Mercy That Judges and Delivers

“To Him who struck down great kings, for His mercy endures forever; and slew famous kings… for His mercy endures forever” Psalm 136:17–18.

When we speak of God’s mercy, we often imagine only gentleness, forgiveness, and compassion, and rightly so. But the mercy of God is also a weapon. It is fierce against wickedness and unrepentant enemies of His people. The same mercy that delivers His children is the same mercy that brings judgment to those who oppress them.

In Exodus 14, we see this clearly. The Israelites stood terrified at the Red Sea, with Pharaoh’s army pressing in behind them. To them, it looked like the end. But God said, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)

And then, God arose.

The same sea that opened in mercy for Israel became a grave in judgment for Egypt.

Why?

Because God’s mercy endures forever, not just in pardoning sin, but in preserving His covenant people and dealing with their enemies.

Mercy is not weakness. It is strength restrained until injustice demands action.

In Psalm 136, we repeatedly hear “for His mercy endures forever”, even as it recounts the destruction of Egypt, the defeat of Sihon and Og, and the conquest of Canaan. Mercy endured for God’s people. But His mercy meant judgment on those who refused to repent and fought against His purpose.

Let this bring you peace:

<span;><span;>- God sees every injustice.

<span;><span;>- He hears the cry of the oppressed.

<span;><span;>- He will arise in mercy and when He does, His enemies scatter (Psalm 68:1).

If you are walking with God, His mercy is your shelter and shield. But if you stand against God, if you stand against His people, that same mercy will burn like fire and destroy you.

Lord, thank You for Your mercy that endures forever. Thank You that Your mercy means deliverance for Your people and judgment on unrepentant enemies. Arise, O God, and show Yourself strong on behalf of the righteous. Scatter every force set against Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.