Psalm 136 17

Psalm 136:17 kjv

To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Psalm 136:17 nkjv

To Him who struck down great kings, For His mercy endures forever;

Psalm 136:17 niv

to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:17 esv

to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;

Psalm 136:17 nlt

Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings.
? His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 136 verses

Psalm 136 17 Meaning

Psalm 136:17 declares God's mighty power in overthrowing powerful earthly rulers, a direct intervention demonstrating His unmatched authority. This act of judgment and conquest is simultaneously attributed to and motivated by His unchanging, faithful, and enduring covenantal love (hesed) towards His people. It affirms that God's actions, even those of forceful judgment, flow from His character of benevolent faithfulness, ensuring the security and blessing of His chosen ones.

Psalm 136 17 Context

Psalm 136 is a hymn of thanksgiving, often called "The Great Hallel," which was likely used in Israel's temple liturgy and during festivals like Passover. It uniquely repeats the refrain "for His steadfast love endures forever" (Hebrew: ki l'olam hasdo) twenty-six times after each declaration of God's mighty acts. The psalm recounts God's benevolent acts of creation (vv. 4-9), liberation (vv. 10-15), guidance in the wilderness (v. 16), conquest (vv. 17-22), and provision (vv. 23-26). Within this narrative, verse 17 specifically transitions from the Exodus to the journey towards the Promised Land, highlighting God's power in clearing the way for His people by overcoming significant obstacles—represented by powerful kings who blocked their path. This served as a historical reminder to Israel that their existence and security were solely dependent on Yahweh's unfailing power and loyalty, contrasting Him with the perceived might of surrounding earthly rulers and their false deities.

Psalm 136 17 Word analysis

• To Him who smote: (Hebrew: הִמַּ֣כֵּה himakkêh). This is a participle form from the root נכה (nakah), meaning "to strike, smite, attack, defeat." The participle emphasizes the continuous nature or characteristic action of God. It signifies a forceful, decisive, and destructive blow, not merely a minor conflict but an overwhelming defeat. In this context, it implies divine judgment and conquest, highlighting God's absolute power over even the most formidable human opposition. This action demonstrates God as the true, irresistible warrior, greater than any earthly force or supposed deity.
• great kings: (Hebrew: מְלָכִ֣ים גְּדֹלִ֑ים mělāḵîm gěḏōlîm). "Kings" (melakim) signifies human rulers, and "great" (gedolim) emphasizes their prominence, power, and likely their large armies or extensive territories. In the immediate context (Ps 136:19-20), these are specifically Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. Both were formidable opponents known for their strength and territorial control. By defeating such "great kings," God asserts His sovereignty over all human authority and demonstrates that no power on earth can thwart His plans or oppress His chosen people indefinitely. This serves as a polemic against the prevalent ancient Near Eastern view of kings as semi-divine or divinely protected figures; Yahweh proves superior.
• for His steadfast love: (Hebrew: חֶ֣סֶד ḥeseḏ). This foundational theological term encapsulates God's covenant loyalty, enduring faithfulness, unfailing love, and compassionate kindness. It is not mere affection but a persistent commitment rooted in His covenant promises and character. Even acts of judgment, like defeating kings, are seen through the lens of hesed—they are necessary to uphold His covenant with Israel, to protect His people, and to fulfill His promises to them, ultimately displaying His unwavering commitment.
• endures forever: (Hebrew: לְעוֹלָ֣ם ləʿôlām). This phrase emphasizes the eternal, perpetual, and unchanging nature of God's hesed. It signifies that His loyal love is not temporary or conditional upon human performance but flows from His own divine nature. No situation or generation can exhaust it. The repeated assertion throughout Psalm 136 assures the worshipers that God's powerful acts of deliverance and judgment are always consistently motivated by and lead back to His immutable, eternal faithfulness towards His covenant people. This declaration anchors every historical act of God in His eternal character.

Psalm 136 17 Bonus section

The repetitive call-and-response nature of Psalm 136 ("For His steadfast love endures forever") served a pedagogical and reinforcing purpose for the worshiping community. Each declaration of God's mighty acts (including smiting kings) was immediately affirmed by the assembly as an expression of God's enduring hesed. This liturgy helped internalize the profound truth that even acts of severe judgment and war by God are ultimately rooted in and demonstrations of His unfailing covenantal love for His people, aimed at their salvation and prosperity. It transformed potentially frightening historical events into expressions of divine faithfulness, solidifying trust in God's character and providence throughout all circumstances.

Psalm 136 17 Commentary

Psalm 136:17 presents God as the supreme and active King who exercises His irresistible power to secure His people's well-being. The "great kings" here refer historically to rulers like Sihon and Og, whose defeat (specified in verses 19-20) was essential for Israel's entry into the Promised Land. This was not a passive observation of historical events but God's direct, purposeful, and powerful intervention to "smite" them, signifying total victory. The crucial addition "for His steadfast love endures forever" profoundly qualifies this act of judgment. It means God's power is never arbitrary or merely for display; it is always in service of His unchanging, covenantal commitment to His people. His conquest of kings demonstrates that His love actively defends, protects, and provides. This teaches believers that God's sovereignty is perpetually benevolent and His power is always deployed consistent with His loving character, guaranteeing their deliverance from all threats and their inheritance of His blessings. It encourages trust that whatever "great kings" or obstacles stand in one's path, God's enduring hesed will bring forth victory.