What is the meaning of Psalm 135:10? He struck down • Scripture presents God as personally active in battle, not a distant observer. Psalm 136:17 echoes the same truth: “He struck down great kings—His loving devotion endures forever.” • The verbs are literal, recording historical acts such as the fall of Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 14:27-28) and the victories recorded in Joshua 10:42. • These actions reveal His unmatched sovereignty; when He intervenes, no force can stand (2 Chronicles 20:29). many nations • “Many” reminds us that His power was displayed repeatedly—Canaan’s seven nations were “larger and stronger” than Israel (Deuteronomy 7:1). • Acts 13:19 summarizes the conquest centuries later: “He destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan and gave their land to His people as an inheritance.” • Whether Hittites, Amorites, or Perizzites, every people group fell under the same righteous standard and judgment of God (Psalm 44:2-3). and slaughtered • The word underscores total, decisive victory. God’s judgments are never partial; He finishes what He starts (Psalm 46:9). • 2 Kings 19:35 gives a vivid parallel: “That night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians.” • These acts of judgment also protect and preserve His covenant people (Deuteronomy 32:39). mighty kings • Scripture names some of these kings immediately in Psalm 135:11: “Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan.” • Numbers 21:24, 35 records their downfall, showing that stature or military strength cannot shield anyone from divine justice. • Joshua 12 lists thirty-one defeated kings, underscoring the breadth of God’s conquest and His faithfulness to Israel’s inheritance promise (Genesis 15:18-21). summary The verse celebrates God’s literal, historical victories: He Himself struck, not by proxy; He overcame many nations, displaying unmatched reach; He slaughtered completely, leaving no doubt; and He toppled mighty kings, proving that no earthly power can stand against Him. Psalm 135:10 therefore invites believers to trust this same sovereign, covenant-keeping God in every generation. |
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