Psalms 135:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 135:10 mean?

Psalms 135:10 recalls how God struck down powerful nations and killed mighty kings in the past. The verse highlights God's power and the way He acted decisively on behalf of His people.

The psalmist is speaking to the gathered people of Israel, reminding them of their history and God’s actions during the time when Israel was entering the Promised Land. This verse is part of a section that lists God’s mighty deeds, especially His victories over nations and kings who opposed Israel, showing that God’s authority is greater than any earthly ruler.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 135:10

• "smote" (נָכָה, nākhāh): This word means to strike or defeat, often with the sense of a decisive blow. Here, it emphasizes God’s active role in overcoming Israel’s enemies.
• "great" (רַבִּים, rabbîm): This word means "many" or "great" in size or importance. It underlines that the nations defeated were not minor powers, but significant ones.
• "nations" (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This word refers to peoples or nations, often those outside Israel. The verse points to God’s actions against multiple foreign groups.
• "slew" (הָרַג, hārag): This word means to kill or slay. It makes clear that God’s intervention was direct and resulted in the defeat of these kings.
• "mighty" (עָצוּם, atzum): This word means strong or powerful. It stresses that the kings defeated by God were not weak, but formidable leaders.
• "kings" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): This is the standard word for "king." The verse’s focus on kings shows that God’s power extends even over the highest rulers.

Why Psalms 135:10 matters

• This verse reminds readers that God’s power is not limited by human strength or political power; He can overcome even the greatest nations and rulers.
• It connects the worship of God to real historical events, grounding faith in what God has actually done for His people.
• By recalling specific acts of deliverance, the psalm encourages trust in God’s ongoing ability to protect and lead His people, even when facing powerful opposition.