Why does Psalm 136:20 mention Og, king of Bashan, specifically? Text of Psalm 136:19-22 “and Sihon king of the Amorites—His loving devotion endures forever; 20 and Og king of Bashan—His loving devotion endures forever; 21 and gave their land as an inheritance—His loving devotion endures forever; 22 a heritage to His servant Israel—His loving devotion endures forever.” Literary Placement in the Psalm Psalm 136 is a responsive “Great Hallel.” After celebrating creation (vv. 1-9) and exodus (vv. 10-15), the psalmist moves to the wilderness victories (vv. 16-22). Two names—Sihon and Og—are singled out because they represent the climactic military obstacles Israel faced immediately before entering Canaan. Their defeat proves the thesis of the entire psalm: “His loving devotion endures forever.” Historical Identity of Og, King of Bashan • Narratives: Numbers 21:33-35; Deuteronomy 3:1-11. • Lineage: “Only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim” (Deuteronomy 3:11). The Rephaim were renowned for extraordinary stature; Og’s iron bed measured “about nine cubits long and four cubits wide” (≈ 13 ½ × 6 ft; Deuteronomy 3:11). • Territory: Bashan, a fertile volcanic plateau (modern Golan & Hauran), bounded by Mount Hermon and the Yarmuk River, famed for massive oak forests and rich pasture (cf. Isaiah 2:13; Ezekiel 27:6). Why Single Og Out? 1. Symbol of the Last, Greatest Threat Og was the final obstacle east of the Jordan. By ancient Near-Eastern standards, defeating the last Rephaite giant was equivalent to slaying the legendary “champion” of the land (cf. later example, Goliath). Remembering Og spotlights Yahweh’s supremacy over the mightiest human opponent conceivable. 2. Covenant Fulfillment God promised Abraham the land “from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates” (Genesis 15:18). Conquering Bashan completed the eastern frontier, demonstrating that no physical or spiritual power could annul the covenant (Joshua 12:4-6). 3. Transfer of Inheritance Psalm 136 mentions Og immediately before the statement “gave their land as an inheritance.” Og ruled sixty fortified cities (Deuteronomy 3:4-5). Their capture provided territory for the half-tribe of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:13-15), showcasing Yahweh as the true land-giver. 4. Demonstration of Divine Compassion (“ḥesed”) The refrain “His loving devotion endures forever” frames the defeat not merely as military triumph but as a mercy act. God protects, provides, and keeps promises—contrasting worldly kings who exploit and intimidate. 5. Liturgical Memorability Ancient corporate worship employed concrete imagery. Og’s unusual stature and iron bed supplied vivid memory hooks, ensuring succeeding generations would recall God’s faithfulness. Theological Echoes in Later Scripture • Psalm 135:10-11 restates the same pair of kings. • Nehemiah 9:22 reheats the theme in post-exilic confession, proving the event’s long-term catechetical value. • Hebrews 11:32-34 (“who conquered kingdoms… out of weakness were made strong”) fits the pattern; the conquest narratives, including Og, exemplify faith overcoming impossible odds. • Typology: Og, a giant ruling lofty Bashan (symbolically linked with cosmic mountains, Psalm 68:15), prefigures spiritual “rulers and authorities” that Christ triumphs over (Colossians 2:15). Archaeological and Extra-Biblical Support • Megalithic Dolmens and “Rujm el-Hiri” in the Bashan plateau attest to a culture capable of transporting multi-ton basalt stones, consistent with traditions of unusually large, powerful inhabitants. • Egyptian topographical lists (e.g., Amenhotep III’s stelae) mention “Qatanu and Basan” as distinct northern Transjordan polities in the Late Bronze Age, confirming a centralized kingdom in Og’s era. • Ugaritic texts (KTU 1.108) refer to “Bṯn” in mythic contexts tied to the realm of the dead (Rephaim), aligning with the biblical link between Bashan and giant clans. • Iron artifacts recovered near Edrei (modern Daraa) demonstrate advanced metallurgy suitable for a monarch whose bedframe was “iron.” Practical and Devotional Application • Confidence: If God toppled Og, no modern “giant”—be it cultural hostility, illness, or personal sin—can prevail over those united to Christ. • Gratitude: Rehearsing God’s past deliverances nurtures present worship; believers today echo “His loving devotion endures forever.” • Mission: Og’s fall opened land for Israel’s calling; likewise, God removes barriers so His people can advance His redemptive purpose among the nations. Summary Psalm 136:20 highlights Og, king of Bashan, because his defeat epitomized God’s covenant faithfulness, displayed power over the most imposing enemy, secured Israel’s inheritance, and provided a memorable testimony for worship and instruction. Archaeology and coherent biblical witness corroborate the historicity of both Og and his realm, reinforcing the psalmist’s invitation to trust and praise the Lord whose “loving devotion endures forever.” |
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