to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights God's steadfast love during the terrifying judgment of the firstborn of Egypt. This isn't a love that avoids harsh action, but one that acts decisively to rescue His people, demonstrating that even in destruction, God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant is the driving force.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a grand, sweeping recollection of God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history, moving from creation to their deliverance from Egypt. It recounts the devastating plague on Egypt's firstborn, a pivotal moment that finally broke Pharaoh's resistance and led to Israel's freedom. This act, though severe, is presented as an expression of God's "steadfast love" because it was the means by which He rescued His people from slavery.
How can God's 'steadfast love' be connected to the destruction of innocent lives?
This verse is part of a psalm that recounts God's mighty acts for Israel. When we read about God striking down the firstborn of Egypt, it can feel harsh.
However, the psalm consistently repeats that God's 'steadfast love' endures forever. This isn't a contradiction! The original Hebrew word for 'steadfast love' (often translated as mercy or lovingkindness) describes a deep, covenant commitment.
God's judgment on Egypt was a severe act, but it was also a necessary part of His covenant faithfulness to Israel. It was the dramatic rescue of His chosen people from slavery, demonstrating that His love for them was powerful enough to overcome any oppression.
What does the story of Egypt teach us about God's power in action?
The striking down of Egypt's firstborn wasn't just an unfortunate event; it was a decisive display of God's power. It brought a final, undeniable end to Pharaoh's stubborn resistance.
This act, along with the subsequent deliverance of Israel from bondage, highlights God's 'strong hand and outstretched arm.' These phrases paint a picture of God actively intervening in history, bringing His people out of oppression with immense power.
It reminds us that God is not a distant observer but an active participant in the lives of His people, capable of orchestrating salvation even in the midst of judgment.
Understand the original words
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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.
This verse recalls the dramatic exodus from Egypt, a pivotal moment where God's 'steadfast love' was demonstrated through a severe judgment on oppressors and the liberation of His people. It highlights that God's faithfulness, even when expressed through judgment, is for the ultimate deliverance and well-being of His covenant people.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Exodus from Egypt
God liberates the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through a series of ten plagues, culminating in the death of Egypt's firstborn.
c. 1446 BC
Crossing the Red Sea
God miraculously parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's pursuing army, which is then engulfed by the waters.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
The Israelites journey for forty years through the Sinai desert, during which God provides for their needs through miracles.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After the wilderness wandering, the Israelites, led by Joshua, begin their military campaign to take possession of the Promised Land.
This passage directly describes the tenth plague against Egypt, where the Lord struck down every firstborn, fulfilling the event mentioned in Psalms 136:10.
Exodus 12:31-33This passage shows the immediate aftermath of the plague on the firstborn, illustrating the Egyptians' urgent command for Israel to leave, highlighting how God's judgment on Egypt led to Israel's deliverance.
Exodus 14:21-22Here we see the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, an act of God's power and 'steadfast love' that saved Israel from Pharaoh's pursuing army shortly after the plague on the firstborn.
Deuteronomy 7:7-8This passage explains that God did not choose Israel because they were numerous or strong, but out of His great love and faithfulness, providing theological context for His actions, including the striking of Egypt, as acts of covenant love.
Nehemiah 9:9-11In this prayer, the Israelites recount God's deliverance from Egypt, specifically mentioning His looking down from heaven and hearing their cries, directly referencing the exodus and God's intervention.
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 verse highlights God's steadfast love during the terrifying judgment of the firstborn of Egypt. This isn't a love that avoids harsh action, but one that acts decisively to rescue His people, demonstrating that even in destruction, God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant is the driving force.
This psalm is a grand, sweeping recollection of God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history, moving from creation to their deliverance from Egypt. It recounts the devastating plague on Egypt's firstborn, a pivotal moment that finally broke Pharaoh's resistance and led to Israel's freedom. This act, though severe, is presented as an expression of God's "steadfast love" because it was the means by which He rescued His people from slavery.
This psalm is a grand, sweeping recollection of God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history, moving from creation to their deliverance from Egypt. It recounts the devastating plague on Egypt's firstborn, a pivotal moment that finally broke Pharaoh's resistance and led to Israel's freedom. This act, though severe, is presented as an expression of God's "steadfast love" because it was the means by which He rescued His people from slavery.
"to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever;" — The verse highlights God's steadfast love during the terrifying judgment of the firstborn of Egypt. This isn't a love that avoids harsh action, but one that acts decisively to rescue His people, de…
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Last reviewed October 2026