Psalms 136:17

17 To him who smote great kings: for his mercy endures for ever.

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 mercy endures for ever.
16 To him who led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endures for ever.
17 To him who smote great kings: for his mercy endures for ever.
18 And slew powerful kings: for his mercy endures for ever,
19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endures for ever:
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010