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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 136:17 He struck down great kings His loving devotion endures forever.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/136-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/19_Psa_136_017.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 136:17 - His Loving Faithfulness Endures Forever" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He struck down great kings His loving devotion endures forever." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/136-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/136-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/136.htm">Chapter 136</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/136-16.htm" title="Psalm 136:16">◄</a> Psalm 136:17 <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm" title="Psalm 136:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/136.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/136.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/136.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings. His faithful love endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/136.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/136.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He struck down great kings His loving devotion endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/136.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />To him which smote great kings: for his mercy <i>endureth</i> for ever:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/136.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />To Him who struck down great kings, For His mercy <i>endures</i> forever;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/136.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />To Him who struck great kings, For His faithfulness is everlasting,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/136.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />To Him who smote great kings, For His lovingkindness is everlasting,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/136.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />To Him who smote great kings, For His lovingkindness is everlasting,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/136.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />To Him who struck great kings, For His lovingkindness endures forever,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/136.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />To Him who struck down great kings, For His lovingkindness endures forever;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/136.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He struck down great kings His faithful love endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/136.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He struck down great kings His love is eternal. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/136.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />To him that smote great kings; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/136.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Our God defeated mighty kings. God's love never fails. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/136.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/136.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Give thanks to the one who defeated powerful kings- because his mercy endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/136.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He killed powerful kings; his love is eternal; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/136.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />to the one who struck down great kings, for his gracious love is everlasting—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/136.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He struck down great kings His loving devotion endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/136.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />to the one who struck down great kings, for his loyal love endures, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/136.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />To him who struck great kings; for his loving kindness endures forever;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/136.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />To him who smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/136.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />to him who struck great kings, for his loving kindness endures forever; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/136.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />To Him striking great kings, "" For His kindness [is] for all time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/136.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To Him smiting great kings, For to the age is His kindness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/136.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To him striking great kings: for his mercy is forever.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/136.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/136.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 135:17>He has struck great kings, for his mercy is eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/136.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Who struck down great kings, for his mercy endures forever; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/136.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/136.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />To him who smote great kings; for his mercy endures for ever;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/136.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />To him who struck great Kings, for his mercies are to eternity.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/136.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />To Him that smote great kings; For His mercy endureth for ever;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/136.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />To him who smote great kings: for his mercy <i>endures</i> for ever:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/136-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=17002" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/136.htm">His Loving Faithfulness Endures Forever</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>He led His people through the wilderness. His loving devotion endures forever. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: lə·mak·kêh (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-msc) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">He struck down</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: gə·ḏō·lîm (Adj-mp) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">great</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mə·lā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥas·dōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">His loving devotion</a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: lə·‘ō·w·lām (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. ">endures forever.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>and slaughtered mighty kings—His loving devotion endures forever.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Deuteronomy 7:1-2</a></span><br />When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you— / and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/12-7.htm">Joshua 12:7-24</a></span><br />And these are the kings of the land that Joshua and the Israelites conquered beyond the Jordan to the west, from Baal-gad in the Valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir (according to the allotments to the tribes of Israel, Joshua gave them as an inheritance / the hill country, the foothills, the Arabah, the slopes, the wilderness, and the Negev—the lands of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites): / the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is near Bethel, one; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/1-1.htm">Judges 1:1-4</a></span><br />After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?” / “Judah shall go up,” answered the LORD. “Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.” / Then the men of Judah said to their brothers the Simeonites, “Come up with us to our allotted territory, and let us fight against the Canaanites. And we likewise will go with you to your territory.” So the Simeonites went with them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-47</a></span><br />But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-18.htm">2 Samuel 5:18-25</a></span><br />Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” / So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, the LORD has burst out against my enemies before me.” So he called that place Baal-perazim. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-28.htm">1 Kings 20:28-30</a></span><br />Then the man of God approached the king of Israel and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Arameans have said that the LORD is a god of the hills and not of the valleys, I will deliver all this great army into your hand. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’” / For seven days the armies camped opposite each other, and on the seventh day the battle ensued, and the Israelites struck down the Arameans—a hundred thousand foot soldiers in one day. / The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-35.htm">2 Kings 19:35-37</a></span><br />And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. / One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/18-1.htm">1 Chronicles 18:1-6</a></span><br />Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its villages from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to David and brought him tribute. / As far as Hamath, David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah, who had marched out to establish his dominion along the Euphrates River. