Psalms 136
Psalm 136 has a distinctive structure in which the refrain “His steadfast love endures forever” is repeated at the end of each section. This repetition highlights the psalm’s overall theme, focusing on God’s unchanging mercy and love. It consists of a total of 26 verses and sings of God’s creation, deliverance, guidance, and provision in accordance with the history of Israel.
1verseGive thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.
2verseGive thanks to the God of gods, for his loving kindness endures forever.
3verseGive thanks to the Lord of lords, for his loving kindness endures forever;
4verseto him who alone does great wonders, for his loving kindness endures forever;
5verseto him who by understanding made the heavens, for his loving kindness endures forever;
6verseto him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his loving kindness endures forever;
7verseto him who made the great lights, for his loving kindness endures forever;
8versethe sun to rule by day, for his loving kindness endures forever;
9versethe moon and stars to rule by night, for his loving kindness endures forever;
10verseto him who struck down the Egyptian firstborn, for his loving kindness endures forever;
11verseand brought out Israel from among them, for his loving kindness endures forever;
12versewith a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, for his loving kindness endures forever;
13verseto him who divided the Red Sea apart, for his loving kindness endures forever;
14verseand made Israel to pass through the middle of it, for his loving kindness endures forever;
15versebut overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for his loving kindness endures forever;
16verseto him who led his people through the wilderness, for his loving kindness endures forever;
17verseto him who struck great kings, for his loving kindness endures forever;
18verseand killed mighty kings, for his loving kindness endures forever;
19verseSihon king of the Amorites, for his loving kindness endures forever;
20verseOg king of Bashan, for his loving kindness endures forever;
21verseand gave their land as an inheritance, for his loving kindness endures forever;
22verseeven a heritage to Israel his servant, for his loving kindness endures forever;
23versewho remembered us in our low estate, for his loving kindness endures forever;
24verseand has delivered us from our adversaries, for his loving kindness endures forever;
25versewho gives food to every creature, for his loving kindness endures forever.
26verseOh give thanks to the God of heaven, for his loving kindness endures forever.
God’s Creation and Salvation
In the opening portion (verses 1–9), we praise God as the One who created the heavens and the earth and all the wonders of the universe. Then (verses 10–22), God’s saving acts are mentioned in the process of Israel being freed from Egypt and passing through the wilderness to take possession of the land of Canaan. After each historical event, God’s unchanging mercy is emphasized in the same way.
Guidance and Provision in the Present
In the latter portion (verses 23–25), the psalm not only sings about events of the past, but also remembers our weakness and sings of God, who gives us food even now, and of the merciful God who is still beside us. The psalmist ultimately reflects on and gives thanks for God’s faithfulness that spans the past, the present, and every age.
The Overall Message
Psalm 136 emphasizes through gratitude to God that even amid great difficulties, God’s mercy never comes to an end. The refrain repeated in every verse gives us assurance that God’s love does not change, delivering a message of hope to both the community and individuals.
Points to Reflect On
- Take time to look back and consider that God’s mercy has been with you through both big and small events in your life.
- You can deeply reflect on God’s unchanging character in thanksgiving and praise, and also adopt an attitude of confessing together with the community.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Even today, look for ways to put into practice in your everyday life the confession, “God’s steadfast love endures forever.”
- It would be good to set down the title of your thanksgiving and take time to share the grace God has bestowed on you.
