Psalms 136:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

He struck down great kings His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 136:17 stands as a powerful declaration within a grand hymn of thanksgiving, celebrating God's active and decisive intervention in the history of His people. It specifically recounts the Lord's triumphant overthrow of formidable earthly rulers, attributing these mighty acts of deliverance not merely to raw power, but to His enduring and steadfast mercy. This verse, like all others in Psalm 136, is punctuated by the unchanging refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," underscoring the foundational truth that God's omnipotence is always an expression of His covenant faithfulness and lovingkindness toward His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 136 is often referred to as the "Great Hallel" or "Great Psalm of Thanksgiving," a liturgical psalm characterized by its unique antiphonal structure. Each of its twenty-six verses recounts a specific act of God's power and faithfulness, followed immediately by the unchanging refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This repetitive structure serves as a powerful mnemonic device and a profound theological anchor, ensuring that every demonstration of God's might is explicitly linked to His unchanging character of *hesed* (steadfast love or mercy). Verse 17 specifically transitions from God's acts of deliverance during the Exodus and wilderness wanderings (as seen in [Psalms 136:10-16](/psalms/136-10-16 "Psalms 136:10-16 - God's Deliverance from Egypt and Wilderness Provision")) to His direct intervention in the conquest of the Promised Land, setting the stage for the defeat of specific kings mentioned in the subsequent verses (such as [Psalms 136:19-20](/psalms/136-19-20 "Psalms 136:19-20 - Defeat of Sihon and Og")). The psalm's progression from creation to redemption to the conquest of the land provides a comprehensive historical narrative, all undergirded by God's eternal mercy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "great kings" referenced in Psalms 136:17 are not abstract figures but specific historical adversaries whom God enabled Israel to defeat during their journey to and conquest of the Promised Land. The immediate context of Psalm 136 identifies them as Sihon, king of the Amorites (mentioned in [Psalms 136:19](/psalms/136-19 "Psalms 136:19 - Defeat of Sihon")), and Og, king of Bashan (referenced in [Psalms 136:20](/psalms/136-20 "Psalms 136:20 - Defeat of Og")). These were formidable rulers with significant territories and military strength, whose defeat was critical for Israel's advance into Canaan. Their destruction, as detailed in historical accounts like [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - The Defeat of Sihon and Og") and [Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11](/deuteronomy/2-26-3-11 "Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11 - Conquest of Transjordan"), was a clear and undeniable demonstration of Yahweh's direct intervention on behalf of His covenant people. This validated His promises and established Israel's claim to the land, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 136 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Supreme Power and Sovereignty** over all creation and human history. The ability to "smite great kings" demonstrates that no earthly power, however formidable, can withstand the Lord's will or thwart His purposes for His people. This theme is foundational to the entire [Book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Praise and Lament"). Secondly, the recurring refrain emphasizes **God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed)**. The Hebrew word *hesed* signifies more than mere pity; it denotes loyal love, covenant faithfulness, and steadfast lovingkindness. It is this unwavering commitment that motivates God's mighty acts of deliverance, ensuring that His power is always exercised in accordance with His character and promises. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Protection**. By recounting God's historical interventions, the psalm builds faith and trust in His ongoing ability to protect and provide for His people, reminding them that their security rests not in their own strength but in the unfailing power and mercy of their God, as seen throughout the narrative of Israel's journey in [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus") and [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This primitive root signifies a forceful, decisive, and often fatal strike. It implies a complete and definitive defeat, rather than a mere skirmish or minor setback. In the context of "great kings," it emphasizes the totality of God's victory over these formidable adversaries, demonstrating His overwhelming power and absolute authority to utterly overthrow those who oppose His will and His people.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective describes something large or mighty in any sense, encompassing physical size, power, importance, or influence. Applied to "kings," it underscores their formidable nature, their significant military and political power, and their perceived invincibility in the eyes of the world. By describing them as "great," the psalmist magnifies the Lord's triumph, highlighting that God's victory was not over insignificant foes but over truly powerful and imposing adversaries.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This is a profound and richly nuanced theological term, encompassing kindness, loyal love, covenant faithfulness, and steadfast lovingkindness. It speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His people, a love that is active and enduring. In this context, it means that God's acts of smiting kings were not arbitrary displays of raw power but were fundamentally rooted in His faithful, enduring love for Israel, fulfilling His covenant obligations to protect and deliver them from their enemies and bring them into their promised inheritance.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This term denotes time out of mind, either past or future, practically signifying eternity or perpetuity. When combined with "mercy," it emphasizes the eternal, unchanging, and perpetual nature of God's *hesed*. It assures the worshiper that God's loyal love is not temporary or conditional but is the constant and enduring foundation of His character and His relationship with His creation and His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To him which smote great kings":** This clause directs praise and thanksgiving specifically to God, identifying Him as the active, sovereign agent behind the decisive defeat of mighty earthly rulers. The verb "smote" highlights the complete and overwhelming nature of these victories, while the descriptor "great kings" emphasizes the formidable power and perceived invincibility of the adversaries, thereby magnifying the power and sovereignty of the Lord who overcame them. This is a direct reference to historical events where God intervened on behalf of Israel.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever":** This is the recurring, antiphonal refrain of Psalm 136, providing the theological rationale and unchanging foundation for all of God's mighty acts. It asserts that God's actions, including the defeat of powerful enemies, are not random, capricious, or motivated by mere might, but are fundamentally sustained by His *hesed*—His unwavering, loyal, and covenantal love and faithfulness. This mercy is eternal, unchanging, and the perpetual foundation of His relationship with His creation and His people, ensuring His power is always exercised in accordance with His loving character.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 136:17, like the entire psalm, prominently features **Repetition**, specifically through the unwavering refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This constant repetition serves multiple purposes: it emphasizes the central theological truth of God's enduring *hesed*, provides a liturgical response for communal worship, and acts as a powerful mnemonic device for remembering God's faithfulness. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** in describing the kings as "great," not necessarily in literal stature but in their perceived power and threat, thereby magnifying the Lord's superior might and the significance of His victory. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Cause and Effect** relationship: God's smiting of great kings (the effect) is directly attributed to His enduring mercy (the cause), highlighting that His power is always exercised in the context of His lovingkindness and covenant faithfulness. The overall structure of the psalm, with its call-and-response, is a classic example of **Antiphonal Liturgy**, designed for communal recitation and worship, fostering a deep sense of shared gratitude and theological affirmation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 136:17 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God's omnipotence is inextricably linked to His covenant faithfulness. His power is not arbitrary but is always an expression of His steadfast love (*hesed*) towards His people. The historical defeat of "great kings" serves as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to protect and deliver those whom He has chosen. This divine intervention against seemingly insurmountable odds assures believers that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers and that His purposes will ultimately prevail, always rooted in His eternal mercy. This truth provides a deep well of assurance for all who trust in Him.

