Psalms 136:17-20
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)
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God's victory over powerful kings wasn't just about their defeat, but about how their defeat served a greater purpose. It was a demonstration of divine mercy, clearing the way for righteousness and justice to flourish where corruption once reigned.
This psalm is a powerful, repetitive recounting of God's faithfulness, celebrated through acts of deliverance both in creation and throughout Israel's history. Immediately before this verse, the psalm has just detailed God's creation of the sun, moon, and stars. Now, it pivots to God's mighty acts of conquest, highlighting his power to defeat even the strongest earthly rulers on behalf of His people, a theme that continues by naming specific kings like Sihon and Og.
Ever wonder if God truly intervenes in human affairs? This verse points to His powerful actions against earthly rulers.
Psalms 136 is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty. In this verse, the psalmist highlights God's might by recounting how He 'struck down great kings.' This wasn't just any defeat; these were powerful rulers, described as 'great' and 'famous' in the surrounding verses. The context here, especially recalling the conquest of Sihon and Og (mentioned explicitly in verses 19-20), shows God actively dispossessing these kings and giving their land as an inheritance to His people, Israel. This act wasn't just about military victory; it was about God establishing His covenant people and bringing about His redemptive purposes, even through the removal of wicked opposition.
The most amazing part of God's mighty acts? It's not power for power's sake, but love driving it all.
The refrain 'for his steadfast love endures forever' is the heartbeat of Psalm 136. It's repeated after every declaration of God's mighty deeds, including the smiting of kings. This tells us that God’s actions, even the seemingly harsh ones like defeating powerful enemies, are rooted in His eternal, unchanging love. This isn't a love that waits for us to be worthy; it's a love that actively intervenes for His people. The commentators highlight that this 'mercy' (often translated from the same Hebrew root as steadfast love) was the motivation for saving Israel, preserving them, and giving them a land. It's a love that is both covenantal and active, working for the good of His chosen people.
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 God's powerful interventions in Israel's history, particularly the decisive victories over powerful Canaanite kings like Sihon and Og, which secured their land. It frames these acts not just as military triumphs, but as demonstrations of God's enduring covenant love and faithfulness for His people.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Israelites Conquer Canaanite Kings
After wandering in the desert for 40 years, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, began their conquest of the Promised Land, defeating numerous kings and their armies.
c. 1300 BC
The Judges Period Begins
Following Joshua's death, Israel entered a period where they were governed by judges. This era saw ongoing struggles and victories against neighboring peoples, often involving significant battles.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy Established
Saul, David, and Solomon ruled as kings over a unified Israel. This period included significant military campaigns and consolidations of power, expanding Israel's influence.
This passage lists the kings defeated by Israel, directly connecting to the 'great kings' struck down in Psalm 136, highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing His people into their promised land.
Deuteronomy 7:1-2This passage describes God's command to drive out larger and mightier nations, echoing the 'great kings' mentioned and showing the divine purpose behind such judgments for the sake of His people.
Exodus 14:14This verse states 'The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be silent,' which powerfully relates to God striking down kings, demonstrating that ultimate victory comes from Him, not human might.
Romans 8:37This New Testament passage declares that nothing can separate believers from God's love, which powerfully parallels the 'steadfast love endures forever' refrain, even in the face of overwhelming opposition and judgment.
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…
God's victory over powerful kings wasn't just about their defeat, but about how their defeat served a greater purpose. It was a demonstration of divine mercy, clearing the way for righteousness and justice to flourish where corruption once reigned.
This psalm is a powerful, repetitive recounting of God's faithfulness, celebrated through acts of deliverance both in creation and throughout Israel's history. Immediately before this verse, the psalm has just detailed God's creation of the sun, moon, and stars. Now, it pivots to God's mighty acts of conquest, highlighting his power to defeat even the strongest earthly rulers on behalf of His people, a theme that continues by naming specific kings like Sihon and Og.
This psalm is a powerful, repetitive recounting of God's faithfulness, celebrated through acts of deliverance both in creation and throughout Israel's history. Immediately before this verse, the psalm has just detailed God's creation of the sun, moon, and stars. Now, it pivots to God's mighty acts of conquest, highlighting his power to defeat even the strongest earthly rulers on behalf of His people, a theme that continues by naming specific kings like Sihon and Og.
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"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…" — God's victory over powerful kings wasn't just about their defeat, but about how their defeat served a greater purpose. It was a demonstration of divine mercy, clearing the way for righteousness and j…
