Psalms 135:10

KJV

Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;

KJV (with Strong's)

Who smote {H5221} great {H7227} nations {H1471}, and slew {H2026} mighty {H6099} kings {H4428};

Complete Jewish Bible

He struck many nations, and slaughtered mighty kings

Berean Standard Bible

He struck down many nations and slaughtered mighty kings:

American Standard Version

Who smote many nations, And slew mighty kings,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 135:10 powerfully declares God's unparalleled sovereignty and active intervention in human history, recalling His decisive judgments against formidable earthly powers. It highlights the Lord's direct role in overcoming "great nations" and "mighty kings," thereby demonstrating His absolute supremacy over all creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, in stark contrast to the impotence of idols.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 135 is a vibrant hymn of praise, forming part of the Great Hallel tradition, often recited during significant Jewish festivals. The psalm commences with an earnest call to worship, inviting God's servants to praise the Lord for His inherent goodness and the pleasantness of His name ([Psalms 135:1-3](/psalms/135-1-3 "Psalms 135:1-3 - Call to Praise the Lord")). It then transitions into a grand recitation of God's attributes and mighty deeds, first establishing His universal supremacy as the Creator and Controller of all natural phenomena ([Psalms 135:5-7](/psalms/135-5-7 "Psalms 135:5-7 - God's Supremacy in Creation")). Following this, the psalm shifts focus to God's specific historical interventions on behalf of Israel, particularly the pivotal events of the Exodus and the subsequent conquest of the Promised Land ([Psalms 135:8-12](/psalms/135-8-12 "Psalms 135:8-12 - God's Mighty Acts for Israel")). Our specific verse, Psalms 135:10, details God's judgment upon Israel's powerful adversaries during this formative period. The psalm culminates in a stark theological contrast between the living, active, and powerful God of Israel and the lifeless, impotent idols worshipped by surrounding nations ([Psalms 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15-18 "Psalms 135:15-18 - The Impotence of Idols")), reinforcing the exclusive call to praise the one true God. This carefully constructed narrative emphasizes that God's power is not merely theoretical but demonstrably active in history, providing a firm foundation for Israel's unwavering trust and worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "great nations" and "mighty kings" referenced in Psalms 135:10 are direct allusions to specific historical adversaries of ancient Israel during their foundational period as a nation. This primarily includes Pharaoh and the formidable nation of Egypt, whose defeat marked the pivotal event of the [Exodus](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") and God's powerful demonstration of His sovereignty over a global superpower. Following the Exodus, the Israelites encountered powerful Amorite kings such as [Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan](/numbers/21-21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - The Defeat of Sihon and Og"), whose kingdoms were conquered by Israel under divine command as they approached the Promised Land. Subsequently, the broader category of "mighty kings" encompasses the numerous Canaanite kings and city-states that Israel subdued during the conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua, as extensively detailed in books like [Joshua](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - List of Conquered Kings"). In the ancient Near East, national deities were often perceived as limited to their specific territories or believed to reflect the power and success of their people. By recounting Yahweh's decisive victories over these formidable human powers, the psalmist asserts God's unique identity as the universal, sovereign God, whose power transcends all earthly boundaries and human might, actively intervening in history to fulfill His redemptive purposes for Israel.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 135:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, asserting that no earthly ruler or empire, regardless of its might, can withstand the will of the Almighty God. This theme is foundational, demonstrating God's ultimate authority over all creation and human affairs, a stark contrast to the limited power of human rulers and false gods, which are unable to act or intervene ([Psalms 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15-18 "Psalms 135:15-18 - The Impotence of Idols")). Secondly, the verse highlights God's role as **Deliverer and Protector** of His people. The destruction of these nations and kings was not an end in itself, but a divinely orchestrated means to secure Israel's freedom, inheritance, and safety, fulfilling God's promise to bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey, as described in [Deuteronomy 6:10-11](/deuteronomy/6-10-11 "Deuteronomy 6:10-11 - God's Provision in the Promised Land")). Finally, these historical acts serve as undeniable proof of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**. By actively intervening to defeat Israel's enemies, God demonstrated His unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham and his descendants, ensuring the continuity of His covenant relationship with them, echoing the enduring love proclaimed in [Psalm 136:1](/psalms/136-1 "Psalm 136:1 - God's Steadfast Love Endures Forever").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies God's direct, forceful, and decisive intervention, often with destructive or punitive intent. It conveys an impactful action that results in the defeat and overcoming of an adversary.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, referring to a "foreign nation" or "Gentile." The plural "nations" (Hebrew: _goyim_) emphasizes the multitude, diversity, and collective power of the non-Israelite peoples that God judged. This highlights the global scope of His authority and the comprehensive nature of His dominion over all human polities.
