Meaning of Psalms 136:20

Psalm 136:20, by proclaiming "and Og king of Bashan— His love endures forever," is part of a powerful liturgical psalm that repeatedly extols God's enduring steadfast love, or hesed in Hebrew, through a recounting of His redemptive acts in Israel's history. The inclusion of Og, a formidable and defeated enemy, serves as a stark reminder that God's faithfulness and power are demonstrated even in the annihilation of those who oppose His people. Bashan was a fertile, prosperous region east of the Jordan River, ruled by Og, who is described in Deuteronomy as a giant, the last of the Rephaim. His defeat by the Israelites under Moses, just before they entered the Promised Land, was a significant victory, symbolizing God's sovereignty over hostile powers and His commitment to providing for His chosen people.

Context and Background

Psalm 136 is a hymn of thanksgiving, structured with a refrain, "for his steadfast love endures forever," sung after each line detailing God's mighty deeds. These deeds span from creation and the Exodus from Egypt, through the wilderness journey, to the conquest of Canaan. The mention of Og king of Bashan occurs in the latter half of the psalm, specifically in the section detailing God's victories over kings in Canaan (verses 17-22). This places the defeat of Og within the broader narrative of Israel's establishment in the land promised to their ancestors. Og's defeat was a crucial step in securing this territory for the Israelites, demonstrating God's active intervention on their behalf against formidable opposition.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme is the unwavering and eternal nature of God's love (hesed). This love is not contingent on human merit or circumstance but is a fundamental attribute of God's character. The inclusion of Og's defeat highlights the theme of God's sovereignty and power over His enemies. His love is so profound that it extends to delivering His people even from the most intimidating adversaries. Furthermore, the psalm emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as He brings Israel into the land He swore to give them, overcoming all obstacles.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse reminds believers that God's love is a constant and dependable force, even when faced with overwhelming challenges or what appear to be insurmountable "giants" in our lives. It encourages trust in God's power to overcome any opposition, whether internal struggles, external persecutions, or the forces that seek to thwart God's purposes. The enduring nature of God's love means that His commitment to His people is perpetual, offering assurance and hope in every season.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The defeat of Og is a pivotal event in the Pentateuch, particularly in the book of Numbers and Deuteronomy. It signifies the culmination of Israel's journey from slavery in Egypt to the brink of possessing the Promised Land. This victory is presented as a testament to God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In the larger biblical narrative, the conquest of Canaan, including the defeat of kings like Og, foreshadows the ultimate victory of God over sin and death through Jesus Christ, leading to the establishment of a new spiritual kingdom.

Analogies

One analogy for the inclusion of Og's defeat within the psalm's refrain of God's enduring love is like a parent shielding their child from a dangerous threat. The act of protection, even against a terrifying aggressor, is a demonstration of the parent's deep and unchanging love for the child. Similarly, God's defeat of Og, a powerful and intimidating king, is presented as an act of divine love and deliverance for His people. Another analogy could be a skilled captain navigating a ship through a violent storm. The captain's steadfastness and expertise in overcoming the tempest are a manifestation of their commitment to the safety and journey of those on board, mirroring God's unwavering guidance and protection of Israel.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse directly echoes the sentiment found throughout Psalm 136, where each recounted act of God is followed by the refrain, "for his steadfast love endures forever." For example, verses 10-15, which speak of God striking down the firstborn of Egypt and leading Israel out, are similarly framed. The specific mention of Og also finds its historical basis in Numbers 21:33-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-7, where his defeat is recounted in detail. Furthermore, the concept of God's enduring love is a recurring theme in many other Psalms, such as Psalm 100:5 ("For the Lord is good; his steadfast love is eternal...") and Psalm 107:1 ("Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."). The victory over Og can also be seen as a precursor to later biblical narratives where God's people face powerful adversaries, culminating in the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan.