Psalms 136:17

To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for euer. Psalms 136:17 (KJV)

Psalm 136 is a litany of thanksgiving that celebrates God’s mighty deeds throughout history. Each of its twenty‑one verses concludes with the refrain, “for his mercy endureth forever,” a constant reminder of the steadfast and unending love of the Creator. Verse 17 focuses specifically on God’s power over great earthly rulers. In the Exodus narrative this refers to the defeat of the mighty king of Egypt, whose oppression of Israel was shattered by the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. The psalmist also alludes to later victories over the kings of the Amorite and Bashan territories—Sihon and Og—recorded in Numbers 21:21‑35 and Deuteronomy 2:24‑3:11, when Israel entered the promised land. These historical victories illustrate that no human authority can stand against the will of God.

The verse therefore underscores God’s absolute sovereignty. By striking down powerful monarchs, He demonstrates that His authority surpasses every earthly throne and that His purposes are fulfilled according to divine intent. The repeated refrain, “for his mercy endureth forever,” reinforces the truth that God’s actions are not arbitrary or driven by human whims, but are rooted in His enduring compassion for His creation. This enduring mercy provides believers with confidence that the same God who humbled the great kings of the past continues to act lovingly and faithfully toward His people today.

Consequently, the congregation is invited to reflect on how this ancient testimony speaks to our present lives. When we encounter authority that seems oppressive or circumstances that feel insurmountable, we can recall that the same God who smote the great kings of Egypt, Sihon, and Og remains active. His mercy, which endures forever, assures us that His loving purpose will ultimately prevail.