Psalm 136:17

17 Give thanks to the one who defeated powerful kings-- because his mercy endures forever.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 136:17 In-Context

15 He swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea-- because his mercy endures forever.

16 Give thanks to the one who led his people through the desert-- because his mercy endures forever.

17 Give thanks to the one who defeated powerful kings-- because his mercy endures forever.

18 He killed mighty kings-- because his mercy endures forever.

19 King Sihon of the Amorites-- because his mercy endures forever.