Psalms 118:2

KJV

Let Israel now say, that his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let Israel {H3478} now say {H559}, that his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now let Isra'el say, "His grace continues forever."

Berean Standard Bible

Let Israel say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”

American Standard Version

Let Israel now say, That his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:2 serves as a powerful, communal imperative for the nation of Israel to vocalize a foundational truth about God: His enduring mercy. This verse reinforces the opening declaration of the psalm, inviting God's people to actively confess and celebrate His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness, acknowledging that His benevolent character is eternal and unwavering through all generations and circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 is the concluding psalm of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), a collection traditionally recited by Jewish people during major festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. These psalms collectively recount God's mighty acts of deliverance, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His sovereign power over all creation. Verse 2 functions as a direct, communal affirmation of the truth proclaimed in [Psalm 118:1](/psalms/118-1 "Psalm 118:1 - Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good"): "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy *endureth* for ever." This immediate repetition and call to "now say" underscores the central theme of God's steadfast love (*chesed*) and its eternal nature, moving from a general exhortation to a specific, collective declaration by Israel. The psalm then continues with similar calls to the house of Aaron and those who fear the Lord, building a crescendo of corporate praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Psalm 118 is likely one of national deliverance or communal worship, perhaps a liturgical celebration following a significant victory or a regular Temple feast. In ancient Israel, communal confession and praise were vital expressions of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The act of "saying" or vocalizing these truths was not merely intellectual assent but a profound act of public worship, reinforcing collective identity, trust in God, and the transmission of divine truths to succeeding generations. Such declarations served as a powerful reminder of God's past interventions and a source of assurance for future faithfulness, deeply embedded in the ritual and communal life of the Israelite people. This public affirmation of God's character was a cornerstone of their religious and cultural identity.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme of Psalms 118:2, echoing [Psalm 118:1](/psalms/118-1 "Psalm 118:1 - God's Enduring Mercy"), is the **enduring mercy of God**. This "mercy" is the Hebrew *chesed*, a rich term encompassing loyal love, covenant faithfulness, steadfast kindness, and enduring grace. It speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His people, a love that is not fleeting but eternal. This divine attribute forms the secure foundation for Israel's faith and hope, assuring them of God's consistent support and salvation through all circumstances. Closely related is the theme of **communal affirmation and confession**. The imperative "Let Israel now say" highlights the importance of an active, vocal, and collective acknowledgment of this truth. It emphasizes that faith is not merely an internal belief but also an outward, shared declaration, which strengthens the community's identity and reinforces their trust in God's [covenant promises](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithful Covenant"). This call to declare God's eternal *chesed* underscores His **divine faithfulness**, demonstrating that His steadfast love is the immutable basis for all His dealings with His people, assuring them of His perpetual presence and provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yisra'el'_):** This refers to the chosen people of God, the descendants of Jacob, who received this name after wrestling with God ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Becomes Israel")). The call is specifically directed to the nation, emphasizing their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and their role as witnesses to His character. It is a corporate invitation, not just an individual one.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _ḥesed'_):** This is one of the most profound theological terms in the Old Testament. *Ḥesed* is far more than mere pity or compassion; it denotes God's loyal love, covenant faithfulness, steadfast kindness, and enduring grace. It describes a deep, relational commitment that is unwavering, even when Israel is unfaithful. It is the active expression of God's covenant loyalty, demonstrating His commitment to His promises and His people.
* **Endureth for ever (Hebrew, _l'olam'_):** This phrase emphasizes the eternal, unchanging, and perpetual nature of God's *ḥesed*. It signifies that God's mercy is not temporary or contingent upon human performance, but is an intrinsic and everlasting attribute of His being. This provides a secure and immutable foundation for faith and hope, assuring believers that God's faithful love will never cease.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let Israel now say":** This is an imperative, a direct command or exhortation, signaling a call to active, vocal participation. The word "now" (Hebrew, _na'_), though not explicitly in the KJV, is implied by the context of communal worship and immediate affirmation. It urges a present, collective declaration, transforming belief into public confession and praise.
* **"that his mercy":** This clause identifies the specific object of the declaration – God's *ḥesed*. It shifts the focus from the act of saying to the divine attribute being affirmed. The possessive "his" clearly attributes this enduring quality to the Lord, whose goodness was declared in the preceding verse.
* **"[endureth] for ever":** This final clause articulates the eternal duration of God's mercy. The verb "endureth" is supplied in the KJV, but the Hebrew phrase *l'olam* inherently conveys the sense of "forever," "eternally," or "perpetually." It underscores the unchanging, limitless, and perpetual nature of God's loyal love, providing ultimate security and hope.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 118:2 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** in "Let Israel now say," which serves as a direct command, urging active participation and communal confession. This creates a sense of urgency and shared responsibility in affirming divine truth. **Repetition** is also key, as this verse directly echoes the phrase "his mercy endureth for ever" from [Psalm 118:1](/psalms/118-1 "Psalm 118:1 - God's Enduring Mercy"), emphasizing its central importance and embedding it firmly in the minds of the worshippers. The psalm also uses **Apostrophe** or direct address by calling out to "Israel," creating an intimate and personal connection with the intended audience. The act of "saying" itself highlights **Affirmation** or **Confession**, underscoring that faith is not merely internal belief but an outward, vocal declaration, strengthening both individual and corporate identity in God. Finally, the phrase "for ever" serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the boundless and eternal nature of God's mercy, ensuring that its steadfastness is fully appreciated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration in Psalms 118:2, that God's mercy "endureth for ever," is a cornerstone of biblical theology. It speaks to the immutability of God's character, asserting that His loyal love (*chesed*) is not subject to change, human failing, or the passage of time. This eternal mercy is the bedrock of His covenant relationship with humanity, forming the basis for salvation, forgiveness, and enduring hope. It assures believers that God's faithfulness is unwavering, providing a secure foundation in a world of constant flux. This truth is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality, intended to be continually confessed and celebrated, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and trust in the divine.

