God's Steadfast Love in the Victories Over Powerful Kings (Part 6 of the Psalm 136 Series)

to him who struck down great kings,

    for his steadfast love endures forever;

and killed mighty kings,

    for his steadfast love endures forever;

Sihon, king of the Amorites,

    for his steadfast love endures forever;

and Og, king of Bashan,

    for his steadfast love endures forever;

and gave their land as a heritage,

    for his steadfast love endures forever;

a heritage to Israel his servant,

    for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 136:17-22

English Standard Version

After the generation banned from seeing the promised land were all gone, the Lord little by little gave them the lands promised to them (Deuteronomy. 2:16). It was a no easy feat because the nation was not really a military superpower. There were nations more superior than they are in terms of number, fighting skills, and warfare technology. The big difference was that YHWH their God was with them! He was personally involved in the killing of the great and mighty kings of their enemies (Psalm 136:17-18). Verses 19-20 mentions the names of defeated kings from two of their most celebrated victories, King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan.

The Defeat of Sihon
Conquering Sihon's domain was not a part of Moses' original game plan. The Israelites only wanted to pass through Sihon's territory. The messengers sent by Moses to the king brought a diplomatic and carefully-worded message: “Let us pass through your land; we will not turn aside into the fields or into the vineyards, nor will we drink water from any well, but we will go along the King’s Highway until we pass your borders” (Numbers 21:22, NET2). But instead of responding peacefully, Sihon not only refused the request but he gathered his forces together to attack the Israelites. That was Sihon's great blunder! With YHWH on their side, the Israelites defeated Sihon and his forces. They took possession of the cities of the Amorites including Heshbon, Sihon's very own city.

The Defeat of Og
Even with the recent victory of Israel over King Sihon, King Og was not intimidated. He was confident of his military might. When Moses and his people set out on the route to Bashan, Og sent his whole army to meet them at Edrei (Numbers 21:33). YHWH encouraged Moses with a promise of victory using the recent defeat of Sihon as a rallying point (Numbers 21:34). Israel won the battle as promised, and they took possession of Og's land.

More Than a History Lesson
Though there is much reference to Israel's history in this portion of the psalm, we must remember that teaching history was not the primary intent of the psalmist. His intent was to illustrate God's steadfast love to his people. May this portion of the Holy Scriptures convince us that the God we are serving is great and mighty, and that he uses his power for the benefit of the objects of his love. Good things are in store for those who would adore him above all. We have a reason to persevere in the faith because the one who promised good things to his servants will fulfill it. "So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward. For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised" (Hebrews 10:35-36, NET2).

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