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Commentary on Psalms 136 verses 10–22
The great things God for Israel, when he first formed them into a people, and set up his kingdom among them, are here mentioned, as often elsewhere in the psalms, as instances both of the power of God and of the particular kindness he had for Israel. See Psa 135:8, etc. 1. He brought them out of Egypt, Psa 136:10-12. That was a mercy which endured long to them, and our redemption by Christ, which was typified by that, does indeed endure for ever, for it is an eternal redemption. Of all the plagues of Egypt, none is mentioned but the death of the first-born, because that was the conquering plague; by that God, who in all the plagues distinguished the Israelites from the Egyptians, brought them at last from among them, not by a wile, but with a strong hand and an arm stretched out to reach far and do great things. These miracles of mercy, as they proved Moses's commission to give law to Israel, so they laid Israel under lasting obligations to obey that law, Exo 20:2. 2. He forced them a way through the Red Sea, which obstructed them at their first setting out. By the power he has to control the common course of nature he divided the sea into two parts, between which he opened a path, and made Israel to pass between the parts, now that they were to enter into covenant with him; see Jer 34:18. He not only divided the sea, but gave his people courage to go through it when it was divided, which was an instance of God's power over men's hearts, as the former of his power over the waters. And, to make it a miracle of justice as well as mercy, the same Red Sea that was a lane to the Israelites was a grave to their pursuers. There he shook off Pharaoh and his host. 3. He conducted them through a vast howling wilderness (Psa 136:16); there he led them and fed them. Their camp was victualled and fortified by a constant series of miracles for forty years; though they loitered and wandered there, they were not lost. And in this the mercy of God, and the constancy of that mercy, were the more observable because they often provoked him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert. 4. He destroyed kings before them, to make room for them (Psa 136:17, Psa 136:18), not deposed and banished them, but smote and slew them, in which appeared his wrath against them, but his mercy, his never-failing mercy, to Israel. And that which magnified it was that they were great kings and famous kings, yet God subdued them as easily as if they had been the least, and weakest, and meanest, of the children of men. They were wicked kings, and then their grandeur and lustre would not secure them from the justice of God. The more great and famous they were the more did God's mercy to Israel appear in giving such kings for them. Sihon and Og are particularly mentioned, because they were the first two that were conquered on the other side Jordan, Psa 136:19, Psa 136:20. It is good to enter into the detail of God's favours and not to view them in the gross, and in each instance to observe, and own, that God's mercy endureth for ever. 5. He put them in possession of a good land, Psa 136:21, Psa 136:22. He whose the earth is, and the fulness thereof, the world and those that dwell therein, took land from one people and gave it to another, as pleased him. The iniquity of the Amorites was now full, and therefore it was taken from them. Israel was his servant, and, though they had been provoking in the wilderness, yet he intended to have some service out of them, for to them pertained the service of God. As he said to the Egyptians, Let my people go, so to the Canaanites, Let my people in, that they may serve me. In this God's mercy to them endureth for ever, because it was a figure of the heavenly Canaan, the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
"Who smote great kings" [Psalm 136:17], "and slew famous kings" [Psalm 136:18]. From us too He smites and slays the deadly powers of the devil.
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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) 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). 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), and Og, king of Bashan (referenced in Psalms 136:20). 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 and Deuteronomy 2:26-37 and Deuteronomy 3:1-11, 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. 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 and Joshua.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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. 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, 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). 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). 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). 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).