Psalms 136:17

17 to him 1who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;

Psalms 136:17 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 136:17

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 later declared.

Psalms 136:17 In-Context

15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;
17 to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;

Cross References 1

  • 1. For ver. 17-22, see Psalms 135:10-12
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.