Psalms 136:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Og's name carries the memory of a formidable ruler encountered after Israel had already faced Sihon. By placing him in this hymn, the psalm refuses to let a frightening chapter be remembered only for its fear. God's mercy proved sufficient in the presence of a strong enemy and remained active as Israel drew nearer to its inheritance.
Psalm 136:20 names Og, king of Bashan, among the rulers overcome on Israel's journey. The refrain declares that this victory also displayed the LORD's enduring mercy and faithful care for his people.
The Context of Psalms 136:20
Psalm 136 praises the LORD through a sequence of remembered deeds, each followed by the same confession of enduring mercy. After praising God for creation and the exodus, the psalm recounts his leading through the wilderness. Verses 17 through 20 focus on victories over great kings, first generally and then by naming Sihon and Og. Verse 21 immediately connects these victories with the giving of land for an heritage, while verse 22 identifies Israel as God's servant. Og is therefore remembered within the larger story of God's promised provision for Israel.
What Does Psalms 136:20 Mean?
The phrase "And Og the king of Bashan" continues the sentence about kings whom the LORD slew. The simple connecting word "And" binds Og's defeat to Sihon's, showing that the journey included more than one serious confrontation. Bashan was a territory east of the Jordan, and Og ruled there when Israel approached. The historical accounts describe a battle in which the LORD encouraged Israel and gave Og and his people into their hand. Psalm 136 offers no extended battle report. Its concern is praise: this event belongs among the works for which Israel answers, "for his mercy endureth for ever."
Within the chapter, Og's defeat stands between wilderness guidance and inherited land. That placement shows why this memory matters. The LORD who led Israel did not abandon them when the route involved powerful rulers and contested territory. He carried forward the purpose he had declared. The psalm also keeps this victory within a long chain of mercies. The God who made the lights, brought Israel out of Egypt, and divided the sea is the same God remembered in this encounter with Og. His mercy is faithful across settings: sky and sea, bondage and wilderness, kings and fields prepared for an inheritance.
Psalm 136's witness is echoed in later Scripture when Israel's possession of the land of Og is recalled as part of God's gift. The memory can deepen our confidence that no visible power sets the final boundary of God's faithfulness. It does not promise that every conflict will end in the same outward manner, nor does it reduce suffering to a brief inconvenience. It does affirm that God sees the powers that confront his people and remains able to lead them faithfully. In the broad biblical story, Christ brings God's saving reign to its fullness, and his people await the inheritance God gives through him.
Bible Verses Related to Psalms 136:20
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.”
- Numbers 21:34
“And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.”
- Deuteronomy 3:2
“And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,”
- Joshua 12:4
“Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:”
- Psalm 135:11
Where Psalms 136:20 Echoes in Scripture
Psalm 135:11 closely echoes this line by naming Sihon and Og among the kings whom the LORD struck and whose lands he gave as a heritage. The parallel psalm confirms that these names became part of Israel's worshiping memory. Their defeat was not preserved as a tale of national strength. It was preserved to praise the LORD whose steadfast mercy and covenant faithfulness brought his people onward.
How to Apply Psalms 136:20 Today
When we meet a problem that feels larger than our resources, this verse gives us a way to pray without pretending the problem is small. We may name it before God, as the psalm names Og, and ask for wisdom, protection, endurance, and help. Families and congregations can also recall past deliverances with care, giving thanks for God's sustaining presence and for the people through whom help came. Remembered mercy strengthens patient obedience. It helps us take the next faithful step while the whole road remains unseen.
Reflection & Prayer
What has seemed especially formidable in our present path, and how might we bring its real name before the LORD in prayer? We might pray: "God of enduring mercy, you know the powers that trouble us. Lead us with courage, guard us from fear, and teach us to remember your faithfulness as we wait for your help."