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-24.htm">Nehemiah 9:24-25</a></span><br />So their descendants went in and possessed the land; You subdued before them the Canaanites dwelling in the land. You delivered into their hands the kings and peoples of the land, to do with them as they wished. / They captured fortified cities and fertile land and took houses full of all goods, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled; they grew fat and delighted in Your great goodness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-36.htm">Isaiah 37:36-38</a></span><br />Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. / One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/25-9.htm">Jeremiah 25:9-11</a></span><br />behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. / Moreover, I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. / And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/25-14.htm">Ezekiel 25:14</a></span><br />I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-37.htm">Romans 8:37</a></span><br />No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-57.htm">1 Corinthians 15:57</a></span><br />But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endures for ever:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/135-10.htm">Psalm 135:10,11</a></b></br> Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/12-1.htm">Joshua 12:1</a></b></br> Now these <i>are</i> the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/136-16.htm">Age</a> <a href="/psalms/136-16.htm">Endures</a> <a href="/psalms/136-16.htm">Endureth</a> <a href="/psalms/136-16.htm">Everlasting</a> <a href="/psalms/136-16.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/psalms/136-7.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/136-16.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/135-11.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/psalms/136-15.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/psalms/136-15.htm">Loving-Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/136-16.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/psalms/135-10.htm">Overcame</a> <a href="/psalms/136-10.htm">Smiting</a> <a href="/psalms/136-10.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/psalms/136-16.htm">Steadfast</a> <a href="/psalms/136-10.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/psalms/136-16.htm">Unchanging</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/136-19.htm">Age</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Endures</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Endureth</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Everlasting</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/psalms/138-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Loving-Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-21.htm">Overcame</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-6.htm">Smiting</a> <a href="/songs/5-7.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Steadfast</a> <a href="/psalms/143-3.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Unchanging</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 136</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/136-1.htm">An exhortation to give thanks to God for particular mercies.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/136.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/136.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He struck down great kings</b><br>This phrase highlights God's sovereignty and power over earthly rulers, emphasizing His ability to bring down even the most formidable kings. In the biblical context, this refers to God's actions during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, where He defeated kings such as Sihon and Og (<a href="/numbers/21-21.htm">Numbers 21:21-35</a>). These victories were crucial for Israel's conquest and settlement in Canaan. Historically, these events demonstrate God's intervention in history to fulfill His promises to His people. Theologically, it underscores the theme of divine justice and the futility of human pride against God's will. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative where God consistently opposes the proud and exalts the humble (<a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>).<p><b>His loving devotion endures forever</b><br>This phrase is a recurring refrain throughout <a href="/psalms/136.htm">Psalm 136</a>, emphasizing God's steadfast love and faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" is "hesed," which conveys a sense of loyal love, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. This enduring love is a central theme in the Old Testament, reflecting God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His covenant with Israel. It assures believers of God's continual presence and support, regardless of circumstances. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where God's love is ultimately demonstrated through Jesus Christ (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>). The phrase serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of God's love, which is a source of comfort and hope for believers throughout all generations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/great_kings.htm">Great Kings</a></b><br>This refers to the powerful rulers whom God defeated on behalf of Israel. These kings were often seen as invincible by human standards, yet they were overcome by God's might.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, for whom He performed mighty acts, including the defeat of these great kings. Israel's history is marked by God's intervention and protection.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_loving_devotion.htm">God's Loving Devotion</a></b><br>The Hebrew word used here is (chesed), often translated as "lovingkindness" or "steadfast love." It emphasizes God's covenantal faithfulness and mercy towards His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_earthly_powers.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Earthly Powers</a></b><br>God's ability to strike down great kings reminds us of His ultimate authority over all earthly powers. No ruler or government is beyond His control.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_endurance_of_god's_love.htm">The Endurance of God's Love</a></b><br>The repeated refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" assures us of God's unchanging love. In times of uncertainty, we can trust in His steadfast commitment to His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_promises.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Promises</a></b><br>The defeat of these kings was part of God's promise to give Israel the land. This teaches us that God is faithful to His word and will fulfill His promises in His timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/our_response_to_god's_mighty_acts.htm">Our Response to God's Mighty Acts</a></b><br>Recognizing God's power and love should lead us to worship and gratitude. We are called to remember His deeds and proclaim His faithfulness to others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_136.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 136</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_spirit_animal.htm">How does Azariah express faith and repentance in prayer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_sihon,_king_of_the_amorites.htm">Who was Sihon, king of the Amorites?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_eternal_praise_for_a_king_logical.htm">How does Psalm 45's reference to ongoing, eternal praise for a mortal king (Psalm 45:17) make sense in a literal or historical context?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_psalm_80_18_poetic_exaggeration.htm">Psalm 80:18 implies Israel's unwavering devotion once revived; however, biblical accounts frequently show Israel backsliding. Is this consistent, or is it poetic exaggeration?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/136.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">To him which smote great kings</span> (see the comment on Psalm 135:10). <span class="cmt_word">For his mercy</span>, etc. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/136-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He struck down</span><br /><span class="heb">לְ֭מַכֵּה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mak·kêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">great</span><br /><span class="heb">גְּדֹלִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(gə·ḏō·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kings</span><br /><span class="heb">מְלָכִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·lā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His loving devotion</span><br /><span class="heb">חַסְדּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥas·dōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">endures forever.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְעוֹלָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·‘ō·w·lām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5769.htm">Strong's 5769: </a> </span><span class="str2">Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/136-17.htm">Psalm 136:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/136-17.htm">Psalm 136:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/136-17.htm">Psalm 136:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/136-17.htm">Psalm 136:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/136-17.htm">Psalm 136:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/136-17.htm">Psalm 136:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/136-17.htm">Psalm 136:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/136-17.htm">Psalm 136:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/136-17.htm">Psalm 136:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/136-17.htm">Psalm 136:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/136-17.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 136:17 To him who struck great kings (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/136-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 136:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 136:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/136-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 136:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 136:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>