Psalms136

Psalm 136 is a hymn of thanksgiving, repeatedly declaring that the LORD's mercy "endureth for ever." It enumerates God's goodness as the Creator of the heavens and earth, and the provider of great lights. The psalm also recounts His mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, from the Exodus out of Egypt to the conquest of kings and the granting of their land as an inheritance. It concludes by praising God for remembering His people and providing for all flesh.

Call to Thank the Supreme Lord

1
Give thanks to ADONAI, for he is good, for his grace continues forever. ​
2
Give thanks to the God of gods, for his grace continues forever. ​
3
Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his grace continues forever;

God's Wonders in Creation

4
to him who alone has done great wonders, for his grace continues forever;
5
to him who skillfully made the heavens, for his grace continues forever; ​
6
to him who spread out the earth on the water, for his grace continues forever; ​
7
to him who made the great lights, for his grace continues forever;
8
the sun to rule the day, for his grace continues forever;
9
the moon and stars to rule the night, for his grace continues forever;

God's Mighty Acts in the Exodus

10
to him who struck down Egypt's firstborn, for his grace continues forever; ​
11
and brought Isra'el out from among them, for his grace continues forever;
12
with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, for his grace continues forever; ​
13
to him who split apart the Sea of Suf, for his grace continues forever;
14
and made Isra'el cross right through it, for his grace continues forever;
15
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Sea of Suf, for his grace continues forever; ​

Defeating Kings and Giving the Land

16
to him who led his people through the desert, for his grace continues forever;
17
to him who struck down great kings, for his grace continues forever; ​
18
yes, he slaughtered powerful kings, for his grace continues forever;
19
Sichon king of the Emori, for his grace continues forever; ​
20
and 'Og king of Bashan, for his grace continues forever;
21
then he gave their land as a heritage, for his grace continues forever;
22
to be possessed by Isra'el his servant, for his grace continues forever; ​

Universal Provision and Enduring Mercy

23
who remembers us whenever we are brought low, for his grace continues forever; ​
24
and rescues us from our enemies, for his grace continues forever;
25
who provides food for every living creature, for his grace continues forever. ​
26
Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his grace continues forever.

Study Notes for Psalms 136

Verse 1

This psalm is a liturgical hymn (a responsory) where the refrain, 'for his mercy endureth forever,' emphasizes God's *hesed*—steadfast, covenant loyalty and lovingkindness—as the enduring basis for all creation and redemption.

Verse 2

The titles 'God of gods' and 'Lord of lords' assert Yahweh's absolute sovereignty, transcending all other deities or earthly rulers falsely claimed by surrounding nations.

Verse 5

The creation account here highlights that the heavens were made not by chance or mere power, but by God’s wisdom and intelligent design, reflecting divine purpose.

Verse 6

This reflects an ancient Hebrew cosmological understanding where the earth was established upon the primordial waters, kept stable by God’s power (cf. Gen 1:9, Ps 24:2).

Verse 10

The smiting of the firstborn was the culminating tenth plague, which broke Pharaoh’s will and forced the release of Israel, demonstrating God’s power over the gods of Egypt.

Verse 12

The phrase 'strong hand, and with a stretched out arm' is a common biblical idiom emphasizing God's irresistible power utilized specifically for Israel's deliverance (Deut 4:34).

Verse 15

The contrast between Israel passing through safely and the destruction of Pharaoh and his army underscores the selective nature of God's *hesed*—it is saving for his people but judgmental toward their oppressors.

Verse 17

The focus shifts from the dramatic events of the Exodus to the necessary, often violent, conquest required to secure the promised inheritance (Num 21).

Verse 19

Sihon and Og were key enemies defeated east of the Jordan, whose lands were the first territories settled by Israelite tribes (Deut 3:1-11).

Verse 22

Giving the land as an heritage fulfills the foundational promise made to Abraham, establishing Israel not only as a rescued people but as a recognized nation with a permanent dwelling place.

Verse 23

“Low estate” (or humiliation) likely refers to a period of national distress, perhaps the later Babylonian exile, demonstrating that God's covenant loyalty extends beyond the initial Exodus to all subsequent crises.

Verse 25

This verse expands the scope of God’s *hesed* from specific historical acts for Israel to universal, ongoing provision for all living things, showing his goodness to creation generally.

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