Psalms 136:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 136:10 mean?

Psalms 136:10 recalls how God struck down the firstborn sons of Egypt, highlighting this act as a sign of God’s enduring mercy. The verse points to a specific moment in Israel’s history when God intervened powerfully on their behalf during their deliverance from slavery.

The psalm is a song of thanks, likely led by a worship leader with the people responding, celebrating God’s actions in Israel’s past. This verse refers to the tenth plague in Egypt, when God acted decisively to free the Israelites. The repeated phrase “for his mercy endureth for ever” ties this act of judgment to God’s faithful love for his people, showing that even severe actions were part of his commitment to rescue and care for them.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 136:10

• "smote" (נָכָה, nākhāh): This word means to strike or hit, often with the sense of a decisive or powerful blow. Here, it emphasizes the seriousness and finality of God’s action against Egypt.
• "firstborn" (בְּכוֹר, bĕkhōr): This term refers to the eldest child, who held special status in ancient families. The focus on the firstborn underlines the depth of the judgment on Egypt.
• "mercy" (חֶסֶד, chesed): Often translated as steadfast love, loyal love, or lovingkindness, this word points to God’s faithful, covenant-keeping care for his people. The verse connects God’s mercy directly to his acts in history.
• "ever" (עוֹלָם, ‘olam): This word means forever or everlasting, stressing that God’s mercy is not temporary or fleeting, but ongoing and unending.

Why Psalms 136:10 matters

• The verse clarifies that God’s acts of judgment in history were not random or cruel, but were tied to his enduring commitment to his people.
• It highlights the pattern in Psalms 136 of connecting specific historical events to the larger theme of God’s lasting mercy, helping readers see God’s character through his actions.
• By recalling the firstborn of Egypt, the verse anchors Israel’s identity in a concrete event, reminding them (and readers) that their freedom was the result of God’s powerful intervention and steadfast love.