Psalms 136:10

KJV

¶ To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

KJV (with Strong's)

To him that smote {H5221} Egypt {H4714} in their firstborn {H1060}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}:

Complete Jewish Bible

to him who struck down Egypt's firstborn, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

To him that smote Egypt in their first-born; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 136:10 is a powerful declaration within a responsorial hymn, celebrating God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness. It specifically recounts the climactic tenth plague in Egypt, where God's decisive judgment upon the firstborn secured Israel's liberation from oppressive bondage. This verse, framed by the psalm's enduring refrain, underscores that even divine acts of severe judgment are profound expressions of God's eternal, steadfast love and covenant loyalty towards His people, demonstrating His absolute authority over all creation and human affairs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 136 is uniquely structured as a liturgical hymn, often referred to as the "Great Hallel," traditionally recited during Passover and other Jewish festivals. Its defining feature is the responsorial refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," which follows each declaration of God's mighty acts. The psalm systematically narrates salvation history, beginning with creation, as seen in [the cosmic acts of God](/psalms/136-4-9 "Psalm 136:4-9 - God the Creator"), progressing through the Exodus, specifically highlighted in [God's deliverance from Egypt](/psalms/136-10-15 "Psalm 136:10-15 - God the Deliverer"), the wilderness journey, and the conquest of Canaan, detailed in [the defeat of kings](/psalms/136-16-22 "Psalm 136:16-22 - God the Conqueror"). Verse 10 focuses on the final, most devastating plague, which served as the ultimate catalyst for Israel's release, fitting seamlessly into this chronological recounting of God's powerful and merciful interventions on behalf of His covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of Psalms 136:10 is the Exodus narrative, specifically the tenth and final plague described in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and the Tenth Plague"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the firstborn held immense significance, representing the strength, future, and continuity of a family or nation. For Egypt, the death of the firstborn, from Pharaoh's heir to the livestock, was an unparalleled catastrophe, striking at the very heart of their society and their religious beliefs, which often deified Pharaoh and various animals. This plague was not merely a natural disaster but a direct theological confrontation, a demonstration of Yahweh's supreme power over all Egyptian deities and their perceived authority, forcing Pharaoh to finally release the Israelites, as recounted in [the Exodus narrative](/exodus/12-29-32 "Exodus 12:29-32 - The Death of the Firstborn").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 136 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Deliverance**, illustrating that God's justice is not arbitrary but a necessary and decisive act to break oppressive power and secure the freedom of His people. The smiting of the firstborn was the ultimate act that compelled Pharaoh to let Israel go, demonstrating that God's righteous judgment often precedes and enables His people's deliverance. Secondly, it reinforces **God's Sovereignty**, asserting Yahweh's absolute authority over all nations, rulers, and even life and death. The plagues, culminating in this final blow, were a clear declaration that the God of Israel is the supreme Lord, not a mere tribal deity, a truth echoed in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Power Displayed"). Finally, and crucially, the enduring refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" frames even this severe judgment within the context of God's **Enduring Mercy** (Hebrew: _chesed_). For Israel, this devastating judgment on Egypt was an act of profound _chesed_—steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and loyal commitment—fulfilling God's promises to Abraham, as seen in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant with Abraham"), and rescuing His people from slavery, thereby revealing the multifaceted nature of divine mercy, which encompasses both kindness and righteous judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In the context of Psalms 136:10, it denotes a decisive, forceful, and destructive blow, emphasizing the finality and overwhelming power of God's action against Egypt. It implies not merely a casual hit but a judgment that results in death or severe consequence, signifying God's authoritative intervention.
* **Firstborn (Hebrew, _bᵉkôwr'_):** From H1060, meaning "firstborn; hence, chief; eldest (son), firstborn(-ling)." This term refers to the eldest child or offspring, often carrying connotations of preeminence, strength, and the heir. In ancient cultures, the firstborn was considered the "firstfruits" of the family, sacred and highly valued. The smiting of the firstborn in Egypt thus represents the striking down of the very essence and future of the nation, a blow against its most precious and representative element, underscoring the severity and symbolic significance of God's judgment.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, denoting "kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty; favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing." This rich and multifaceted Hebrew term is far deeper than simple pity or compassion. It denotes "steadfast love," "loyal love," or "covenant loyalty." It describes God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His people, a love that is active, reliable, and enduring. In this verse, it highlights that even God's acts of judgment are rooted in and serve His eternal _chesed_ towards His chosen ones, demonstrating His faithfulness to deliver them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn":** This clause directly attributes the devastating tenth plague to God, emphasizing His singular agency and power. The act of "smiting" signifies a divine, irresistible judgment. By targeting the "firstborn," God struck at the heart of Egyptian society and religion, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over life and death, and His supremacy over all the gods of Egypt. This judgment was the final, irresistible force that broke Pharaoh's will and secured Israel's release, directly fulfilling God's promise to deliver His people from bondage.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever":** This refrain, characteristic of Psalm 136, provides the theological framework for understanding the preceding judgment. For Israel, God's act of smiting Egypt's firstborn was not an arbitrary act of cruelty but a profound demonstration of His _chesed_—His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. It was an act of mercy that liberated His people from slavery, fulfilling His promises and establishing His reputation as a faithful Deliverer. The phrase "endureth for ever" emphasizes the eternal, unchanging, and reliable nature of this divine mercy, which persists through all circumstances and generations, serving as an anchor for faith.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device in Psalms 136:10, and indeed throughout the entire psalm, is **Repetition**, specifically the **Refrain** "for his mercy endureth for ever." This constant repetition serves several vital functions: it acts as a liturgical response, reinforces the central theological truth of God's enduring _chesed_, and provides a unifying thread through the diverse acts of God recounted. The psalm also employs **Parallelism** in its structure, where each divine act (like smiting Egypt's firstborn) is immediately followed by the affirmation of God's eternal mercy, creating a powerful rhetorical effect that links God's actions directly to His unchanging character. While not explicitly stated, there is an element of **Divine Retribution** at play, where God's judgment on Egypt can be seen as a just response to their oppression of Israel, highlighting the moral order of the universe upheld by a righteous God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 136:10 profoundly illustrates the intricate relationship between God's justice and His mercy. While the act of smiting the firstborn of Egypt appears as a harsh judgment, the accompanying refrain reveals it as an ultimate expression of God's steadfast love and faithfulness (_chesed_) towards His covenant people. This verse teaches that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are purposeful acts that serve His redemptive plan, breaking oppressive powers to secure deliverance for the oppressed. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to His promises, demonstrating that His character is consistently loving, even when His methods involve severe judgment to achieve righteous ends.

