Psalms 135:10-11
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights that God's power is demonstrated not just in striking down enemies, but specifically in defeating "great nations" and "mighty kings." This points to a divine intervention that overthrew powerful, established forces, not just minor skirmishes, underscoring the magnitude of God's might on behalf of His people.
This psalm is a call to praise the Lord, highlighting His power and sovereignty over all gods and creation. The verses immediately preceding this one recall God's mighty acts in Egypt, like striking down the firstborn, and the ensuing signs and wonders. This verse then moves to God's continued deliverance of His people by empowering them to conquer vast lands and powerful rulers as they entered and took possession of the Promised Land.
Ever wonder how a ragtag group of former slaves could possibly conquer fortified lands and powerful kings?
This verse reminds us that Israel's military victories weren't just about strategy or manpower. They were direct acts of God! Think of the battles against Sihon and Og, or the conquest of Canaan. The text explicitly states 'Jehovah fought for them.' These weren't small skirmishes; they involved 'great nations' and 'mighty kings.' This highlights a crucial theological point: God actively intervenes in history, empowering His people to overcome seemingly impossible odds.
Why would God go to such lengths to defeat entire nations and their rulers?
The conquest of Canaan, as described in verses like this one, wasn't for conquest's sake. It was to fulfill God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. God was clearing the way for His people to establish a homeland, a place where they could worship Him freely and live according to His ways. The destruction of these nations was tied to their 'iniquity,' as the scholars noted, reaching a point where God's judgment was necessary to make way for His redemptive plan.
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.
This verse calls to mind the historical pattern of God empowering His people to overcome powerful enemies and take possession of the land, highlighting His sovereignty over all nations and kings.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Conquest of Canaan under Joshua
Following the Exodus, the Israelites, led by Joshua, entered and conquered the land of Canaan. This involved defeating numerous nations and their kings, establishing Israel in the Promised Land.
c. 13th-11th centuries BC
Period of the Judges
After Joshua's death, Israel experienced cycles of disobedience, oppression by surrounding nations, and deliverance through judges appointed by God. This period saw further battles and victories against various peoples.
c. 11th-10th centuries BC
United Monarchy Battles
Under Kings Saul, David, and Solomon, Israel engaged in significant military campaigns against nations like the Philistines, Amalekites, and Arameans, expanding their territory and influence.
c. 10th-8th centuries BC
Divided Kingdom Wars
Following the division of the kingdom into Israel (North) and Judah (South), constant warfare occurred between the two kingdoms and against external powers like Egypt, Syria, and Assyria.
This passage describes the dramatic plague of striking down the firstborn of Egypt, a powerful demonstration of God's might against a great nation. It serves as a foundational example of God's sovereign power over earthly rulers and peoples, setting the stage for later conquests.
Joshua 12:7-24This chapter lists the kings and nations that Joshua, empowered by the Lord, defeated. It directly supports the psalm's claim by providing the historical account of God's people striking down many nations and their mighty kings, fulfilling the promise of the land.
1 Samuel 17:45-47David's confrontation with Goliath highlights that even mighty warriors and entire nations are subject to God's power. This demonstrates that victory doesn't come from human strength, but from the Lord who fights for His people against formidable foes.
Romans 16:20This New Testament passage speaks of God crushing Satan under the feet of believers, showing that the spiritual battle continues. It parallels the Old Testament victories by illustrating God's ultimate triumph over opposing powers, even if the nature of those powers has evolved.
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 highlights that God's power is demonstrated not just in striking down enemies, but specifically in defeating "great nations" and "mighty kings." This points to a divine intervention that overthrew powerful, established forces, not just minor skirmishes, underscoring the magnitude of God's might on behalf of His people.
This psalm is a call to praise the Lord, highlighting His power and sovereignty over all gods and creation. The verses immediately preceding this one recall God's mighty acts in Egypt, like striking down the firstborn, and the ensuing signs and wonders. This verse then moves to God's continued deliverance of His people by empowering them to conquer vast lands and powerful rulers as they entered and took possession of the Promised Land.
This psalm is a call to praise the Lord, highlighting His power and sovereignty over all gods and creation. The verses immediately preceding this one recall God's mighty acts in Egypt, like striking down the firstborn, and the ensuing signs and wonders. This verse then moves to God's continued deliverance of His people by empowering them to conquer vast lands and powerful rulers as they entered and took possession of the Promised Land.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 135:10-11 is available in the Sola app.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian Campaigns in the Levant
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire began its expansion, conquering numerous kingdoms and nations in the region, including much of Israel and parts of Judah.
"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 highlights that God's power is demonstrated not just in striking down enemies, but specifically in defeating "great nations" and "mighty kings." This points to a divine intervention that o…
