Psalms 136:22

KJV

[Even] an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even an heritage {H5159} unto Israel {H3478} his servant {H5650}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to be possessed by Isra'el his servant, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

a heritage to His servant Israel. His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

Even a heritage unto Israel his servant; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 136:22 serves as a pivotal declaration within a grand liturgical hymn, celebrating God's unwavering faithfulness in granting the Promised Land as an enduring heritage to Israel, His chosen servant. This verse encapsulates the culmination of divine acts of deliverance and provision, underscoring that every facet of God's redemptive history is rooted in His steadfast, covenantal love that endureth forever, providing a tangible testament to His eternal commitment to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 136 is uniquely structured as a responsorial hymn, often referred to as the "Great Hallel," intended for communal worship. Its defining characteristic is the repetitive refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," which follows each declaration of God's mighty deeds. The psalm begins with an invocation to praise God for His greatness (verses 1-3), then systematically recounts His acts of creation (verses 4-9), the Exodus from Egypt (verses 10-12), the crossing of the Red Sea (verses 13-15), the wilderness journey (verse 16), and the conquest of powerful kings (verses 17-21). Verse 22, "Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever," functions as the climactic point of this historical recounting, specifically highlighting the fulfillment of the land promise, which was the ultimate goal of the Exodus and conquest narratives. It transitions from God's acts *against* enemies to His positive act *for* Israel, establishing their secure possession.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 136 is the foundational narrative of ancient Israel, encompassing their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, their forty-year wilderness wandering, and the subsequent conquest and settlement of the land of Canaan. For the Israelites, land was not merely territory but a sacred inheritance, intrinsically linked to God's covenant promises made to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"), [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). The concept of "heritage" (Hebrew: *nachălâh*) was deeply significant, representing not only a physical possession but also a symbol of divine favor, security, and identity. It was the place where God would dwell among His people and where they would worship Him. The psalm reflects a post-settlement perspective, looking back with gratitude on how God supernaturally intervened in history to establish His people in their promised home, solidifying their national and spiritual identity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader psalm, powerfully articulates several core theological themes. **Divine Faithfulness** is paramount, as God's consistent actions demonstrate His unwavering commitment to His promises across generations, from Abraham to the conquest. The giving of the land as an "heritage" is the ultimate proof of His reliability. This leads directly to the theme of **Covenant Fulfillment**, as the inheritance of Canaan directly actualizes the promises of the Abrahamic covenant. The entire historical sweep of the psalm is a testament to God's diligent work in bringing His covenant purposes to fruition. Finally, the pervasive theme of **Enduring Mercy** (Hebrew: *hesed*) undergirds all of God's actions. This is not merely a passive kindness but God's loyal, steadfast love, rooted in His covenant relationship with Israel. It implies His commitment to His people, regardless of their shortcomings, ensuring their ultimate well-being and the fulfillment of His promises. This concept of enduring mercy is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Enduring Mercy"), reinforcing that God's character of *hesed* is the eternal foundation for all His redemptive acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heritage (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** From H5159, this term refers to something inherited, an occupancy, an heirloom, or generally an estate or patrimony. In this context, it signifies the land of Canaan, not as a conquered territory acquired by human strength, but as a divinely bestowed inheritance. It emphasizes God's sovereign gift to Israel, fulfilling His ancient promises and establishing their secure possession and identity within the land.
* **servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** From H5650, this word denotes a servant or bondman. Applied to Israel, it highlights their unique relationship with God—they are His chosen people, set apart for His purposes, bound to Him in covenant. This status implies both privilege and responsibility, emphasizing that the heritage was given not to a random people, but to those uniquely designated as "His servant," signifying a special, intimate, and obedient relationship.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, this rich term encompasses kindness, loyal love, steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and enduring goodness. It is far more than mere pity; it describes God's active, unwavering commitment to His covenant people. The repeated declaration that God's *hesed* "endureth for ever" underscores its eternal, unchanging nature, serving as the foundational attribute that drives all His actions on behalf of His people, including the giving of their heritage.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** From H5769, this word signifies time out of mind, eternity, or perpetual. When applied to God's mercy, it emphasizes the boundless and unending nature of His loyal love and covenant faithfulness. It assures the worshiper that God's commitment is not fleeting or conditional on human performance but is an eternal, immutable aspect of His character, providing ultimate security for His people and His promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even an heritage unto Israel his servant:"** This clause declares the specific outcome of God's mighty acts detailed in the preceding verses (defeating kings Sihon and Og). The land of Canaan, previously occupied by powerful nations, is explicitly designated as an "heritage"—a divinely given, permanent possession—for Israel. The designation of Israel as "his servant" highlights their unique, covenantal relationship with God, implying that this gift is a direct result of their election and God's faithfulness to His chosen people.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever."** This is the psalm's recurring refrain, here serving as the foundational reason and ultimate explanation for God's action. The giving of the land is not merely an act of power or conquest but an expression of God's eternal, steadfast, covenantal love (*hesed*). It emphasizes that every blessing, every deliverance, and every fulfilled promise flows from the unchanging wellspring of God's perpetual mercy, assuring the worshiper of His enduring faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Psalms 136:22, and indeed the entire psalm, is **Repetition**, specifically the **Refrain** "for his mercy endureth for ever." This constant repetition serves several crucial functions: it acts as a liturgical response, encouraging communal participation; it reinforces the central theological truth that God's *hesed* is the unchanging foundation for all His actions; and it creates a powerful, meditative rhythm that imprints this truth deeply upon the hearts of the worshipers. The structure also employs a form of **Call and Response**, where the psalmist (or leader) declares a divine act, and the congregation responds with the refrain, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's mercy in every historical event. While not explicit **Parallelism**, there is an implicit **Causal Connection** established between God's specific act of giving the heritage and the overarching truth of His eternal mercy, suggesting that the former is a direct manifestation of the latter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 136:22 profoundly underscores the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the land given to Israel. This act of divine provision is presented not as a mere historical event, but as a tangible manifestation of God's eternal *hesed*—His loyal, steadfast love. It teaches that God's character is immutable; His promises are reliable, and His commitment to His people is boundless. The inheritance of the land serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over nations and His meticulous care for His elect, ensuring their security and fulfillment of His redemptive plan. This truth provides a deep well of assurance for believers, reminding them that the same God who faithfully delivered and provided for ancient Israel continues to uphold His promises to His people today.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Covenant Faithfulness")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never End")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 136:22 invites us to pause and reflect on the profound depth of God's enduring mercy and faithfulness in our own lives. Just as God meticulously orchestrated history to provide a physical heritage for Israel, He continues to work in our present circumstances, fulfilling His promises and demonstrating His steadfast love. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of gratitude, recognizing that every blessing, every instance of guidance, and every answered prayer is a testament to His unchanging *hesed*. It calls us to trust in His character, especially when facing uncertainties, knowing that the God who delivered Israel and gave them an inheritance is the same God who promises us a spiritual inheritance in Christ. Our reflection on His past faithfulness should build our confidence in His present and future care, motivating us to live in responsive obedience and worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on God's historical faithfulness to Israel, as recounted in this psalm, strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life today?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's "enduring mercy" (*hesed*) that gives you confidence in His future provision?**
* **Considering Israel as "His servant," how does our identity as servants of Christ inform our understanding of the spiritual inheritance we receive?**

