Psalm 136:17-22
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The phrase "great kings" isn't just about immense power, but often refers to those who posed a significant threat to God's people and His plans. Their defeat, therefore, wasn't just a display of God's might, but a demonstration of His unwavering faithfulness in delivering His people from overwhelming opposition.
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; and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever; a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a powerful reminder of God's enduring love, recalling His mighty acts throughout history. Before this verse, it lists God's creation wonders and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This particular line focuses on God striking down powerful kings, specifically Sihon and Og, as the verses immediately following reveal. This act secured the land of Canaan for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness and power to protect and provide.
When God 'strikes down great kings,' it's not random violence. It's a powerful act rooted in His justice and love.
Psalm 136 is a powerful reminder that God intervenes in human history, not just for grand cosmic events, but through decisive actions against powerful earthly rulers.
A Purposeful Strike
The text specifically mentions 'great kings.' These weren't just any rulers; they were kings who likely oppressed God's people or stood in opposition to His will. Their defeat wasn't arbitrary but a demonstration of God's justice.
Mercy in Judgment
While this might sound harsh, the commentary points out that removing wicked rulers can be an act of mercy – not just for the oppressed, but for the world. It makes way for righteousness and prevents further suffering. The land these kings ruled was then given to Israel, allowing it to be used for God's purposes instead of wickedness.
The 'Why' Behind It All
Every instance of God's judgment or intervention, even against powerful nations, is framed by the assurance: 'for his steadfast love endures forever.' This means His ultimate goal, even in judgment, is tied to His enduring love and redemptive plan.
The phrase 'for his steadfast love endures forever' repeats twenty-six times in this Psalm. What makes this concept so central?
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This Psalm isn't just a historical recap; it's a theological anthem. The constant repetition of 'for his steadfast love endures forever' isn't accidental. It's the key that unlocks the meaning of all the events described.
The Unchanging Core
'Steadfast love' is a rich biblical concept, often translated from the Hebrew word that signifies a deep, covenantal, loyal kindness. It's God's unwavering commitment to His people, even when they falter.
Love Through Everything
From creation to the Exodus, from smiting kings to providing daily bread, every act mentioned in the Psalm – whether seemingly harsh or incredibly kind – is presented as flowing from this same, unchanging source of love.
Hope for Today
This isn't just ancient history. It’s a declaration that God’s character hasn’t changed. His love is the constant we can anchor ourselves to, regardless of the circumstances we face. It assures us that His actions are always motivated by this enduring commitment.
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.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
The portion, possession, or inheritance assigned to a person or people, often referring to the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham. It signifies a divine gift and a secure place of blessing within God's covenantal arrangements.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A divine attribute describing God’s faithful, loyal, and covenant-keeping devotion. It is a persistent, unconditional, and merciful commitment to His people, rooted in His unchanging character rather than the worthiness of the recipient.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of the descendants of Jacob, chosen by God to be His people. It signifies the community of the faithful who have entered into a special, set-apart relationship with Yahweh through divine election.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
One who serves Yahweh, often used of prophets, kings, or the entire nation, implying humble submission to God’s authority and purpose. It denotes a person whose life and actions are dedicated to the worship and will of the Lord.
The 'great kings' struck down here are specifically Sihon and Og, whose defeat paved the way for Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land, demonstrating God's powerful intervention and enduring love.
c. 1440-1400 BC
Israel's Wilderness Wanderings
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, encountering various peoples and facing challenges.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Conquest of Transjordan
Led by Moses, the Israelites defeated two prominent Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, in the territory east of the Jordan River.
c. 1400 BC
Division of Land East of Jordan
The conquered lands of Sihon and Og were given as an inheritance to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
c. 1400-1360 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and began the military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan.
c. 1360-1050 BC
Period of the Judges
Following the conquest, Israel entered a period where they were governed by judges, with recurring cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance.
This passage details the Israelites' victory over Sihon and Og, great kings whose defeat is explicitly mentioned in this Psalm, showing God's powerful deliverance of His people.
Joshua 12:7-24This chapter lists the kings defeated by the Israelites, including Sihon and Og, mirroring the historical events that Psalm 136 is celebrating and reinforcing God's faithfulness.
Deuteronomy 7:1-2This passage describes God's command to drive out nations and kings before Israel, highlighting the divine intervention and judgment involved in securing the promised land, which is echoed in the Psalm's statement.
Exodus 14:14While this verse speaks of God fighting for Israel at the Red Sea, it connects to the broader theme of God's powerful actions against oppressors and kings, demonstrating His steadfast love through deliverance.
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…
The phrase "great kings" isn't just about immense power, but often refers to those who posed a significant threat to God's people and His plans. Their defeat, therefore, wasn't just a display of God's might, but a demonstration of His unwavering faithfulness in delivering His people from overwhelming opposition.
This psalm is a powerful reminder of God's enduring love, recalling His mighty acts throughout history. Before this verse, it lists God's creation wonders and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This particular line focuses on God striking down powerful kings, specifically Sihon and Og, as the verses immediately following reveal. This act secured the land of Canaan for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness and power to protect and provide.
This psalm is a powerful reminder of God's enduring love, recalling His mighty acts throughout history. Before this verse, it lists God's creation wonders and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This particular line focuses on God striking down powerful kings, specifically Sihon and Og, as the verses immediately following reveal. This act secured the land of Canaan for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness and power to protect and provide.
"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…" — The phrase "great kings" isn't just about immense power, but often refers to those who posed a significant threat to God's people and His plans. Their defeat, therefore, wasn't just a display of God'…
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Last reviewed October 2026