* [Exodus 12:29-32](/exodus/12-29-32 "Exodus 12:29-32 - The Death of the Firstborn")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Great Faithfulness")
* [Romans 9:14-18](/romans/9-14-18 "Romans 9:14-18 - God's Sovereign Choice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 136:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that the God we worship is both perfectly just and eternally merciful. In a world grappling with suffering and injustice, this verse assures us that God is actively involved in human history, capable of intervening decisively to dismantle oppressive systems and deliver His people. It challenges us to trust in His timing and methods, even when they seem severe or incomprehensible from a human perspective, knowing that His ultimate purpose is always rooted in His unwavering _chesed_. This understanding should cultivate a deeper sense of awe for His power, gratitude for His faithfulness, and confidence in His ability to bring about ultimate deliverance in our lives and in the world, even through difficult or painful processes. It calls us to recognize God's hand in both the blessings and the trials, assured that His steadfast love is the constant thread weaving through all of life's tapestry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's judgment on Egypt as an act of mercy for Israel reshape your perception of divine justice?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God for deliverance from oppressive circumstances, even if His methods seem unconventional?**
* **How can the enduring nature of God's _chesed_ (steadfast love) strengthen your faith during times of uncertainty or hardship?**

### FAQ
**Why did God smite the firstborn, and what is its significance?**

Answer: God smote the firstborn of Egypt as the tenth and final plague, detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and the Tenth Plague"). This act was highly significant for several reasons. Culturally, the firstborn represented the strength, future, and continuity of a family or nation. Theologically, it was a direct judgment against Egypt's gods, particularly Pharaoh, who was considered a divine being, and the various deities associated with fertility and protection. By striking the firstborn, God demonstrated His absolute sovereignty over life and death, and His supremacy over all Egyptian deities. It was a climactic act of judgment that finally broke Pharaoh's stubborn resistance, compelling him to release the Israelites from slavery, as seen in [Pharaoh's desperate plea](/exodus/12-31-32 "Exodus 12:31-32 - Pharaoh's Urgent Command"). For Israel, it was a profound act of deliverance and mercy, fulfilling God's covenant promises and establishing their freedom, forever commemorated in the Passover.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 136:10, with its declaration of God's judgment on Egypt's firstborn followed by the refrain of His enduring mercy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The judgment on Egypt foreshadows the ultimate judgment on sin and death, which Christ bore on the cross. Just as the firstborn of Egypt were struck, so too was God's own "firstborn" Son ([Hebrews 1:6](/hebrews/1-6 "Hebrews 1:6 - The Son is Superior to Angels")) "smitten" for the sins of humanity ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")). His death was the decisive blow against the power of sin, Satan, and death, securing deliverance for all who believe. The "mercy that endureth for ever" is most perfectly revealed in Christ's atoning sacrifice, where God's steadfast love is poured out, not by condemning the world, but by saving it through His Son ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Through Christ, we experience the true Passover Lamb ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")), whose blood delivers us from the ultimate judgment and brings us into eternal freedom and covenant relationship with God, demonstrating that God's mercy truly endures forever through His Son and His finished work on the cross, as attested in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated").

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

Exodus 12:29

¶ And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

Psalms 78:51

And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of [their] strength in the tabernacles of Ham:

Psalms 135:8

Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.

Psalms 105:36

He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.

Exodus 12:12

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD.

Exodus 11:5

And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that [is] behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.

Exodus 11:6

And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.