Psalms 136:10
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psalms 136:10 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 136 is a thanksgiving psalm, often called the Great Hallel, that calls Israel to praise God for His enduring mercy. Each line ends with the same refrain, “for his mercy endureth for ever,” which ties every act of God to His faithful love. This verse points back to the tenth plague in Egypt, when God struck down every firstborn in the land but spared the Israelites through the blood of the Passover lamb.
In Exodus, God had told Pharaoh to let His people go, but Pharaoh refused. The death of Egypt’s firstborn was the final and most severe judgment, breaking Pharaoh’s resistance and forcing him to release Israel. This event was not random anger; it was a direct response to Egypt’s oppression of God’s firstborn son, Israel (Exodus 4:22). God’s power over the most cherished and protected of Egypt showed that no earthly force could stand against Him.
Meaning
The word “smote” means to strike with force. Here it describes God’s decisive action against Egypt. The verse acknowledges both God’s justice and His mercy. He judged Egypt for its cruelty, yet He spared His own people. The repeated refrain reminds us that even in judgment, God’s mercy remains constant and available to those who trust Him.
This mercy is not weak or passive. It is the foundation of God’s mighty acts in history. His deliverance of Israel from slavery demonstrates that His love is active and powerful. The same God who judged Egypt also led His people through the Red Sea and into freedom.
Biblical connections
The Passover lamb in Exodus points forward to Christ, who is called the Lamb of God. Just as the blood of the lamb spared Israel from death, Christ’s sacrifice spares believers from judgment. This connection shows that God’s mercy in the Old Testament and the New Testament flows from the same faithful character.
Application
This verse teaches us to trust God’s power and mercy in our own lives. He is righteous and will ultimately deal with evil and injustice. At the same time, His mercy is available to all who seek His forgiveness, no matter how grave their sins. Just as He delivered Israel from bondage, He can deliver us from our trials.
God’s justice assures us that evil will not have the final word.
God’s mercy invites us to repent and receive His forgiveness.
God’s power encourages us to trust Him with every challenge we face.
Reflection
How does knowing that God is both just and merciful change the way you see His character? In what ways have you experienced His mercy? How can you trust Him more fully in your current circumstances, remembering that His mercy endures forever?
