land of Bashan, an area east of the Jordan River. He is mentioned in various biblical accounts, including Numbers 21:33-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-11. Og was known for his large stature and military might, but God gave victory to the Israelites, and they defeated him.

The Mercy of God: The central message of Psalm 136 is the enduring mercy of God. In each verse, the psalmist emphasizes that God’s mercy lasts forever. In verse 20, the psalmist mentions “And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever” to highlight God’s deliverance of Israel from powerful enemies. God’s mercy is demonstrated in His protection and victory for His people against formidable foes.

God’s Mercy for All: The inclusion of Og in this verse reminds us that God’s mercy extends to His people in overcoming challenges, no matter how strong the opposition. It demonstrates that God’s faithfulness and power are sufficient to deliver His people from any threat. It is a reminder that God’s mercy is available to all who trust in Him, providing strength and hope in difficult circumstances.

Application: Gratitude for God’s Mercy: Psalm 136 encourages us to reflect on God’s mercy and respond with gratitude. Just as the Israelites praised God for delivering them from Og, we should express thankfulness for His mercy in our own lives. We can acknowledge His mercy in forgiving our sins, providing for our needs, and guiding us through challenging situations.

Trusting in God’s Mercy: The verse reminds us that no matter how formidable the obstacles or enemies we face, God’s mercy endures forever. We can place our trust in Him, knowing that His mercy will see us through every situation. We can find comfort and strength in the knowledge that God’s mercy is greater than any opposition we may encounter.

Extending Mercy to Others: As recipients of God’s mercy, we are called to extend mercy to others. Following the example of Jesus Christ, we should strive to show mercy and grace to those who may oppose or harm us.

Remember that studying the Bible is an ongoing process, and it’s important to read the surrounding verses and explore other passages related to the topic for a deeper understanding.