Psalms 136:18

KJV

And slew famous kings: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

KJV (with Strong's)

And slew {H2026} famous {H117} kings {H4428}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}:

Complete Jewish Bible

yes, he slaughtered powerful kings, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

and slaughtered mighty kings— His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

And slew famous kings; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 136:18, embedded within a powerful liturgical hymn of thanksgiving, celebrates God's decisive and sovereign actions in human history, specifically His triumph over formidable earthly rulers. This verse, like every line in the psalm, is underscored by the resounding refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," emphasizing that even God's acts of judgment and power are ultimately expressions of His unwavering covenant loyalty and steadfast love towards His people. It serves as a profound declaration of divine authority and enduring faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 136 is a unique liturgical psalm characterized by its responsorial structure, where each declarative statement about God's mighty acts is followed by the congregational refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This repetitive structure serves to engrain the truth of God's enduring lovingkindness into the hearts of the worshippers. Verse 18 specifically transitions from God's acts of judgment against Egypt and the Red Sea deliverance (cf. [Psalms 136:10-15](/psalms/136-10 "Psalms 136:10-15 - Deliverance from Egypt")) to His victories over specific kings who opposed Israel's journey to the Promised Land. The subsequent verses, [Psalms 136:19-20](/psalms/136-19 "Psalms 136:19-20 - Defeat of Sihon and Og"), explicitly name Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, highlighting the particular historical events that verse 18 summarizes. The psalm then continues to recount God's provision of land and sustenance, all undergirded by His perpetual mercy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "famous kings" referenced in Psalms 136:18 are historically identified as Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, whose defeats are meticulously recorded in the Pentateuch (cf. [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Defeat of Sihon and Og") and [Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11](/deuteronomy/2-26 "Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11 - Account of Sihon and Og")). These were significant military victories for the nascent nation of Israel as they approached the Promised Land. Sihon and Og were powerful rulers of established kingdoms east of the Jordan River, and their defeat was a crucial step in securing Israel's entry and initial territorial claims. Culturally, such victories were often attributed to the power of a nation's deity, and for Israel, these events served as irrefutable evidence of Yahweh's unparalleled strength and His active intervention on behalf of His covenant people, demonstrating His supremacy over all earthly powers and false gods.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 136:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, asserting God's absolute authority over all earthly rulers and nations. No human power, however "famous" or formidable, can withstand His will or thwart His divine purposes for His people. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, from the defeat of Pharaoh in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea") to the prophetic declarations against empires in [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah") and [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed)**, as the repeated refrain emphasizes that even God's acts of judgment against His enemies are rooted in His steadfast love and faithfulness to His covenant people. His justice against those who oppose His plans is a manifestation of His unwavering commitment to Israel's well-being and the fulfillment of His promises. Thirdly, it speaks to **Divine Deliverance and Protection**, showcasing God's active role in defending His chosen people and clearing their path to the Promised Land, ensuring their safety and the eventual inheritance of their promised heritage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slew (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** (H2026) This primitive root signifies to "smite with deadly intent," indicating a decisive and complete act of destruction. In the context of Psalms 136:18, it emphasizes the finality and effectiveness of God's judgment against these kings, leaving no doubt about His power to overcome opposition. It's not merely a defeat but a complete eradication of their power and threat.
* **famous (Hebrew, _ʼaddîyr'_):** (H117) Derived from a root meaning "wide" or "large," this word figuratively conveys power, excellence, and nobility. When applied to kings, it denotes their formidable status, renown, and perceived invincibility in the eyes of their contemporaries. The psalmist uses this term to magnify God's power even further: He did not merely defeat weak rulers, but those who were considered mighty and glorious, thereby accentuating the greatness of the divine victory.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** (H2617) This rich theological term, often translated as "steadfast love" or "lovingkindness," encompasses God's covenant loyalty, unfailing kindness, and faithfulness. It is more than mere pity; it is an active, enduring, and deeply committed love, especially in His dealings with His people. The repetition of "for his mercy endureth for ever" throughout the psalm, including after acts of judgment, underscores that God's actions, even those involving destruction of enemies, are ultimately rooted in His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His people's salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And slew famous kings:"** This clause declares God's direct and powerful intervention in human affairs, specifically His act of bringing about the demise of rulers who were renowned for their strength and authority. The active verb "slew" highlights God's agency and sovereign control over earthly powers, demonstrating that no human might can stand against His will. The mention of "famous kings" serves to magnify the extent of God's power, as He overcame those considered most formidable.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever:"** This refrain, characteristic of Psalms 136, provides the theological rationale and enduring context for God's actions. It reveals that even acts of judgment and destruction against enemies are not arbitrary but are expressions of God's steadfast love and faithfulness to His covenant people. His "mercy" (hesed) is the unchanging foundation of His character and His dealings with humanity, assuring His people of His perpetual care and commitment, even when His methods involve severe judgment against those who oppose His divine plan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Psalms 136:18, and indeed throughout the entire psalm, is **Repetition**, specifically the **refrain** "for his mercy endureth for ever." This constant reiteration serves multiple purposes: it acts as a liturgical response, reinforces the central theological message of God's enduring lovingkindness, and creates a rhythmic, memorable structure for worship. The phrase "famous kings" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the formidable nature of the adversaries God overcame, thereby magnifying His power and the extent of His victory. There is also an implicit **Parallelism** with the preceding verses, which detail other great acts of God (creation, exodus), placing the defeat of these kings within a larger narrative of divine power and benevolence. The entire psalm functions as a grand **Hymn of Thanksgiving**, designed to elicit praise and trust in God's unchanging character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 136:18 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that God's sovereignty extends over all earthly powers, and His actions, even those of judgment, are always tethered to His eternal covenant faithfulness. The defeat of "famous kings" like Sihon and Og was not an arbitrary display of power but a necessary act of deliverance for Israel, demonstrating that God's justice against His enemies is intrinsically linked to His mercy for His people. This verse assures believers that no human authority or opposition can ultimately thwart God's purposes, and His steadfast love remains the ultimate guarantee of His people's security and salvation.

* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Great Mercies")
* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 136:18 offers immense comfort and a powerful challenge for believers today. In a world often dominated by seemingly insurmountable political powers, economic forces, or personal adversaries, this verse reminds us that God remains utterly sovereign. No king, government, or oppressive system is beyond His control or immune to His judgment. We are called to place our trust not in human strength or fleeting alliances, but in the God whose mercy "endureth for ever" and whose power can humble the mightiest of foes. This truth encourages us to persevere in faith, knowing that God is actively working on behalf of His people, even when circumstances appear bleak. It also calls us to align our lives with His righteous purposes, confident that His ultimate justice will prevail and His steadfast love will secure our future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unchanging nature of God's mercy, as highlighted in this verse, impact your trust in Him during times of personal or global uncertainty?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control to God's sovereignty, recognizing that He "slew famous kings" and can overcome any obstacle?**
* **How does the understanding that God's acts of judgment are rooted in His mercy shape your perception of divine justice?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalm repeatedly state "for his mercy endureth for ever" even after acts of judgment like slaying kings?**

Answer: The repeated refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," is central to the theological message of [Psalms 136](/psalms/136 "Psalms 136 - The Great Hallel"). It emphasizes that even God's acts of judgment, such as the defeat of the "famous kings" like [Sihon and Og](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21 - Defeat of Sihon"), are not arbitrary or capricious. Instead, they are manifestations of His unwavering covenant faithfulness (hesed) towards His chosen people, Israel. By removing obstacles and enemies, God was actively delivering and protecting His people, thus fulfilling His promises to them. Therefore, His judgments against the wicked are an expression of His steadfast love and commitment to His own, ensuring their safety and the advancement of His redemptive plan. This demonstrates that God's justice and mercy are not contradictory but are two sides of the same divine character, both serving His ultimate purpose of love and redemption for those who are His.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 136:18, with its declaration of God slaying "famous kings" because "his mercy endureth for ever," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist recounts historical victories over earthly rulers, Christ's triumph extends far beyond mere human kings. He is the ultimate King, who, through His death and resurrection, "slew" the true "famous kings" of this age: sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness that held humanity captive (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His victory on the cross disarmed these cosmic rulers and authorities, demonstrating God's supreme sovereignty over all spiritual and earthly opposition. This ultimate act of divine power is the supreme demonstration of God's enduring mercy, for it is through Christ's sacrifice that humanity receives forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Sinners")). The "mercy that endureth for ever" is most perfectly revealed in the New Covenant established through Christ's blood, offering an eternal deliverance far greater than any historical liberation (cf. [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption Through Christ")). Thus, the psalmist's ancient hymn foreshadows the Lamb of God, who, through His victorious sacrifice, forever establishes the reign of God's eternal mercy.

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

Deuteronomy 29:7

And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them: