Psalms 136:20 – “and Og king of Bashan—His love endures forever.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 136:20 recalls God’s victory over Og, the king of Bashan, as part of Israel’s journey to the Promised Land. This verse highlights God’s power to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles on behalf of His people. Og was a mighty king, known for his strength and imposing stature, but God defeated him to protect Israel and fulfill His promises. The refrain “His love endures forever” reminds us that God’s actions, even in battle, were motivated by His faithful and enduring love for His people.
Historical Context
The defeat of Og, king of Bashan, is recorded in Numbers 21:33-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-11. Og was one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants, making him a formidable enemy in the eyes of the Israelites. As the Israelites journeyed toward the Promised Land, Og and his army came out to fight them. God reassured Moses and the Israelites, promising victory. When they defeated Og, they took possession of his land, which became part of Israel’s inheritance. This victory was a significant moment, demonstrating God’s ability to defeat even the most daunting enemies.
Theological Implications
Psalm 136:20 teaches that God’s love includes both provision and protection. By defeating Og, God showed His commitment to securing His promises for His people. Theologically, this verse emphasizes that God’s love is not passive—it is a powerful, active force that clears obstacles and ensures that His plans are fulfilled. God’s willingness to confront and defeat powerful enemies shows that His love is a shield for those who trust in Him. The enduring nature of God’s love means that He is constantly working on behalf of His people, no matter how intimidating the opposition.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 136 uses a rhythmic structure, where each verse recounts a mighty act of God followed by the refrain, “His love endures forever.” This repetition reinforces the central theme of the psalm, showing that everything God does flows from His unchanging love. The mention of Og, a specific historical figure known for his power and size, brings a sense of reality to the psalm, emphasizing that God’s love is not abstract but rooted in real events. The psalmist uses Og’s defeat to illustrate that God’s love doesn’t back down from challenges—it confronts and overcomes them for the sake of His people.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Numbers 21:33-35 – “Then they turned and went up along the road toward Bashan, and Og king of Bashan and his whole army marched out to meet them in battle. The Lord said to Moses, ‘Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands.’”
- Deuteronomy 3:1-3 – “Next we turned and went up along the road toward Bashan, and Og king of Bashan with his whole army marched out to meet us in battle at Edrei. The Lord said to me, ‘Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands, along with his whole army and his land.’”
- Joshua 12:4 – “Og king of Bashan, one of the last of the Rephaim, who reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei.”
- Psalm 135:10-12 – “He struck down many nations and killed mighty kings—Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan—and gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance to his people Israel.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 136:20 is a reminder that God is greater than any challenge we might face. Just as He defeated Og, who was a giant and a powerful king, God is capable of overcoming the “giants” in our lives—things that seem insurmountable or too intimidating to face alone. This verse encourages believers to trust that God is actively involved in their battles and that His love is strong enough to handle any opposition. Knowing that God’s love endures forever means we can have confidence that He will be with us, fighting for us, through every trial we encounter.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God’s love is fiercely protective. God didn’t allow Og’s power or reputation to deter Him from defending Israel. Instead, He went before them, ensuring their victory over this powerful king. The refrain “His love endures forever” reveals that God’s love is more than a gentle or passive feeling—it is an unyielding force that defends and protects His people. God’s love means that He will not let any enemy or obstacle stand in the way of His purposes for those He loves.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The defeat of Og points forward to the ultimate victory that Jesus achieved over sin, death, and the forces of evil. Just as God removed the obstacles that stood in the way of Israel’s inheritance, Jesus defeated the greatest obstacles that separated humanity from God. Colossians 2:15 describes how Jesus “disarmed the powers and authorities” and triumphed over them by the cross. In this sense, the story of Og’s defeat foreshadows Jesus’ victory over the spiritual “giants” that oppress us. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that God’s love endures forever, giving us confidence that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:37-39).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What “giants” or challenges in your life feel too big to handle on your own?
- How can you rely on God’s power and trust in His love to overcome the obstacles you’re facing?
- Have you experienced times when God defeated something or someone that was standing in the way of His purpose for you?
- How does the story of God’s victory over Og encourage you to trust Him more deeply?
- How does Jesus’ victory over sin and death give you peace and assurance in your faith journey?
Psalm 136:20 is a powerful reminder that God’s love is both enduring and active. The same God who defeated mighty kings for Israel is still at work today, ready to conquer whatever stands in the way of His purposes for His people. His love is more than just a comfort; it is a force that clears obstacles and ensures victory.