Psalms 136:19-20
Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever; and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse masterfully contrasts the mighty king Sihon, whom God defeated, with the enduring mercy of God. It’s not Sihon's "steadfast love" that lasts forever, but God’s, which is revealed precisely in Sihon's downfall.
This psalm is a song of remembrance, calling the people to praise God for His enduring love. It recounts His mighty acts from creation to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the promised land, highlighting victories over powerful kings like Sihon. The pattern of God's faithfulness and deliverance continues to be emphasized, leading up to God's provision for all living creatures.
Why would the Psalmist praise God's eternal love right after mentioning the defeat of King Sihon?
Psalm 136 is a powerful song of thanksgiving, repeating the phrase 'for his steadfast love endures forever' after recounting God's mighty acts. When we reach verse 19, it specifically names Sihon, king of the Amorites, a powerful ruler whose defeat paved the way for Israel's promised land.
The Contrast:
It's easy to see God's love in moments of peace and blessing. But this verse, and indeed the whole Psalm, highlights that God's steadfast love is also evident in His powerful actions to deliver His people, even through conflict. Sihon's defeat wasn't just a military victory; it was a demonstration of God's commitment to His covenant people, a love that actively rescues and provides.
This verse seems to pair a pagan king with God's eternal love. What's the deeper meaning here?
Psalm 136 intentionally lists historical events and enemies overcome by God. Verse 19 recalls the conquest of Sihon, king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:21-32). While Sihon was a formidable opponent, the focus isn't on his power, but on God's power displayed through his defeat.
A Pattern of Deliverance:
The repetition of 'for his steadfast love endures forever' isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a theological anchor. It reminds the people of Israel that God’s actions in their history – including defeating enemies like Sihon – were not random events. They were consistent expressions of His unchanging, enduring love. This historical remembering serves to build faith for the present and the future, assuring them that the same love that rescued them from Egypt and granted them victory over Sihon continues to sustain them.
Understand the original words
Emori · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the ancient people groups inhabiting Canaan before the Israelite conquest. They were often identified as idolaters who stood in the way of God’s plan for His people.
Bashan · Hebrew Noun
The northern region of Transjordan known for its fertility and strategic military importance. It was the territory ruled by King Og, conquered by Israel as part of their inheritance from God.
This verse, within Psalm 136, uses a repeating refrain of God's 'steadfast love endures forever.' While recounting God's mighty acts, it ironically lists the defeat of Sihon, an enemy king. The psalm is not praising Sihon, but rather highlighting how even in conflict, God's enduring love and power were at work for His people, turning a threat into a testament to His faithfulness.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Encamp in Moab
After their exodus from Egypt and wandering in the desert, the Israelites arrived at the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Sihon Refuses Passage
The Israelites sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites, asking for permission to pass through his land. Sihon refused and gathered his army to fight them.
c. 1400 BC
Battle of Jahaz
The Israelites, trusting in God, fought against Sihon's army at Jahaz and defeated them. They then took possession of the Amorite territory.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Amorite Territory
Following their victory, the Israelites conquered Sihon's kingdom and settled in the land east of the Jordan River.
This passage describes the direct confrontation with Sihon, king of the Amorites, highlighting that his aggression and defeat were part of God's plan to give Israel land, echoing the 'steadfast love' shown through this victory.
Deuteronomy 2:30-33Here, Moses recounts how God 'hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate' so that Sihon would fight Israel, illustrating how God can even use stubborn opposition to accomplish His purposes of steadfast love.
Joshua 12:1-6This chapter lists the lands conquered by Moses and the Israelites, including the territory of Sihon, king of the Amorites, reinforcing the idea that this victory was a significant act of God's enduring mercy in establishing His people.
Psalm 135:10-12This earlier psalm also recounts the defeat of Sihon and Og, reinforcing the repetitive and foundational nature of these victories in the narrative of God's faithfulness to Israel.
ellicottPsalms 136:19: "Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
(19) Sihon. —Literally, to Sihon. Evidently the composer, after beginning so many verses with the preposition, placed it here inadvertently, whence it was copied in Psalm 135:11 .
gillPsalms 136:19: "Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
Sihon king of the Amorites,.... A strong and warlike people, and their king a great and mighty one; see Psalm 135:11 ; for his mercy endureth for ever; since this king would not suffer Israel to go through his borders, but came out and fought against them; and had not the Lord smote him, they must have fallen a prey into his hands, Numbers 21:23.
This verse masterfully contrasts the mighty king Sihon, whom God defeated, with the enduring mercy of God. It’s not Sihon's "steadfast love" that lasts forever, but God’s, which is revealed precisely in Sihon's downfall.
This psalm is a song of remembrance, calling the people to praise God for His enduring love. It recounts His mighty acts from creation to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the promised land, highlighting victories over powerful kings like Sihon. The pattern of God's faithfulness and deliverance continues to be emphasized, leading up to God's provision for all living creatures.
This psalm is a song of remembrance, calling the people to praise God for His enduring love. It recounts His mighty acts from creation to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the promised land, highlighting victories over powerful kings like Sihon. The pattern of God's faithfulness and deliverance continues to be emphasized, leading up to God's provision for all living creatures.
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"Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever; and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;" — This verse masterfully contrasts the mighty king Sihon, whom God defeated, with the enduring mercy of God. It’s not Sihon's "steadfast love" that lasts forever, but God’s, which is revealed precisely…
