Psalm 136:10
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever.
He struck down
This phrase refers to a decisive and powerful action taken by God. The Hebrew root word here is "נָכָה" (nakah), which means to strike, smite, or defeat. This action is not arbitrary but is a demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice. In the context of the Exodus narrative, it signifies God's intervention to liberate His people from bondage. The act of striking down the firstborn was a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods and a demonstration of God's supremacy over all false deities. It serves as a reminder of God's power to deliver His people and execute judgment against oppressors.

the firstborn of Egypt
The firstborn in ancient cultures, including Egypt, held a place of prominence and inheritance. The Hebrew word "בְּכוֹר" (bekhor) signifies the eldest son, who was often seen as the future leader of the family or nation. The striking down of the firstborn was a profound judgment against Egypt, symbolizing the dismantling of their future and strength. Historically, this event is recorded in the book of Exodus as the final plague that compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites. It underscores the seriousness of defying God's commands and the lengths to which God will go to fulfill His promises to His people.

His loving devotion endures forever
This phrase is a recurring refrain throughout Psalm 136, emphasizing the steadfast and eternal nature of God's love. The Hebrew word "חֶסֶד" (chesed) is often translated as lovingkindness, mercy, or steadfast love. It conveys a sense of loyalty and covenantal faithfulness. Despite the severity of the judgment on Egypt, this phrase reassures believers of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It highlights the dual aspects of God's character: His justice in dealing with sin and His mercy in preserving and caring for His chosen ones. This enduring loving devotion is a source of hope and encouragement, reminding believers that God's love is not fleeting but is a constant and eternal reality.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the deliverer of Israel, demonstrating His power and justice.

2. Egypt
The nation that held the Israelites in bondage, representing oppression and opposition to God's people.

3. The Firstborn of Egypt
Refers to the final and most devastating plague that God sent upon Egypt, leading to the release of the Israelites from slavery.

4. Israelites
The people of God who were enslaved in Egypt and were delivered through God's mighty acts.

5. Passover
The event commemorating the sparing of the Israelite firstborn and the deliverance from Egypt, which is central to understanding this verse.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's actions in Egypt demonstrate His sovereign power over nations and His commitment to justice. He acts decisively against oppression and injustice.

The Enduring Nature of God's Love
The refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" emphasizes that God's acts of judgment are also acts of love for His people, ensuring their freedom and well-being.

Deliverance and Redemption
The deliverance from Egypt is a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption through Christ. Just as God delivered Israel, He delivers us from sin through Jesus.

The Importance of Remembrance
The repeated refrain in Psalm 136 encourages believers to remember and recount God's past faithfulness as a foundation for trust in His future promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the event of the firstborn being struck down in Egypt demonstrate both God's justice and His mercy?

2. In what ways does the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt parallel the salvation we receive through Jesus Christ?

3. How can the refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" impact our understanding of God's character in times of personal trial?

4. What are some modern-day "Egypts" or forms of bondage from which we need God's deliverance, and how can we apply the lessons from this passage to seek freedom?

5. How can we incorporate the practice of remembrance, as seen in Psalm 136, into our daily spiritual lives to strengthen our faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
This chapter details the events of the Passover and the striking down of the Egyptian firstborn, providing the historical context for Psalm 136:10.

Hebrews 11:28
This verse highlights the faith of Moses in instituting the Passover, connecting the Old Testament event to New Testament teachings on faith.

1 Corinthians 5:7
Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a parallel between the deliverance from Egypt and salvation through Jesus.
A Song, a Solace, a Sermon, and a SummonsPsalm 136:1-26
Does His Mercy Endure Forever?S. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
God's Goodness and MercyR. Harris, D. D.Psalm 136:1-26
Repetitions Many, But not VainS. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
The Church's AntiphonS. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
The Duty of Praise and ThanksgivingH. Bonar, D. D.Psalm 136:1-26
The Eternity or God's GoodnessHomilistPsalm 136:1-26
God's Judgments are Two-SidedR. Tuck Psalm 136:10, 11
From Egypt to CanaanS. Conway Psalm 136:10-25
People
Amorites, Egyptians, Og, Pharaoh, Psalmist, Sihon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Age, Death, Egypt, Egyptian, Egyptians, Endures, Endureth, Everlasting, Firstborn, First-born, First-fruits, Forever, Kindness, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Mercy, Smiting, Smote, Steadfast, Struck, Unchanging
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 136:10

     5688   firstborn

Psalm 136:1-10

     4963   past, the

Psalm 136:1-20

     1035   God, faithfulness

Psalm 136:1-26

     1085   God, love of
     8352   thankfulness

Library
Pilgrim Song
Gerhard Ter Steegen Ps. cxxxvi. 16 Come, children, on and forward! With us the Father goes; He leads us, and He guards us Through thousands of our foes: The sweetness and the glory, The sunlight of His eyes, Make all the desert places To glow as paradise. Lo! through the pathless midnight The fiery pillar leads, And onward goes the Shepherd Before the flock He feeds; Unquestioning, unfearing, The lambs may follow on, In quietness and confidence, Their eyes on Him alone. Come, children, on and
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
THE new Institution of the Lord's Supper did not finally close what passed at that Paschal Table. According to the Jewish Ritual, the Cup is filled a fourth time, and the remaining part of the Hallel [5717] repeated. Then follow, besides Ps. cxxxvi., a number of prayers and hymns, of which the comparatively late origin is not doubtful. The same remark applies even more strongly to what follows after the fourth Cup. But, so far as we can judge, the Institution of the Holy Supper was followed by the
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Minstrel
ELISHA needed that the Holy Spirit should come upon him to inspire him with prophetic utterances. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." We need that the hand of the Lord should be laid upon us, for we can never open our mouths in wisdom except we are under the divine touch. Now, the Spirit of God works according to his own will. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," and the Spirit of God operates as he chooseth. Elisha could not prophesy just when he liked; he must wait until
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 27: 1881

Gethsemane
We turn once more to follow the steps of Christ, now among the last He trod upon earth. The hymn,' with which the Paschal Supper ended, had been sung. Probably we are to understand this of the second portion of the Hallel, [5818] sung some time after the third Cup, or else of Psalm cxxxvi., which, in the present Ritual, stands near the end of the service. The last Discourses had been spoken, the last Prayer, that of Consecration, had been offered, and Jesus prepared to go forth out of the City, to
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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