Psalms 135:11
Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:
Original Language Analysis
הַבָּשָׁ֑ן
of Bashan
H1316
הַבָּשָׁ֑ן
of Bashan
Strong's:
H1316
Word #:
6 of 9
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
וּ֝לְכֹ֗ל
H3605
וּ֝לְכֹ֗ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Sihon and Og's defeats occurred during Moses' leadership, just before the Jordan crossing (Numbers 21). Their territories became the inheritance of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Ancient Israel rehearsed these victories regularly in worship; they appear in Deuteronomy's review, Joshua's speeches, Nehemiah's prayer, and multiple psalms (136:19-20).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's defeat of powerful kings demonstrate His sovereignty over human rulers?
- What does this verse teach about God's protection of His people?
Analysis & Commentary
Specific enemies are named: 'Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan.' Sihon and Og become paradigmatic examples of defeated foes throughout Scripture (Numbers 21:21-35; Deuteronomy 2-3; Joshua 2:10; Nehemiah 9:22). Sihon ruled the territory between the Arnon and Jabbok rivers; Og controlled Bashan in the northern Transjordan, and was remembered as a giant whose iron bedstead measured nine by four cubits (Deuteronomy 3:11). Their defeat opened the way for Israel's entry into the promised land. The phrase 'all the kingdoms of Canaan' summarizes the subsequent conquest under Joshua. These victories were not Israel's achievement but God's gift. Each name recalled a specific story of divine deliverance, encouraging worshipers to trust the same God for present challenges.