* [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Goodness and Enduring Mercy")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Cease")
* [1 Chronicles 16:34](/1_chronicles/16-34 "1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give Thanks, for His Mercy Endures Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 118:2 serves as a timeless call to continually acknowledge and declare God's unchanging mercy. In a world characterized by uncertainty, fleeting loyalties, and shifting circumstances, the steadfastness of God's love offers profound comfort, unwavering hope, and an anchor for the soul. We are invited not only to intellectually assent to this truth but to actively embody it through vocal praise, heartfelt testimony, and a life lived in gratitude. Just as ancient Israel was called to remember God's past deliverances and His enduring *chesed*, we too are encouraged to reflect on how God's mercy has sustained us through trials and triumphs, building our confidence in His continued provision and everlasting care. This verse fosters a spirit of profound gratitude and cultivates a posture of unwavering trust, knowing that God's faithful love will never fail, empowering us to live boldly in His grace and to extend that same mercy to others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does vocalizing God's eternal mercy, rather than just believing it, strengthen your personal faith and your connection to the community of believers?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced God's enduring *chesed* (loyal love and faithfulness) in your life, especially during challenging times?**
* **How can we, as the church, collectively declare God's mercy in a world that often feels devoid of hope, and what impact might such a declaration have on our communities?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important for Israel to "say" this truth, rather than just believe it?**

Answer: The imperative "Let Israel now say" emphasizes the critical importance of public confession and communal affirmation. Belief, while foundational, is often made manifest and strengthened through vocal declaration. For ancient Israel, saying this truth reinforced their corporate identity as God's covenant people, served as a powerful act of worship, and was a means of teaching and reminding future generations of God's unchanging character. It transformed an internal conviction into a shared, external reality, fostering unity and overcoming doubt. This principle resonates with the New Testament emphasis on confession, as seen in [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession of Faith"), where believing in one's heart is linked to confessing with one's mouth for salvation.

**Is God's mercy only for Israel, or does it extend to all people?**

Answer: While Psalms 118:2 is addressed specifically to Israel, the nature of God's mercy (*chesed*) is universal in its ultimate offer, though specific in its covenant application to Israel in the Old Testament. The Old Testament often speaks of God's goodness extending to all creation ([Psalm 145:9](/psalms/145-9 "Psalm 145:9 - The Lord is Good to All")), but His covenant faithfulness was uniquely demonstrated to Israel. However, the New Testament reveals the ultimate and universal extension of God's mercy through Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God's enduring mercy is made available to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham that through his seed all nations would be blessed ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Galatians 3:8 - The Gospel Preached to Abraham")). Therefore, while rooted in Israel's experience, the truth of God's enduring mercy is a universal hope for all humanity, as wonderfully articulated in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World").

**How does "mercy" relate to "goodness" as mentioned in Psalm 118:1?**

Answer: In Psalm 118:1, it states, "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy *endureth* for ever." Here, "goodness" refers to God's inherent, benevolent nature and character. It is who He is. "Mercy" (*chesed*), on the other hand, is the active, relational expression of that goodness, particularly His loyal love and covenant faithfulness towards His creation, especially those in covenant with Him. God's goodness is the source, and His mercy is the stream that flows from it, demonstrating His commitment to His promises and His people. They are deeply intertwined attributes of His divine character, with mercy being the enduring manifestation of His inherent goodness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:2, with its resounding declaration that God's mercy "endureth for ever," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament writers frequently quote or allude to Psalm 118, particularly in relation to Christ's triumphal entry and His rejection by the religious leaders, identifying Him as the "stone the builders rejected" who became the cornerstone ([Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")). Jesus Himself is the embodiment of God's eternal *chesed*, the loyal love and covenant faithfulness that the psalm celebrates. His incarnation is the supreme act of God's mercy reaching down to humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and His sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of that enduring love, providing redemption and reconciliation for all who believe ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - Rich in Mercy")). Through Christ, the New Covenant is established, extending God's promised mercy not only to Israel but to Gentiles as well ([Luke 1:50](/luke/1-50 "Luke 1:50 - His Mercy is on Those Who Fear Him")). His resurrection from the dead is the definitive proof that God's mercy truly "endures forever," guaranteeing eternal life and access to the "throne of grace" for all who trust in Him ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Throne of Grace")). Thus, the ancient call for Israel to declare God's eternal mercy is now echoed by the church, which proclaims that this mercy is fully revealed and eternally secured in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.