“To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:”
God's strike against Egypt's firstborn recalls the climactic plague that forced Pharaoh's hand and effected Israel's release. The specific mention of firstborn emphasizes the severity and decisiveness of God's judgment; the death of heirs represented ultimate loss and humiliation for the oppressor. This verse initiates the shift from creation to redemptive history, demonstrating that God's covenant faithfulness is expressed not only in cosmic order but in acts of liberation. The judgment appears as expression of care for the oppressed (Israel).
Church Fathers on Psalms 136:10
1. “Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures for ever” Psalm 135:1. This Psalm contains the praise of God, and all its verses finish in the same way. Wherefore although many things are related here in praise of God, yet His mercy is most commended; for without this plain commendation, he, whom the Holy Spirit used to utter this Psalm, would have no verse be ended. Although after the judgment, by which at the end of the world the quick and the dead must…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!