God decisively demonstrates His sovereign power by overcoming formidable adversaries on behalf of His people.
He smote many nations And slew mighty kings (v.10). In this verse, the psalmist recounts how the LORD demonstrated His unmatched dominion by defeating numerous nations throughout Israel’s history (Psalm 135:10). The word “smote” expresses Divine retribution—God actively intervened to execute justice on behalf of His people. This echoes the biblical storyline of Israel’s deliverance from their enemies, such as when God gave them victory over the inhabitants of Canaan in the days of Joshua (Joshua 12:7-24). Each triumph signified not only Israel’s victory but also the holiness and sovereignty of the LORD, who guides and protects those who trust in Him.
The psalmist’s focus on “mighty kings” underscores that no earthly power can stand indefinitely against God’s plan. Historically, these might allude to kings east of the Jordan, like King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan, who ruled during the time of Moses (Numbers 21:21-35). Moses, who lived c. 1526-1406 BC, led Israel during the exodus from Egypt and paved the way for these significant military victories. These accounts remind believers that whether the opposition is a single ruler or entire nations, the LORD’s authority surpasses that of any human or political institution.
By emphasizing God’s mighty acts, this verse encourages devotion and gratitude to the One who repeatedly displayed His power to secure the future He promised Israel. The psalmist invites us to look beyond human limitations and recognize that the LORD’s faithfulness in the past continues to have implications for our present. In the New Testament, Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and death parallels these mighty demonstrations of God’s power, showing that every foe—even death—falls beneath the LORD’s will (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
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Psalms 135:10 meaning
He smote many nations And slew mighty kings (v.10). In this verse, the psalmist recounts how the LORD demonstrated His unmatched dominion by defeating numerous nations throughout Israel’s history (Psalm 135:10). The word “smote” expresses Divine retribution—God actively intervened to execute justice on behalf of His people. This echoes the biblical storyline of Israel’s deliverance from their enemies, such as when God gave them victory over the inhabitants of Canaan in the days of Joshua (Joshua 12:7-24). Each triumph signified not only Israel’s victory but also the holiness and sovereignty of the LORD, who guides and protects those who trust in Him.
The psalmist’s focus on “mighty kings” underscores that no earthly power can stand indefinitely against God’s plan. Historically, these might allude to kings east of the Jordan, like King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan, who ruled during the time of Moses (Numbers 21:21-35). Moses, who lived c. 1526-1406 BC, led Israel during the exodus from Egypt and paved the way for these significant military victories. These accounts remind believers that whether the opposition is a single ruler or entire nations, the LORD’s authority surpasses that of any human or political institution.
By emphasizing God’s mighty acts, this verse encourages devotion and gratitude to the One who repeatedly displayed His power to secure the future He promised Israel. The psalmist invites us to look beyond human limitations and recognize that the LORD’s faithfulness in the past continues to have implications for our present. In the New Testament, Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and death parallels these mighty demonstrations of God’s power, showing that every foe—even death—falls beneath the LORD’s will (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).