* **slew (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** From H2026, a primitive root meaning "to smite with deadly intent; destroy, kill, murder, slay." This verb is stronger and more definitive than "smote," indicating a complete and final destruction, often implying a fatal outcome. It underscores the absolute and irreversible nature of God's judgment upon these kings.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _ʻâtsûwm'_):** From H6099, a passive participle meaning "powerful" or "numerous." This adjective intensifies the description of the kings, emphasizing that they were formidable, strong, and perhaps even vast in their armies or influence. The use of this term makes God's victory over them all the more impressive and highlights His superior power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who smote great nations":** This clause declares God's active, powerful, and comprehensive judgment against large, formidable foreign entities. The term "great nations" emphasizes their significant power, size, or influence in the ancient world, whether militarily, politically, or numerically. God's act of "smiting" them signifies a direct, forceful, and decisive intervention that resulted in their defeat, thereby demonstrating His superior strength and sovereignty over all earthly powers. This refers to the comprehensive overthrow of collective political and military forces that stood against His will and His people.
* **"and slew mighty kings":** This parallel clause reinforces and intensifies the previous statement, focusing specifically on the individual rulers and leaders of these powerful entities. The verb "slew" indicates a definitive and often fatal judgment, highlighting God's direct control over the lives and destinies of even the most powerful human leaders. The adjective "mighty" further underscores the immense power, authority, and perhaps military strength wielded by these kings, making God's act of slaying them a profound testament to His absolute authority and His ability to humble the proud and bring down the most formidable human opposition.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of God's supreme power. **Parallelism** is prominently featured through the repetition of similar ideas in successive clauses: "Who smote great nations" is clearly paralleled by "and slew mighty kings." This synonymous parallelism serves to emphasize and reinforce the singular idea of God's overwhelming power and judgment over all earthly authorities, providing a rhythmic and memorable declaration. The use of "great nations" and "mighty kings" also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, not necessarily implying the literal destruction of every single nation and king, but rather conveying the idea of comprehensive and overwhelming power that God overcame. This illustrates that no earthly force, however formidable, can stand against Him. Furthermore, the actions of "smote" and "slew" are **Anthropomorphisms**, attributing human-like actions of warfare, judgment, and physical force to God. This makes His divine intervention tangible and comprehensible to the human audience, allowing them to grasp the reality and effectiveness of His sovereign acts in history. These devices collectively amplify the psalmist's declaration of God's unparalleled might and sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 135:10 serves as a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. It reinforces the biblical truth that the Lord is not a distant, passive deity, but an omnipotent ruler who intervenes decisively to accomplish His purposes and protect His covenant people. This verse, by recalling specific historical acts of judgment against nations and kings, establishes a pattern of divine intervention that assures believers of God's ongoing control amidst global turmoil. It contrasts sharply with the impotence of idols, which "have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not" ([Psalms 135:16](/psalms/135-16 "Psalms 135:16 - The Impotence of Idols")), thereby exalting the living God as the sole source of true power and deliverance. This historical precedent provides a foundational truth for faith, reminding us that the God who acted mightily in the past remains capable of acting in the present and future, always working for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - God's Command to Destroy Nations")
* [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - God's Judgment on Egypt's Gods")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Deposes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 135:10 offers profound reassurance and a compelling call to worship for believers today. In a world often characterized by political instability, the rise and fall of empires, and the apparent dominance of powerful human institutions, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that there is a higher authority who ultimately orchestrates the course of history. God's past actions of "smiting great nations and slaying mighty kings" demonstrate that no earthly power, however formidable or threatening, can thwart His divine will or stand against His purposes for His people. This truth encourages us to place our ultimate trust not in human leaders, political systems, or military might, but in the unchanging, sovereign God. It inspires a deep sense of awe and gratitude, prompting us to boldly praise Him for His incomparable might and His unwavering faithfulness. Knowing that the same God who delivered Israel from overwhelming foes is our God today, we can find courage to face our own challenges, whether they be personal struggles, societal pressures, or global uncertainties, confident in His ability to deliver, sustain, and ultimately bring about His righteous will. This verse calls us to worship a God who is actively engaged in the world, powerful enough to overcome any obstacle, and faithful to His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's historical actions in Psalms 135:10 shape your perspective on current global events or political leadership?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to trust in human power, personal resources, or societal structures more than in God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **What specific "great nations" or "mighty kings" (metaphorically speaking, challenges, obstacles, or spiritual strongholds) do you need God to "smite" or "slay" in your life today?**
* **How can recalling God's past faithfulness, as exemplified in this verse, strengthen your trust and inspire your praise in times of difficulty or uncertainty?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "great nations" and "mighty kings" mentioned in Psalms 135:10?**

