Psalms 136:10
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "steadfast love" here doesn't just refer to God's general kindness, but to His deep, covenant faithfulness. This act of judgment against Egypt, while harsh, was a demonstration of that enduring love by delivering His chosen people from slavery.
This psalm is a grand recounting of God's mighty acts of deliverance, moving from creation to the Exodus from Egypt. It's singing about how God rescued His people, and this specific verse focuses on one of the final, devastating plagues God sent upon Egypt, which ultimately broke Pharaoh's will. The psalm immediately follows this act of judgment by celebrating God bringing Israel out of Egypt with immense power, all underscoring the deep, enduring nature of God's loyal love for His chosen people.
How can a devastating plague be an act of steadfast love? This verse challenges our understanding of God's actions.
Psalm 136 is a song of remembrance, a powerful act of corporate worship. Each line recounts God's mighty deeds for Israel, always concluding with the assurance that 'his steadfast love endures forever.'
A Love That Acts
When we read about God striking down the firstborn of Egypt, it can sound harsh, even brutal. But within the context of this psalm and the Exodus narrative, it's presented as a necessary act within God's covenant relationship with Israel.
The refrain 'his steadfast love endures forever' repeats 26 times in this psalm. Why is this the central message, especially when recounting such intense events?
The consistent repetition of 'his steadfast love endures forever' isn't just a catchy slogan; it's the theological heart of Psalm 136. It provides the lens through which all of God's actions, including the judgment on Egypt, are to be understood.
A Love That Never Fails
Understand the original words
bekor · Hebrew Noun
The first-born male child or animal, often representing the strength or the first fruits of a family or flock. In the context of Egypt, this term signifies God’s judgment upon the nation’s pride and the specific claim He has over those who belong to Him.
The psalm's mention of striking Egypt's firstborn, while harsh to modern ears, highlights God's covenant faithfulness. This act, though devastating for Egyptians, was essential for Israel's liberation, demonstrating that God's 'steadfast love' is particularly shown in delivering His people, even through judgment on their oppressors.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Exodus from Egypt
Following a series of ten plagues, God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. The tenth plague involved the death of every firstborn Egyptian male, a divine judgment that finally convinced Pharaoh to let the people go.
c. 1446 BC
Crossing the Red Sea
As the Israelites fled Egypt, Pharaoh's army pursued them. God miraculously parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, but then drowned the pursuing Egyptian forces.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
After escaping Egypt, the Israelites journeyed through the Sinai desert for 40 years. During this time, God sustained them with manna, water from rocks, and His direct guidance and protection.
This passage directly describes the tenth plague, the striking of the firstborn of Egypt, which is referenced in the verse. It highlights the divine judgment that ultimately led to Israel's liberation.
Exodus 13:17-18This passage shows God's deliberate choice to lead Israel through a longer, more difficult route to avoid immediate conflict after the plague, demonstrating His protective 'steadfast love' even in strategic decisions.
Nehemiah 9:14This prayer recounts God's faithfulness, specifically mentioning the provision of food from heaven and guiding through the wilderness, which are direct results of the deliverance initiated by the plagues in Egypt.
Psalm 105:36This verse also commemorates the striking of the firstborn of Egypt as an act of God's judgment and a precursor to His people's deliverance, mirroring the theme of the verse.
Hebrews 11:28This New Testament passage frames Moses' actions in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and celebrating the Passover as an act of faith, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's covenant love through these saving acts.
ellicottPsalms 136:10: "To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
(10) For his mercy.— Here the refrain, after the mention of the destruction of the Egyptian first-born, and subsequently after that of war and slaughter, sounds harsh to Christian ears. But the word mercy ( khesed ) in the Hebrew motto implies distinctly covenant grace, that special favour of Jehovah in which the heathen did not share, and which was often most signally shown in their destruction.
clarkePsalms 136:10: "To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
Smote Egypt in their first-born - This was one of the heaviest of strokes: a great part of the rising generation was cut off; few but old persons and children left remaining.
The phrase "steadfast love" here doesn't just refer to God's general kindness, but to His deep, covenant faithfulness. This act of judgment against Egypt, while harsh, was a demonstration of that enduring love by delivering His chosen people from slavery.
This psalm is a grand recounting of God's mighty acts of deliverance, moving from creation to the Exodus from Egypt. It's singing about how God rescued His people, and this specific verse focuses on one of the final, devastating plagues God sent upon Egypt, which ultimately broke Pharaoh's will. The psalm immediately follows this act of judgment by celebrating God bringing Israel out of Egypt with immense power, all underscoring the deep, enduring nature of God's loyal love for His chosen people.
This psalm is a grand recounting of God's mighty acts of deliverance, moving from creation to the Exodus from Egypt. It's singing about how God rescued His people, and this specific verse focuses on one of the final, devastating plagues God sent upon Egypt, which ultimately broke Pharaoh's will. The psalm immediately follows this act of judgment by celebrating God bringing Israel out of Egypt with immense power, all underscoring the deep, enduring nature of God's loyal love for His chosen people.
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 136:10 is available in the Sola app.
This phrase, rooted in the Hebrew concept of 'hesed,' points to a love that is active, loyal, and unbreakable. It's a love that isn't dependent on human merit but flows from God's own character and His eternal promises.
"to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever;" — The phrase "steadfast love" here doesn't just refer to God's general kindness, but to His deep, covenant faithfulness. This act of judgment against Egypt, while harsh, was a demonstration of that end…