### FAQ
**Why is the concept of "heritage" so important in this verse?**

Answer: The concept of "heritage" (Hebrew: *nachălâh*) is crucial because it signifies more than just conquered land; it represents a divinely promised and bestowed possession. For ancient Israel, the land of Canaan was the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). It was their secure dwelling place, a symbol of God's faithfulness, and the context for their national and religious identity. The psalm emphasizes that this heritage was not earned but graciously given, rooted entirely in God's enduring mercy.

**What does it mean for God's mercy to "endure for ever"?**

Answer: The phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew: *chêçêd* and *ʻôwlâm*) means that God's loyal love, steadfast faithfulness, and covenant kindness are eternal, unchanging, and boundless. It signifies that His commitment to His people is not temporary or conditional on their performance, but an inherent and perpetual attribute of His character. This enduring mercy is the underlying reason and motivation for all of God's redemptive actions throughout history, including the provision of the land to Israel and, ultimately, salvation for all who believe (e.g., [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Enduring Mercy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 136:22 celebrates the physical inheritance of the land given to Israel, it finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly heritage foreshadows the far greater, eternal inheritance that believers receive through their union with Christ. Just as Israel was called "His servant," Christ is the ultimate Servant of the Lord, through whom God's promises are perfectly fulfilled. The unwavering *hesed* of God, which provided the land for Israel, is supremely demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus. He is the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate expression of God's steadfast love, securing for us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven (e.g., [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Through Christ, we become heirs according to the promise (e.g., [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")), receiving not a plot of land, but spiritual blessings in the heavenly places (e.g., [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and the promise of eternal life. The New Testament writers consistently highlight that all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Him (e.g., [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), making Christ the true and everlasting heritage for all who believe, a testament to God's mercy that truly endureth forever.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 47:4

He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.

Psalms 105:6

O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.