Psalms 135:10 - Summary and Commentaries

Psalms 135:10 states: "He smote great nations, and slew mighty kings." This verse reflects on God's sovereignty and power over nations, emphasizing His ability to execute judgment upon those who stand against Him.

Interpretation of Psalms 135:10

The verse illustrates the theme of God's omnipotence and the assurance that He is the ultimate judge of nations and leaders. In analyzing this verse, we draw insights from various public domain commentaries:

• Matthew Henry:

  Matthew Henry notes that this verse serves to remind us of God's past actions, specifically His judgment on those who have opposed His will. It serves as a historical reflection on God’s might in dealing with powerful adversaries, such as Pharaoh and Sihon, king of the Amorites. Henry highlights that God's power against great nations encourages believers to trust in His providence.

• Albert Barnes:

  Albert Barnes emphasizes the historical context of Israel's deliverance from powerful nations, affirming that God's interventions were both evident and significant in their conquest of lands. He argues that this verse illustrates God's continuous presence as a protector and liberator of His chosen people, demonstrating His authority over all earthly powers.

• Adam Clarke:

  Adam Clarke connects this verse with the central theme of divine retribution. He points out that the "great nations" refer to those that stood against the Israelites, serving as examples of God’s wrath against ungodliness. Clarke emphasizes the moral underpinning that nations that align against God's purpose are destined for defeat.

Related Bible Cross-References

This verse can be understood more deeply in relation to several other scripture passages:

• Exodus 15:3: "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name." This verse echoes God's might in battle.
• Deuteronomy 7:2: "And when the LORD your God gives them over to you and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction." This highlights God's command to Israel to conquer nations.
• Joshua 10:42: "And all these kings and their land Joshua captured at one time..." This reflects on Israel’s military victories given by God.
• Isaiah 37:36: "And the angel of the LORD went out and struck down a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians." This demonstrates God’s power to defeat large armies.
• Romans 12:19: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God..." This underlines the idea of divine judgment as a theme of scripture.
• Psalm 2:1-3: "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?" This reflects God’s sovereignty over world powers.
• Revelation 19:15: "From His mouth comes a sharp sword..." emphasizes Christ’s power in the final judgment against nations.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

This verse also connects with various themes throughout the Bible, including:

• Divine Sovereignty: God's control over earthly empires and leaders.
• Judgment: The ultimate judgment of nations that oppose God.
• Redemption: God’s protection of His people during their struggles.
• Historical Faithfulness: God's faithfulness throughout Israel’s history in overcoming adversaries.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

In studying Psalms 135:10, various tools can be employed for effective cross-referencing:

• Use a Bible concordance to find related terms and passages.
• Utilize a cross-reference Bible study guide for thematic studies.
• Explore the Bible cross-reference system within digital Bibles or apps.

Conclusion

Psalms 135:10 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereign power over nations and His ability to execute judgment. By cross-referencing with similar biblical passages, one can gain deeper insight into how this verse connects with the overarching themes of divine authority, historical judgment, and God’s unwavering protection of His people.