Psalms 136:20

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

Psalms 136:20 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 136 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise, often called the Great Hallel. Its repeated refrain, “for his mercy endureth for ever,” closes every verse and frames the entire psalm as a celebration of God’s steadfast, covenant love. The psalm recounts God’s mighty acts in creation, deliverance, and provision for Israel. Verse 20 names Og, the king of Bashan, as one of the enemies God defeated on Israel’s journey to the Promised Land.

Meaning

Og was an Amorite king who ruled a large and fruitful region east of the Jordan River. He was known for his great stature and military power. In Psalm 136, the mention of Og is not merely historical; it demonstrates that God’s mercy was at work even in military conflict. Og came out against Israel and threatened their destruction, but it was by the Lord’s mercies that Israel was not consumed by him. The verse thus teaches that God’s enduring mercy is seen in His protection and deliverance from powerful enemies.

The Hebrew word translated “mercy” in the KJV is often rendered as “lovingkindness,” “steadfast love,” or “faithful love” in other translations, emphasizing God’s loyal, covenant commitment to His people. The psalmist’s inclusion of Og among the defeated kings shows that no adversary, however mighty, can thwart God’s faithful love.

Biblical connections

The defeat of Og is also recounted in Numbers 21:33-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-11, where the Lord assures Israel of victory and gives them the land. Psalm 135:11 similarly lists Og among the kings whose territories were given to Israel, reinforcing the theme of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

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.

Reflection

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.