Psalm 135:11

Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan.

Study Bible

Sihon king of the Amorites
The mention of "Sihon king of the Amorites" refers to a significant historical event in the history of Israel. Sihon was a powerful king whose territory was east of the Jordan River. The Amorites were a formidable people, and their defeat by the Israelites, as recorded in Numbers 21:21-31, was a testament to God's power and faithfulness to His promises. The Hebrew root for "Sihon" (סִיחוֹן) suggests a warrior or one who sweeps away, indicating his might and the threat he posed. This victory was a pivotal moment for Israel, symbolizing God's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Og king of Bashan
"Og king of Bashan" is another significant figure in Israel's conquest narrative. Og was known for his enormous stature and strength, as well as his fortified cities, as described in Deuteronomy 3:1-11. The Hebrew name "Og" (עוֹג) is associated with a round or circular shape, possibly referring to his large size or the completeness of his defeat. Bashan was a fertile and prosperous region, and its conquest demonstrated God's provision and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. The defeat of Og, like that of Sihon, underscored God's sovereignty and the assurance of His protection over His people.

and all the kings of Canaan
The phrase "and all the kings of Canaan" encapsulates the broader conquest of the Promised Land, as detailed in the book of Joshua. Canaan was a land of many city-states, each ruled by its own king. The Hebrew term for "Canaan" (כְּנַעַן) is often associated with lowlands or humility, yet it was a region of great wealth and strategic importance. The defeat of these kings was not just a military victory but a spiritual one, as it represented the triumph of God's people over paganism and idolatry. This conquest was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and a testament to His faithfulness across generations. The historical and archaeological evidence of these conquests, such as the destruction layers found in ancient Canaanite cities, corroborates the biblical narrative and highlights the reality of God's intervention in history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sihon, King of the Amorites
Sihon was a powerful Amorite king who ruled over a significant territory east of the Jordan River. His defeat by the Israelites, as they journeyed to the Promised Land, is a testament to God's power and faithfulness to His promises.

2. Og, King of Bashan
Og was another formidable king whose kingdom was located in Bashan, north of Sihon's territory. Known for his great size and strength, Og's defeat further demonstrated God's might and the fulfillment of His covenant with Israel.

3. Kings of Canaan
The term refers collectively to the various rulers of the Canaanite city-states. Their defeat was crucial for the Israelites to take possession of the land God had promised to their ancestors.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Power
The defeat of mighty kings like Sihon and Og illustrates God's supreme power over all earthly rulers. Believers can trust in God's ability to overcome any obstacle in their lives.

Faithfulness to Promises
God's actions in delivering these kings into Israel's hands demonstrate His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Christians are encouraged to hold fast to God's promises, knowing He is faithful to fulfill them.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as Israel faced physical battles, Christians face spiritual battles. The victories over Sihon and Og remind believers that God equips and empowers them to overcome spiritual adversaries.

Historical Remembrance
The recounting of these victories serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness, encouraging believers to remember and recount God's work in their own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the defeat of Sihon and Og demonstrate God's power and faithfulness in your own life today?

2. In what ways can the victories over these kings encourage you in facing your current spiritual battles?

3. How do the accounts of Sihon and Og in Numbers and Deuteronomy deepen your understanding of God's promises?

4. What are some practical ways you can remember and recount God's faithfulness in your life, similar to how Israel remembered these victories?

5. How can the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in these victories, influence your perspective on current world events and personal challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 21:21-35
This passage details the Israelites' encounters and victories over Sihon and Og, emphasizing God's direct intervention and support for His people.

Deuteronomy 3:1-11
Provides a more detailed account of the battle against Og, highlighting the miraculous nature of Israel's victory and God's assurance to Moses.

Joshua 12:1-24
Lists the defeated kings, including Sihon and Og, as part of the broader account of Israel's conquest of Canaan, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.