Psalms 136:23

KJV

¶ Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

KJV (with Strong's)

Who remembered {H2142} us in our low estate {H8216}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}:

Complete Jewish Bible

who remembers us whenever we are brought low, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

He remembered us in our low estate His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

Who remembered us in our low estate; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 136:23 proclaims God's unwavering faithfulness and compassionate intervention, highlighting His active remembrance of His people in their moments of profound vulnerability and distress. This verse, embedded within a grand litany of divine acts, underscores the enduring nature of God's steadfast love and loyal kindness, affirming that His mercy is the eternal foundation for His redemptive and sustaining relationship with humanity, especially when they are brought low by circumstances or oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 136 is uniquely structured as a liturgical hymn, characterized by its repetitive refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," which follows each declaration of God's mighty deeds. The psalm begins with a universal call to praise God for His greatness in creation (verses 1-9), then transitions to His historical acts of deliverance for Israel, from the Exodus (verses 10-15) and the wilderness wanderings (verses 16-22) to the conquest of Canaan. Verse 23 marks a shift from these grand, national narratives to a more intimate and personal dimension of God's care, focusing on His remembrance of "us" in a "low estate." This transition personalizes the overarching theme of God's enduring *hesed*, demonstrating that His vast power and historical interventions are rooted in a deep, personal concern for His people, even in their most humble or desperate circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely served as a responsive chant in temple worship, where a leader would recite God's acts and the congregation would respond with the refrain. The "low estate" mentioned in verse 23 could refer to various periods of Israel's history—such as their bondage in Egypt, their exile, or any time of national or individual oppression and humiliation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king or deity "remembering" someone implied not just recall, but active, benevolent intervention on their behalf, often in a covenantal context. For God to remember His people in their "low estate" (a condition of humility, oppression, or distress) would have been a profound comfort, assuring them that their God, unlike the fickle deities of surrounding nations, was perpetually attentive and loyal to His covenant promises, regardless of their circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Psalm 136, powerfully encapsulated in verse 23, is the **enduring *hesed* (steadfast love/mercy) of God**. This divine attribute is presented as the unchanging bedrock of all God's actions, from creation to redemption. The phrase "Who remembered us in our low estate" introduces the theme of **God's active remembrance and compassionate intervention** for the vulnerable and oppressed. It highlights God's attentiveness to the plight of His people, contrasting their state of weakness with His omnipotent power, yet demonstrating His willingness to condescend and act on their behalf. This theme resonates with other biblical accounts of God's care for the afflicted, such as His response to the cries of the Israelites in Egypt, as recorded in [Exodus 2:24](/exodus/2-24 "Exodus 2:24 - God Remembers His Covenant"). Furthermore, the psalm reinforces the concept of **God's covenant faithfulness**, illustrating how His *hesed* is inextricably linked to His promises to His people, providing a source of unwavering hope and trust, as seen in [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Goodness and Enduring Mercy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remembered (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root signifies more than mere mental recall. It means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention." In a theological context, when God "remembers," it implies an active, intentional, and often redemptive intervention on behalf of those He remembers. It suggests a movement from passive knowledge to active engagement, fulfilling a promise or acting in accordance with His covenant.
* **low estate (Hebrew, _shephel'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be low, humble," this term denotes a state of being brought low, whether physically, socially, or emotionally. It can refer to humility, oppression, degradation, or a state of distress. In this context, it emphasizes the vulnerability and helplessness of the people, making God's act of remembrance and intervention all the more profound and gracious.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This rich Hebrew term is central to the psalm. It encompasses concepts of "kindness," "favor," "good deed," "loving-kindness," and "loyal covenant faithfulness." It is not merely pity but a deep, abiding, and active commitment rooted in a relationship. When applied to God, *hesed* describes His steadfast, unwavering love and loyalty to His covenant people, a love that is both gracious and dependable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who remembered us":** This clause emphasizes God's active and intentional engagement with His people. "Remembered" signifies not just a mental recollection but a divine act of turning attention and taking action. It implies a personal and covenantal relationship where God, the sovereign Lord, does not forget His people but intervenes on their behalf.
* **"in our low estate":** This phrase describes the specific condition of the people when God intervened. "Low estate" points to a state of humility, distress, oppression, or vulnerability. It highlights the contrast between the people's weakness and God's power, underscoring that God's remembrance is particularly manifest when His people are most in need, demonstrating His condescending love and compassion.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever":** This is the psalm's foundational refrain and the theological ground for God's actions. "Mercy" (Hebrew *hesed*) signifies God's steadfast love, loyal kindness, and covenant faithfulness. The declaration that it "endureth for ever" (Hebrew *ʻôwlâm*) asserts its eternal, unchanging, and perpetual nature. This eternal quality of God's *hesed* is the ultimate assurance that His remembrance and intervention are not arbitrary or temporary but are rooted in His immutable character.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Psalm 136:23, and indeed the entire psalm, is the **Refrain**. The repeated phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" serves as a liturgical response, emphasizing the eternal and unchanging nature of God's *hesed* as the underlying reason for all His mighty acts. This repetition creates a powerful cumulative effect, reinforcing the central theological message. Additionally, there is a subtle **Contrast** at play: the "low estate" of humanity is set against the infinite power and majesty of God, yet it is precisely in this state of vulnerability that God's great mercy is most clearly demonstrated. This highlights God's condescending love. The verb "remembered" also employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human characteristic (remembering) to God to convey His active and personal engagement with His people, making His divine care relatable and comprehensible.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 136:23 profoundly articulates the doctrine of God's active and enduring *hesed*, which is His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. It teaches that God is not a distant deity but one who intimately knows the struggles of His people and actively intervenes in their "low estate." This divine remembrance is not a passive recollection but a dynamic, redemptive act, rooted in His unchanging character. The verse assures believers that God's loyal love is eternal and provides the ultimate basis for hope and security, regardless of the depth of their suffering or humiliation. It connects the grand narrative of God's historical deliverance to the personal experience of His people, affirming that the same God who performed mighty wonders for Israel continues to extend His compassionate care to individuals.