* [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The Lord Fights For You")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love Endures")
* [Exodus 15:1-2](/exodus/15-1-2 "Exodus 15:1-2 - Song of Moses and Miriam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the contemporary believer, Psalms 136:17 offers profound encouragement and a call to unwavering trust. Just as God "smote great kings" in ancient times, demonstrating His sovereign power over all earthly adversaries, so too does He remain active and mighty in our lives today. The "great kings" we face may not be literal monarchs but can manifest as overwhelming personal struggles, systemic injustices, spiritual oppression, chronic illness, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles to faith and flourishing. This verse reminds us that no challenge is too great for the God whose mercy "endureth for ever." His historical faithfulness serves as a powerful foundation for our present trust, inviting us to rely on His unchanging character, His steadfast love, and His delivering power in every circumstance. We are called to remember His past victories, both in biblical history and in our own lives, and to confidently lean into His eternal *hesed*, knowing that His power is always wielded on behalf of His beloved children, ensuring their ultimate good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great kings" or seemingly insurmountable challenges are you facing in your life today that feel beyond your control?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, both in Scripture and in your personal history, strengthen your faith in His enduring mercy for your current struggles?**
* **In what ways can you actively declare or reflect God's "enduring mercy" in your own sphere of influence, even amidst difficulties or when facing powerful opposition?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" in Psalm 136?**

Answer: The phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew: *ki l'olam chasdo*) is the central refrain of Psalm 136, appearing 26 times, once after each declaration of God's mighty acts. Its significance is profound: it asserts that every one of God's mighty acts, from creation to the defeat of enemies and provision for His people, is rooted in and motivated by His *hesed*—His loyal, steadfast, covenantal love. This *hesed* is eternal (*l'olam*), meaning it is unchanging, perpetual, and the ultimate foundation of His character and His relationship with humanity. It transforms God's power from mere might into a demonstration of His unfailing commitment to His promises and His people, as seen throughout the narrative of [Israel's redemption from Egypt](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of Moses and Miriam"). This refrain reassures the worshiper that God's power is always exercised in accordance with His loving and faithful nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 136:17, with its declaration of God's power over "great kings" and His enduring mercy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament recounts God's physical victories over earthly rulers, these served as types and shadows of the spiritual warfare and ultimate triumph achieved by the Messiah. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not smite earthly kings with a sword but conquered the ultimate "great kings" of sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them publicly ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His victory on the cross, the greatest demonstration of God's *hesed*, was not merely a display of power but the ultimate expression of God's eternal mercy poured out for humanity ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). The enduring mercy of God, celebrated in Psalm 136, is fully realized in the New Covenant established through Christ's blood, offering eternal life and deliverance from spiritual bondage to all who believe ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil")). Thus, the ancient hymn points forward to the definitive victory of the King of kings, Jesus Christ, whose mercy truly endureth forever for all who are in Him, establishing His eternal kingdom over all creation ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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 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.