Psalms 118:4

Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Let them now that fear {H3373} the LORD {H3068} say {H559}, that his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Now let those who fear ADONAI say, "His grace continues forever."

Let those who fear the LORD say, โ€œHis loving devotion endures forever.โ€

Let them now that fear Jehovah say, That his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

Commentary

Psalms 118:4 is a powerful call to declaration, urging all who reverence God to affirm His eternal kindness and faithfulness. It is part of a recurring refrain throughout this psalm, emphasizing the unwavering nature of God's mercy.

Context

Psalm 118 is a Hallel Psalm, traditionally sung during significant Jewish festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. It is a psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's deliverance and victory, often from a national perspective. The repetition of "his mercy endureth for ever" in verses 1, 2, 3, 4, and 29 serves as a central chorus, inviting various groupsโ€”Israel, the house of Aaron, and "them that fear the LORD"โ€”to join in this confession of divine steadfastness. This verse specifically broadens the declaration to include all who hold a reverent awe for God, regardless of their specific lineage or role, underscoring the universal nature of God's grace.

Key Themes

  • God's Enduring Mercy: The core message is the eternal, unchanging nature of God's mercy. This isn't a temporary attribute but a fundamental aspect of His character, available in all generations and circumstances.
  • Universal Call to Declaration: The phrase "Let them now that fear the LORD say" extends the invitation to praise beyond specific groups, encompassing all individuals who honor and respect God. It's an active call to voice one's conviction and gratitude.
  • The Fear of the LORD: This phrase signifies not a cowering terror, but a profound reverence, respect, and awe for God's holiness, power, and love, which naturally leads to obedience and trust. For more on this concept, consider Proverbs 9:10.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "mercy" is hesed (ื—ึถืกึถื“). This term is richer than simply pity or compassion; it denotes a deep, covenantal love, steadfast kindness, faithfulness, and loyalty. It speaks of a commitment that God maintains towards His people, even when they are undeserving. The phrase "endureth for ever" emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of this hesed, highlighting God's faithfulness across time and generations.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers today to actively declare God's enduring mercy. In a world full of uncertainty and change, remembering and vocalizing God's unchanging faithfulness provides comfort, strengthens faith, and offers hope. It reminds us that His steadfast love is a constant anchor in every circumstance, serving as a powerful testimony to His goodness. We are called not just to believe in His mercy, but to proclaim it, testifying to His goodness in our lives and to those around us. This declaration mirrors the praise found in other scriptures, such as 1 Chronicles 16:34 and Psalms 107:1, affirming that His mercies are new every morning.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 22:23

    Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

  • Revelation 19:5

    ยถ And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
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