Psalm 136:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;

NIV: and Og king of Bashan— His love endures forever.

NASB: And Og, king of Bashan, For His faithfulness is everlasting,

CSB: and Og king of Bashan— His faithful love endures forever.

NLT: and Og king of Bashan. — His faithful love endures forever.

KJV: And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

NKJV: And Og king of Bashan, For His mercy endures forever—

Psalm 136:17–22 describes God's power which brought Israel victory in Canaan. Among these were the defeat of Sihon (Numbers 21:23–25) and Og (Numbers 21:33–35). The Lord would continue to empower His people as they entered into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:7–8; 8:17–18). As these blessings are described, the psalm repeats an expression of the Lord's love, which is never-ending and constant.

Each verse in this psalm ends with a declaration that God's love is loyal and unending. The song praises God for His goodness, sovereignty, power, creation, rescue of Israel, empowerment of His people, mercy, sustaining power, and role as "the God of heaven." The song is often labeled "The Great Hallel" because of this enthusiastic worship.

This psalm is sometimes called "The Great Hallel." Psalms 113—118 are often called the "Hallel Psalms" or the "Egyptian Hallel." These are found in the section of Psalms which contains the Hebrew word halelu-yāh, though Psalm 136 itself does not. This song follows nearly the same order of subjects as Psalm 135. Each verse ends by repeating the same phrase. This was probably used for call-and-response: a leader speaks unique words and the congregation responds with a repeated sentence (Ezra 3:11). The refrain uses the root word hesed, indicating a constant, loyal, steady love.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 3/28/2025 11:49:13 PM