Psalm 135:10-11
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This verse doesn't just list victories; it highlights God's specific power over established kingdoms and their rulers. It’s a testament not only to His might but also to His decisive action in clearing the way for His people.
who struck down many nations and killed mighty kings, Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm is recounting God's mighty acts throughout Israel's history, moving from creation and judgment to deliverance and provision. This verse highlights God's powerful intervention in conquering the land of Canaan for His people, recalling His victories over various nations and their powerful rulers. These historical acts serve as proof of God's enduring love and faithfulness, paving the way for Him to give their land as an inheritance to Israel.
Ever wonder if God really intervenes in the big picture of world events? This verse points to a resounding 'yes!'
The psalmist here is reminding the people of Israel of God's incredible power displayed in their history. He didn't just defeat small groups; He struck down 'great nations' and killed 'mighty kings.'
Historical Evidence:
Think about the Promised Land. Before Israel could settle there, they had to face powerful kingdoms and their rulers. God, fighting for Israel, gave them victory over kings like Sihon and Og, and ultimately, the inhabitants of Canaan.
This wasn't about Israel's military might alone. It was about God’s sovereign power stepping in to fulfill His promises and to bring His people into their inheritance. These victories were profound demonstrations of His strength.
Victory over powerful enemies isn't just ancient history; it's a theme that echoes God's enduring commitment to His chosen.
This verse isn't just a historical record; it’s a theological statement about God’s relationship with His people.
The Purpose of Victory:
God's judgment and conquest of nations were intrinsically linked to His redemptive plan for Israel. He acted to clear the way for His people, to give them the land promised to their ancestors, and to establish His covenant presence among them.
A Pattern of Deliverance:
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This pattern of God intervening to defeat powerful opposition for the sake of His people is a powerful reminder of His faithfulness. It shows that God is not a distant observer but an active participant in the lives and destinies of those who belong to Him.
Understand the original words
Emori · Hebrew Noun
An ancient people group dwelling east of the Jordan, identified as enemies of Israel and objects of God's judgment during the conquest.
Bashan · Hebrew Noun
A region east of the Sea of Galilee, historically known for its fertility and its king, Og, whom God delivered into the hands of Israel.
Kena'an · Hebrew Noun
The territory promised by God to the patriarchs, characterized by the presence of various idolatrous nations that God judged and displaced to fulfill His covenant.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and began their military campaign to take possession of the land of Canaan, defeating its inhabitants.
c. 1400 BC
Defeat of Sihon and Og
Before entering Canaan proper, the Israelites conquered the kingdoms of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, clearing the path into the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Defeat of Canaanite Kings
Joshua led the Israelites to victory over a coalition of numerous kings and their armies in Canaan, securing a significant portion of the land.
c. 1350-1050 BC
Period of the Judges
Following Joshua's death, Israel experienced cycles of apostasy, oppression by surrounding nations, and deliverance through various judges, highlighting God's continued power in their history.
This passage describes the reaction of other nations to Israel's victories, highlighting God's power being displayed through these conquests, just as Psalm 135:10 points to God's hand in striking down nations.
Numbers 21:21-35It recounts Israel's defeat of Sihon and Og, powerful kings who ruled large territories, directly paralleling the 'mighty kings' and 'great nations' subdued by God's might as mentioned in the verse.
Joshua 12:1-24This chapter lists the defeated kings and their lands, providing historical context and specific examples of the 'mighty kings' and 'great nations' that the Lord struck down for Israel's inheritance.
Deuteronomy 7:1-2It details God's promise to drive out and utterly destroy numerous nations before Israel, underscoring the divine agency in the conquest of lands and the defeat of powerful peoples.
poolePsalms 135:10: "Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;"
No text from Poole on this verse.
pulpitPsalms 135:10: "Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;"
Verse 10. - Who smote great nations (see Exodus 14:27, 28; Exodus 17:8-13; Numbers 21:24-30, 33-35; Joshua 8:21-26; Joshua 10:10, 11; Judges 4:10-16; Judges 7:19-23; Judges 11:32, 33; 1 Samuel 7:10-13; 2 Samuel 8:1-14; 2 Samuel 10:8-19; 1 Kings 20:1-30; 2 Kings 3:4-27; 2 Kings 14:25-28; 2 Kings 18:7, 8; 2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chronicles 14:9-15; 2 Chronicles 20:1-25, etc.). And slew mighty kings (see Joshua 12:9-24; Judges 7:25; Judges…
This verse doesn't just list victories; it highlights God's specific power over established kingdoms and their rulers. It’s a testament not only to His might but also to His decisive action in clearing the way for His people.
The psalm is recounting God's mighty acts throughout Israel's history, moving from creation and judgment to deliverance and provision. This verse highlights God's powerful intervention in conquering the land of Canaan for His people, recalling His victories over various nations and their powerful rulers. These historical acts serve as proof of God's enduring love and faithfulness, paving the way for Him to give their land as an inheritance to Israel.
The psalm is recounting God's mighty acts throughout Israel's history, moving from creation and judgment to deliverance and provision. This verse highlights God's powerful intervention in conquering the land of Canaan for His people, recalling His victories over various nations and their powerful rulers. These historical acts serve as proof of God's enduring love and faithfulness, paving the way for Him to give their land as an inheritance to Israel.
"who struck down many nations and killed mighty kings, Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan," — This verse doesn't just list victories; it highlights God's specific power over established kingdoms and their rulers. It’s a testament not only to His might but also to His decisive action in cleari…
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Last reviewed October 2026
