Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse doesn't just list conquered kings; it names two specific, formidable leaders, Sihon and Og, who stood directly in the path of Israel's promised land. Their inclusion highlights that God's power wasn't just displayed against abstract "kingdoms," but against the most challenging, personal obstacles and the strongest rulers who sought to block His people's destiny.
Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a call to praise God for His mighty deeds, first in creation and then in His deliverance of Israel. It recounts the plagues in Egypt and moves to the conquest of the Promised Land, naming Sihon and Og as significant Amorite kings defeated. The mention of these kings, along with the kingdoms of Canaan, highlights the formidable enemies God helped His people overcome to secure their inheritance.
When we sing about God's faithfulness, why does the Psalmist bring up kings like Sihon and Og?
The Psalm lists Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan, along with all the kingdoms of Canaan. These weren't just any rulers; they were powerful, formidable enemies. Sihon and Og were the first major obstacles the Israelites faced as they approached the Promised Land, and conquering them was a huge deal. They represented the might and resistance of the Canaanite nations that stood between God's people and their inheritance. By naming these specific kings, the Psalmist reminds us of the immense challenges God's people overcame, highlighting the sheer power involved in their deliverance.
These kings and kingdoms were not just defeated; their land became a gift. What does that reveal about God?
The victory over Sihon, Og, and the Canaanite kingdoms wasn't just about military might; it was about God fulfilling His promises. The text reminds us that God 'slew mighty kings' and 'gave their land for an heritage, an heritage to Israel his people.' This shows God's active role in not only overcoming His people's enemies but also in providing for them. Their conquest was the means by which God established His people in the land He had promised them. It’s a picture of God’s sovereign power working to bring His people into the fullness of His provision.
Understand the original words
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Emori · Hebrew Noun
An ancient people group dwelling east of the Jordan, identified as enemies of Israel and objects of God's judgment during the conquest.
Bashan · Hebrew Noun
A region east of the Sea of Galilee, historically known for its fertility and its king, Og, whom God delivered into the hands of Israel.
Kena'an · Hebrew Noun
The territory promised by God to the patriarchs, characterized by the presence of various idolatrous nations that God judged and displaced to fulfill His covenant.
The psalm lifts up the names of Sihon and Og, not just as historical figures, but as potent symbols of the formidable opposition Israel faced. Their defeat, alongside the countless kingdoms of Canaan, highlights God's powerful intervention in bringing His people into the promised land.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Conquer Amorites
The Israelites, under Moses' leadership, defeated Sihon, the Amorite king, and took possession of his land east of the Jordan River. This victory paved the way for future Israelite expansion.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Defeat King Og of Bashan
Shortly after defeating Sihon, the Israelites also conquered Og, the king of Bashan, a land with a formidable reputation. This victory further secured their territory and demonstrated God's power.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
The Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following the victories east of the Jordan, the Israelites, now led by Joshua, began their military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan, facing numerous kingdoms and kings.
c. 1380 BC
Destruction of Thirty-One Canaanite Kings
Joshua's campaigns resulted in the defeat and destruction of thirty-one kings and their kingdoms throughout the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's promises.
This passage directly recounts the conquest of Sihon and Og, providing the historical context for why these specific kings are highlighted in Psalms 135:11 as significant victories.
Deuteronomy 3:1-11Here, Moses reflects on the defeat of Sihon and Og, emphasizing their formidable power and the land they possessed, which helps explain why their subjugation was a notable act of God's might for Israel.
Joshua 12:1-24This chapter lists the kings conquered by Israel under Joshua, including Sihon and Og, and then enumerates 'all the kingdoms of Canaan,' aligning perfectly with the psalm's enumeration of defeated enemies and conquered lands.
Amos 2:9-10The prophet Amos reminds Israel of God's power in destroying the Amorites (including Sihon and Og) and bringing Israel out of Egypt, drawing a parallel between past deliverances and the need for present obedience.
poolePsalms 135:11: "Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:"
No text from Poole on this verse.
pulpitPsalms 135:11: "Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:"
Verse 11. - Sihon King of the Amorites (comp. Numbers 21:24; Deuteronomy 2:33). And Og King of Bashan (see Numbers 21:35; Deuteronomy 3:3). And all the kingdoms of Canaan. Joshua destroyed thirty-one Canaanite kingdoms (Joshua 12:24).
This verse doesn't just list conquered kings; it names two specific, formidable leaders, Sihon and Og, who stood directly in the path of Israel's promised land. Their inclusion highlights that God's power wasn't just displayed against abstract "kingdoms," but against the most challenging, personal obstacles and the strongest rulers who sought to block His people's destiny.
This psalm is a call to praise God for His mighty deeds, first in creation and then in His deliverance of Israel. It recounts the plagues in Egypt and moves to the conquest of the Promised Land, naming Sihon and Og as significant Amorite kings defeated. The mention of these kings, along with the kingdoms of Canaan, highlights the formidable enemies God helped His people overcome to secure their inheritance.
This psalm is a call to praise God for His mighty deeds, first in creation and then in His deliverance of Israel. It recounts the plagues in Egypt and moves to the conquest of the Promised Land, naming Sihon and Og as significant Amorite kings defeated. The mention of these kings, along with the kingdoms of Canaan, highlights the formidable enemies God helped His people overcome to secure their inheritance.
"Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan," — This verse doesn't just list conquered kings; it names two specific, formidable leaders, Sihon and Og, who stood directly in the path of Israel's promised land. Their inclusion highlights that God's…
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Last reviewed October 2026