* [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Goodness and Enduring Mercy"): "For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Are New Every Morning"): "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Casting All Your Care Upon Him"): "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 136:23 offers a profound wellspring of comfort and encouragement for every believer. In a world often marked by hardship, injustice, and personal struggles that can bring us to a "low estate," this verse reminds us that we are never forgotten by God. It calls us to cultivate a radical trust in His character, knowing that His mercy is not fleeting or conditional but "endureth for ever." This means that even when we feel abandoned, overwhelmed, or utterly helpless, God sees our plight, remembers His covenant promises, and is actively inclined to intervene with His loyal kindness. Our response should be one of profound gratitude and confident reliance, prompting us to pour out our hearts to Him in prayer, knowing that His steadfast love is the eternal foundation for our hope and deliverance. This verse encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances to the unchanging nature of God's love, fostering a spirit of praise even in adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways have you experienced being in a "low estate," and how did God demonstrate His remembrance or mercy during that time?**
* **How does the unchanging nature of God's mercy ("endureth for ever") impact your trust in Him during times of uncertainty or suffering?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "remember" God's past faithfulness when you feel forgotten or overwhelmed by current challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does "low estate" truly signify in this verse, and how does God's remembrance relate to it?**

Answer: The "low estate" (Hebrew *shephel*) in Psalms 136:23 refers to a state of humility, oppression, distress, or profound vulnerability. It can encompass national humiliation (like the Israelites' bondage in Egypt or exile) or individual suffering, poverty, sickness, or despair. It signifies a condition where one is brought low, often by external forces or difficult circumstances. God's "remembrance" (Hebrew *zâkar*) in this context is not merely a passive recall of information but an active, covenantal intervention. When God remembers, He acts. It means He is attentive to the plight of His people, and His memory prompts Him to deliver, restore, or provide for them, demonstrating His faithful and compassionate nature. This is beautifully illustrated in [Exodus 2:24-25](/exodus/2-24 "Exodus 2:24-25 - God Remembers His Covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob") where God "remembered his covenant" and "looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them" in their affliction.

**Why is the refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" repeated so many times in Psalm 136?**

Answer: The repetition of "for his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew *ki l'olam chasdo*) is a central liturgical and theological feature of Psalm 136. It serves multiple purposes:
1. **Emphasis:** It powerfully emphasizes the eternal, unchanging, and unwavering nature of God's *hesed* (steadfast love, loyal kindness). This attribute is the foundational reason for all His mighty acts, from creation to redemption.
2. **Liturgical Function:** In ancient Israelite worship, this refrain likely served as a congregational response, allowing the worshippers to actively participate in affirming God's goodness and faithfulness. It fostered communal praise and remembrance.
3. **Theological Anchor:** Each declaration of God's deeds (creation, Exodus, wilderness, conquest, personal care) is immediately grounded in His eternal mercy, reinforcing that His actions are not arbitrary but flow from His unchanging character. It provides a constant source of assurance and hope, highlighting that God's goodness is not dependent on human merit but on His own enduring nature, as seen in [Psalm 103:17](/psalms/103-17 "Psalm 103:17 - The Mercy of the Lord is from Everlasting to Everlasting").
4. **Didactic Purpose:** The repetition helps to embed this core truth deeply into the hearts and minds of the worshippers, ensuring that the central message of God's unfailing love is never forgotten.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 136:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "low estate" of humanity, characterized by sin, brokenness, and separation from God, is precisely where God's eternal mercy (His *hesed*) intervened most dramatically. In the incarnation, God "remembered us in our low estate" by sending His Son, Jesus, who willingly emptied Himself, taking on the very nature of a servant and being made in human likeness (as described in [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He entered into our human condition, experiencing our vulnerabilities, sorrows, and temptations, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). The cross stands as the supreme demonstration of God's mercy enduring forever, where Christ, the Lamb of God, bore the weight of our sin, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile us to God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love for Us")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ not only remembered us in our "low estate" but lifted us out of it, offering eternal life and restoration to all who believe. His ongoing intercession for us at the right hand of God further testifies to God's never-ending mercy, ensuring that His people are continually remembered and sustained by His steadfast love ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood and Intercession")).

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

Isaiah 63:9

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

Luke 1:48

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Deuteronomy 32:36

For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that [their] power is gone, and [there is] none shut up, or left.

1 Samuel 2:7

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

1 Samuel 2:8

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

Psalms 116:6

The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

Psalms 142:6

Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.