Answer: The "great nations" and "mighty kings" primarily refer to the historical adversaries of ancient Israel during their deliverance from Egyptian bondage and their subsequent conquest of the Promised Land. This includes Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt, whose power was decisively broken during the [Exodus](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") through God's miraculous intervention. It also specifically refers to the Amorite kings [Sihon and Og](/numbers/21-21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - The Defeat of Sihon and Og"), whose powerful kingdoms were conquered by Israel before entering Canaan. More broadly, it encompasses the various Canaanite kings and city-states that were defeated under Joshua's leadership during the conquest, as extensively detailed in books like [Joshua](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - List of Conquered Kings"). The psalmist uses these historical examples to illustrate God's comprehensive and decisive power over all earthly rulers and empires, regardless of their perceived strength.

**Why does the Psalm emphasize God's destructive power in "smiting" and "slaying"?**

Answer: The emphasis on God's "smiting" and "slaying" in Psalms 135:10 is not to glorify violence, but to powerfully demonstrate His absolute sovereignty and unique ability to overcome any opposition. In the ancient world, the defeat of a nation or king was often seen as the defeat of their gods. By recounting these decisive victories, the psalmist highlights that the God of Israel is the one true God, superior to all false deities and human power structures. These acts of judgment were simultaneously acts of deliverance for Israel, securing their freedom, inheritance, and safety in the Promised Land. It underscores that God is an active, intervening God who fulfills His promises and protects His people, even through means that appear destructive to His enemies. This contrasts sharply with the impotence of idols, which are unable to act or intervene on behalf of their worshippers, as noted in [Psalms 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15-18 "Psalms 135:15-18 - The Impotence of Idols").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 135:10, with its declaration of God's decisive victory over "great nations" and "mighty kings," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament acts prefigured God's sovereign power over earthly rulers and nations, Christ's victory extends far beyond physical kingdoms to encompass spiritual principalities and powers. The "smiting" and "slaying" of ancient kings foreshadow the definitive triumph of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") over sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Through His crucifixion, Jesus disarmed and triumphed over these spiritual rulers, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). His resurrection and ascension establish Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). The historical acts in Psalms 135:10 demonstrate God's power to deliver His people from physical oppression, but Christ's work provides eternal deliverance from spiritual bondage and the ultimate enemy, death itself ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death")). He is the ultimate "mighty King" who has conquered all opposing powers, ensuring that one day "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/phil/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, the psalmist's praise for God's historical victories culminates in the worship of Christ, the victorious Messiah, whose kingdom will have no end ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 136:17

To him which smote great kings: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

Psalms 136:22

[Even] an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 44:2

[How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

Psalms 44:3

For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

Numbers 21:24

And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.