Psalms 136:17

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

To him which smote {H5221} great {H1419} kings {H4428}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}:

to him who struck down great kings, for his grace continues forever;

He struck down great kings His loving devotion endures forever.

To him that smote great kings; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;

Psalms 136:17 is part of a grand hymn of thanksgiving, often called the "Great Hallel," where each verse is followed by the powerful refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This particular verse highlights God's immense power and faithfulness in protecting His people by defeating formidable adversaries.

Historical and Cultural Context

Psalm 136 is a liturgical psalm, likely used in temple worship, designed to recount God's mighty acts throughout Israel's history. The repetition of the refrain serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging character and steadfast love. Verse 17 specifically refers to God's actions during the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land. The "great kings" mentioned here are identified in subsequent verses of this very psalm as Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. These were powerful rulers whose defeat by Israel demonstrated God's direct intervention and support for His covenant people against seemingly insurmountable odds, underscoring His role as a divine deliverer.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Supreme Power and Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes that God is not merely powerful, but supremely so, capable of overcoming even "great kings" and their armies. This underscores His absolute control over human affairs and history, showcasing His ability to subdue any opposition.
  • God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed): The recurring refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," is central. The Hebrew word for "mercy" here is hesed, which signifies much more than simple pity. It denotes loyal love, covenant faithfulness, and steadfast lovingkindness. It's a love that is unwavering and committed, regardless of circumstances. This aspect of God's character is the foundation for His mighty acts of deliverance.
  • Divine Deliverance and Protection: God actively intervenes on behalf of His people, delivering them from powerful enemies and dangerous situations. This historical remembrance serves to build faith and trust in His ongoing protection and provision.

Linguistic Insight

The term "mercy" in this verse, from the Hebrew hesed (חֶסֶד), is crucial for a full understanding. It describes God's deep, covenantal love and faithfulness. It's a love that is loyal and enduring, forming the basis for all His interactions with humanity, especially His chosen people. This unfailing hesed is why His acts of deliverance, like smiting great kings, are not arbitrary displays of power but profound expressions of His steadfast commitment to His promises and His people.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 136:17 offers profound encouragement. It reminds us that the same God who "smote great kings" in ancient times is still active and sovereign. Whatever "great kings" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles we face—whether they are personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual battles—God's power is greater, and His mercy truly "endureth for ever." We can find comfort and strength in knowing that His steadfast love and faithfulness remain constant, empowering us to trust in His deliverance and provision in every season of life. This verse calls us to remember God's past faithfulness and to rely on His unchanging character for our present and future challenges.

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.

  • Psalms 135:10

    Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;

  • Psalms 135:12

    And gave their land [for] an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.

  • Joshua 12:1

    ¶ Now these [are] the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east:

  • Joshua 12:24

    The king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty and one.

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