God’s everlasting love conquers even the greatest obstacles.
"and Og, king of Bashan, For His lovingkindness is everlasting." (v.20) In this verse from Psalm 136, the psalmist specifically commemorates the defeat of Og, who ruled over the rich and fertile region of Bashan east of the Jordan River, in what is now the Golan Heights.Bashan stood out for its abundant livestock and lush pasture, making Og’s dominion both prosperous and formidable. Og’s reign took place around the time of Moses (approximately 1406 BC), and he was among the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament.By singling out Og’s defeat, the psalmist emphasizes the astonishing power of God to overcome even the mightiest foes on behalf of His people.
"and Og, king of Bashan" (v.20) also demonstrates how God’s people looked back on critical moments of deliverance as evidence of His steadfast love. This victory was recounted in Deuteronomy 3:1-11, reminding Israel that their success came by God’s hand alone. By layering the refrain, “For His lovingkindness is everlasting,” the passage stresses that the same God who delivered Israel from towering adversaries continues to remain faithful through every generation. In the New Testament, this forever-faithful quality of God is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose victory over sin and death further displays the unending nature of divine love (Romans 8:37-39).
God’s intervention against strong kings like Og reveals His unfailing covenant commitment. Despite Israel’s challenges and the impressive stature of their enemies, the Lord’s grace and might prevailed, foreshadowing the hope and redemption that all believers experience in Christ.
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Psalms 136:20 meaning
"and Og, king of Bashan, For His lovingkindness is everlasting." (v.20) In this verse from Psalm 136, the psalmist specifically commemorates the defeat of Og, who ruled over the rich and fertile region of Bashan east of the Jordan River, in what is now the Golan Heights.Bashan stood out for its abundant livestock and lush pasture, making Og’s dominion both prosperous and formidable. Og’s reign took place around the time of Moses (approximately 1406 BC), and he was among the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament.By singling out Og’s defeat, the psalmist emphasizes the astonishing power of God to overcome even the mightiest foes on behalf of His people.
"and Og, king of Bashan" (v.20) also demonstrates how God’s people looked back on critical moments of deliverance as evidence of His steadfast love. This victory was recounted in Deuteronomy 3:1-11, reminding Israel that their success came by God’s hand alone. By layering the refrain, “For His lovingkindness is everlasting,” the passage stresses that the same God who delivered Israel from towering adversaries continues to remain faithful through every generation. In the New Testament, this forever-faithful quality of God is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose victory over sin and death further displays the unending nature of divine love (Romans 8:37-39).
God’s intervention against strong kings like Og reveals His unfailing covenant commitment. Despite Israel’s challenges and the impressive stature of their enemies, the Lord’s grace and might prevailed, foreshadowing the hope and redemption that all believers experience in Christ.