Psalm 136:17

17 Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings. His faithful love 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 but he hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.

16 Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness. His faithful love endures forever.

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

18 He killed powerful kings— His faithful love endures forever.

19 Sihon king of the Amorites, His faithful love endures forever.