to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
The Psalmist drums home a hard truth: unless we labor in God's praises, we rob Him of what is justly His due for His benefits. Every benefit He names draws our eye to His mercy, to teach us that everything we possess comes to us freely, by His grace alone, not by our desert.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 136:1-26
To him which smote great kings. Within sight of their inheritance Israel had to face powerful enemies. Kings judged to be great because of the armies at their back blocked up their road. This difficulty soon disappeared, for the Lord smote their adversaries, and a single stroke sufficed for their destruction.
God singled out the death of the firstborn among all Egypt's plagues because it was the conquering blow. With a strong hand stretched out, He distinguished Israel from the Egyptians and brought them out; that same Red Sea became a path for His people and a grave for Pharaoh's host.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 136:10-22