Psalm 136:20
and Og king of Bashan--His loving devotion endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan
The mention of "Og king of Bashan" refers to a significant historical figure in the Old Testament. Og was one of the last of the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants, and his kingdom was located in the region of Bashan, east of the Jordan River. The Hebrew root for "Og" (עוֹג) is not entirely clear, but it is often associated with strength and might, reflecting his formidable presence. Bashan was known for its fertile land and strong cities, making Og a powerful adversary. The defeat of Og by the Israelites, as recorded in Numbers 21:33-35 and Deuteronomy 3:1-11, symbolizes God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This victory was a testament to God's faithfulness and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to Israel.

His loving devotion endures forever
This phrase is a recurring refrain throughout Psalm 136, emphasizing the steadfast and eternal nature of God's "loving devotion," or "chesed" (חֶסֶד) in Hebrew. "Chesed" is a rich and multifaceted term that encompasses love, mercy, kindness, and covenant faithfulness. It is a central theme in the Old Testament, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to His people despite their failures and shortcomings. The repetition of this phrase in the psalm serves as a reminder of God's unchanging character and His enduring love for His creation. In the context of Og's defeat, it underscores that God's acts of deliverance and protection are not isolated events but are part of His ongoing relationship with His people. This assurance of God's perpetual loving devotion provides comfort and hope, encouraging believers to trust in His promises and remain faithful in their walk with Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Og, King of Bashan
Og was a king of the Amorites, ruling over Bashan, a region east of the Jordan River. He is noted for his great size and strength, and his defeat by the Israelites is recounted as a significant victory in their journey to the Promised Land.

2. Bashan
A fertile region known for its rich pastures and strong cities. It was part of the territory that the Israelites conquered under Moses' leadership before entering Canaan.

3. The Israelites' Conquest
The defeat of Og and the conquest of Bashan were part of the broader account of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power in fulfilling His promises to His people.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Power
The defeat of Og, a mighty king, illustrates God's supreme power over all earthly rulers and circumstances. Believers can trust in God's ability to overcome any obstacle in their lives.

Enduring Loving Devotion
The repeated refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" throughout Psalm 136 reminds us of God's unwavering love and faithfulness. This assurance should encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Victory Through Obedience
The Israelites' victory over Og was a result of their obedience to God's commands. This teaches us the importance of aligning our actions with God's will to experience His blessings and victories.

Remembering God's Past Faithfulness
Recalling God's past acts of deliverance, like the defeat of Og, strengthens our faith and trust in His future provision and protection.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, demonstrate God's power and sovereignty in your life today?

2. In what ways can you apply the concept of God's "enduring loving devotion" to your current circumstances?

3. How does the account of Og's defeat encourage you to trust in God's promises, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure your actions align with God's will, as the Israelites did in their conquest?

5. How can recalling past instances of God's faithfulness in your life help you face present and future challenges with confidence?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 3:1-11
This passage provides a detailed account of the battle against Og, emphasizing God's command and the subsequent victory, highlighting His power and faithfulness.

Numbers 21:33-35
These verses recount the Israelites' encounter with Og, underscoring the theme of divine intervention and victory over formidable foes.

Joshua 12:4-5
This scripture lists Og among the defeated kings, reinforcing the completeness of Israel's conquest and God's enduring support.
A Song, a Solace, a Sermon, and a SummonsPsalm 136:1-26
Does His Mercy Endure Forever?S. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
God's Goodness and MercyR. Harris, D. D.Psalm 136:1-26
Repetitions Many, But not VainS. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
The Church's AntiphonS. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
The Duty of Praise and ThanksgivingH. Bonar, D. D.Psalm 136:1-26
The Eternity or God's GoodnessHomilistPsalm 136:1-26
From Egypt to CanaanS. Conway Psalm 136:10-25
Mercy in the Destruction of TyrantsHomilistPsalm 136:17-22
Sihon and Og, or Mercies in DetailPsalm 136:17-22
People
Amorites, Egyptians, Og, Pharaoh, Psalmist, Sihon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Age, Bashan, Endures, Endureth, Everlasting, Forever, Kindness, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Mercy, Og, Steadfast, Unchanging
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 136:1-20

     1035   God, faithfulness

Psalm 136:1-26

     1085   God, love of
     8352   thankfulness

Library
Pilgrim Song
Gerhard Ter Steegen Ps. cxxxvi. 16 Come, children, on and forward! With us the Father goes; He leads us, and He guards us Through thousands of our foes: The sweetness and the glory, The sunlight of His eyes, Make all the desert places To glow as paradise. Lo! through the pathless midnight The fiery pillar leads, And onward goes the Shepherd Before the flock He feeds; Unquestioning, unfearing, The lambs may follow on, In quietness and confidence, Their eyes on Him alone. Come, children, on and
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
THE new Institution of the Lord's Supper did not finally close what passed at that Paschal Table. According to the Jewish Ritual, the Cup is filled a fourth time, and the remaining part of the Hallel [5717] repeated. Then follow, besides Ps. cxxxvi., a number of prayers and hymns, of which the comparatively late origin is not doubtful. The same remark applies even more strongly to what follows after the fourth Cup. But, so far as we can judge, the Institution of the Holy Supper was followed by the
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Minstrel
ELISHA needed that the Holy Spirit should come upon him to inspire him with prophetic utterances. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." We need that the hand of the Lord should be laid upon us, for we can never open our mouths in wisdom except we are under the divine touch. Now, the Spirit of God works according to his own will. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," and the Spirit of God operates as he chooseth. Elisha could not prophesy just when he liked; he must wait until
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 27: 1881

Gethsemane
We turn once more to follow the steps of Christ, now among the last He trod upon earth. The hymn,' with which the Paschal Supper ended, had been sung. Probably we are to understand this of the second portion of the Hallel, [5818] sung some time after the third Cup, or else of Psalm cxxxvi., which, in the present Ritual, stands near the end of the service. The last Discourses had been spoken, the last Prayer, that of Consecration, had been offered, and Jesus prepared to go forth out of the City, to
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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