Psalm 136:17-20
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This verse highlights that even in acts of judgment like striking down powerful kings, God's enduring love is the motivation. It wasn't just about winning battles, but about demonstrating His steadfast faithfulness to His people by removing obstacles and securing their future.
to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever; and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a powerful recounting of God's mighty acts, specifically focusing on His unfailing love for Israel. It moves from creation to the Exodus, celebrating God's deliverance and provision. This verse highlights God's decisive victory over powerful enemies, like Sihon and Og, paving the way for His people's inheritance.
Have you ever wondered why God allows powerful, wicked leaders to fall? This verse points to a profound truth about God's justice.
The psalmist declares that God struck down mighty kings. This wasn't random violence, but a demonstration of divine justice.
A Necessary Judgment
Commentators like Barnes suggest that removing wicked rulers is an act of benevolence for humanity and God's people. When kings promote crime, ambition, and idolatry, their removal can pave the way for righteousness and peace.
A Foundation for God's People
Gill highlights that these victories were merciful acts for Israel. By defeating these kings, God protected His people and secured their inheritance. This shows that even in judgment, God's ultimate goal is the well-being of those who follow Him.
Every victory in the Bible, especially those involving conflict, is ultimately rooted in something unchanging and beautiful. What is it?
The refrain, 'for his steadfast love endures forever,' is the heart of Psalm 136. It's repeated after every declaration of God's mighty acts, including the smiting of kings.
Love Behind the Judgment
Calvin notes that even in judgment, God's actions are expressions of His enduring love, especially towards His chosen people. The destruction of enemies wasn't for God's pleasure, but a necessary step to protect and bless Israel.
An Everlasting Promise
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This phrase, often translated as 'lovingkindness' or 'mercy,' speaks to God's persistent, covenantal faithfulness. Henry reminds us that these historical acts of deliverance were types and figures pointing to the eternal redemption we find through Christ. The victory over Sihon and Og was a tangible sign of a love that never fails, a love that ultimately secures our eternal heritage.
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term for a ruler or monarch. In a theological sense, it often denotes human authority that stands in opposition to the sovereignty of God, whose kingdom is eternal and supreme.
Emori · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the ancient people groups inhabiting Canaan before the Israelite conquest. They were often identified as idolaters who stood in the way of God’s plan for His people.
Bashan · Hebrew Noun
The northern region of Transjordan known for its fertility and strategic military importance. It was the territory ruled by King Og, conquered by Israel as part of their inheritance from God.
This verse recalls the decisive victories God granted Israel in conquering the land of Canaan. It wasn't just about removing enemies, but about God's faithful love in bringing His people into their inheritance.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and forty years in the wilderness, they began their conquest of the Promised Land. This involved defeating numerous kings and kingdoms.
c. 1400 BC
Sihon, King of the Amorites, Defeated
Before reaching Canaan, the Israelites defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, who had taken territory from the Moabites. This victory was a significant prelude to the main conquest.
c. 1400 BC
Og, King of Bashan, Defeated
Shortly after defeating Sihon, the Israelites also conquered Og, king of Bashan, a land east of the Jordan River. These victories secured key territories before the full invasion of Canaan.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Victory over Canaanite Kings
The conquest of Canaan itself involved defeating many kings, such as those in the southern campaign led by Joshua (e.g., the king of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon).
c. 1380 BC
Land Divided Among Tribes
After the major military campaigns, the land of Canaan was systematically divided by lot among the twelve tribes of Israel, providing them with an inheritance.
This passage lists the defeated kings of Canaan, detailing the 'great kings' whose lands were conquered by Israel under God's might, directly illustrating the verse's historical context.
Numbers 21:21-35This passage recounts Israel's victory over Sihon and Og, two specific 'great kings' mentioned in later verses of Psalm 136, demonstrating God's powerful intervention in battle.
Deuteronomy 7:1-2This passage highlights God's intent to drive out nations and their kings before Israel, reinforcing the idea that the defeat of these great kings was a divine act of deliverance and promise fulfillment.
Romans 8:37This New Testament passage speaks of believers being more than conquerors through Christ, echoing the theme of God's ultimate victory over opposing powers, which is a spiritual parallel to the historical victories mentioned in the psalm.
barnesPsalms 136:17: "To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
To him which smote great kings - On this passage see the notes at Psalm 135:10-12 . There is little difference in the two places, except that here the statement is divided by the refrain, "For his mercy endureth forever." The idea in the whole passage, in view of the divine interposition in slaying the mighty kings, and in giving their land for a possession to the Hebrew people, is, that it was a proof of mercy an…
gillPsalms 136:17: "To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
To him which smote great kings,.... Either the thirty one kings in the land of Canaan; or those who are after particularly mentioned; which seems best, since the kings of Canaan were petty kings, when these were greater ones; for his mercy endureth for ever; the smiting of those kings were in mercy to Israel; both to preserve them from falling into their hands, and that they might possess their countries, as is la…
This verse highlights that even in acts of judgment like striking down powerful kings, God's enduring love is the motivation. It wasn't just about winning battles, but about demonstrating His steadfast faithfulness to His people by removing obstacles and securing their future.
This psalm is a powerful recounting of God's mighty acts, specifically focusing on His unfailing love for Israel. It moves from creation to the Exodus, celebrating God's deliverance and provision. This verse highlights God's decisive victory over powerful enemies, like Sihon and Og, paving the way for His people's inheritance.
This psalm is a powerful recounting of God's mighty acts, specifically focusing on His unfailing love for Israel. It moves from creation to the Exodus, celebrating God's deliverance and provision. This verse highlights God's decisive victory over powerful enemies, like Sihon and Og, paving the way for His people's inheritance.
"to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever; and O…" — This verse highlights that even in acts of judgment like striking down powerful kings, God's enduring love is the motivation. It wasn't just about winning battles, but about demonstrating His steadfa…
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Last reviewed October 2026
