Psalms 136:10
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Original Language Analysis
לְמַכֵּ֣ה
To him that smote
H5221
לְמַכֵּ֣ה
To him that smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 6
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 78:51And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:Exodus 12:29And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.Psalms 135:8Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.Psalms 105:36He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.Exodus 12:12For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
Historical Context
Psalm 136, the Great Hallel, recounts salvation from creation through providence. Sung at Passover and festivals with antiphonal structure (cantor and congregation), it trained Israel to see history through the lens of God's enduring mercy. Every generation learned their identity through this recitation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does repeatedly saying "his mercy endures forever" after each historical event transform your perspective?
- What events in your life can you recount with the refrain "for his mercy endures forever"?
- How does this psalm challenge viewing history as random versus providentially unfolding divine faithfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for...—Smote Egypt's firstborn - exodus liberation through judgment. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.