Psalms 136:10

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms 136:10 stands as a powerful declaration within a unique liturgical psalm, recounting God's mighty acts of deliverance and judgment. This verse specifically highlights the climactic event of the tenth plague upon Egypt, where God struck down the firstborn of both man and beast, culminating in Israel's release from bondage.

Context

Psalm 136 is known as the "Great Hallel," a hymn of thanksgiving characterized by its repetitive refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." Each verse presents a specific act of God's power, wisdom, or goodness, followed by this unchanging affirmation of His character. The psalm moves chronologically, from creation to the Exodus, the wilderness journey, and the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating God's consistent intervention on behalf of His people. Verse 10 focuses on the devastating judgment that finally compelled Pharaoh to let Israel go, underscoring that even God's severe judgments are rooted in and serve His eternal, steadfast love for His covenant people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Deliverance: This verse starkly portrays God's absolute power to execute judgment against oppressive forces. The smiting of the firstborn was not arbitrary but a decisive act that broke Pharaoh's will and secured the deliverance of Israel. It illustrates that God's justice is a necessary precursor to His people's freedom.
  • God's Sovereignty: The narrative of the plagues, culminating in this final blow, asserts God's supreme authority over all nations, rulers, and even the natural order. He is not merely a tribal deity but the sovereign Lord of all creation.
  • Enduring Mercy (Chesed): The constant refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," frames even this act of severe judgment within the context of God's eternal lovingkindness. For Israel, this judgment on Egypt was an act of profound mercy and faithfulness, fulfilling God's promises to Abraham and rescuing His people from slavery. This highlights the multifaceted nature of divine mercy, which can manifest through both kindness and righteous judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "mercy" in the King James Version is chesed (חֶסֶד). This term is much richer than simple pity or compassion; it denotes "steadfast love," "loyal love," "faithfulness," or "covenant loyalty." It describes God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His people. The phrase "endureth for ever" emphasizes the eternal, unchanging, and reliable nature of this chesed. It’s a love that persists through all circumstances, even when God's actions appear harsh to outsiders.

Practical Application

Psalms 136:10 reminds us that God is both just and merciful. We can draw several applications from this verse:

  1. Trust in God's Deliverance: Just as God powerfully delivered Israel from seemingly insurmountable oppression, we can trust that He is capable of bringing deliverance in our own lives, even through difficult circumstances.
  2. Understanding God's Character: This verse helps us reconcile God's justice with His love. His judgments are not arbitrary but serve His righteous purposes and ultimately lead to the good of His people. His mercy is not sentimental but is robust, active, and eternally faithful.
  3. Remembering God's Faithfulness: Reflecting on God's past mighty acts, like the Exodus, strengthens our faith. If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now. His mercies never cease; they are new every morning.
  4. Hope in God's Ultimate Victory: The consistent pattern of God's intervention in history, overcoming evil and delivering His people, provides hope for His ultimate victory over all sin and oppression, ultimately culminating in a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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