Psalms 136:23

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalm 136:23 stands as a powerful testament to God's unfailing compassion and active involvement in the lives of His people, particularly during times of hardship. This verse is part of a grand hymn of thanksgiving, where each declaration of God's mighty acts is met with the unchanging refrain: "for his mercy endureth for ever."

Context

Psalm 136 is unique for its litany structure, celebrating God's enduring loving-kindness through a historical recounting of His mighty deeds, from creation to the exodus, the wilderness journey, and the conquest of Canaan. Verse 23 shifts focus to God's personal remembrance of His people in their collective or individual "low estate," implying a period of humility, oppression, or distress. This verse brings the grand narrative of God's faithfulness into a more intimate, relatable experience, reminding the worshipper that God's great acts of deliverance are not just historical facts but reflect His ongoing care for those who are struggling.

Key Themes

  • God's Remembrance and Care for the Afflicted: The phrase "Who remembered us in our low estate" highlights God's attentiveness and active intervention when His people are in their weakest or most vulnerable state. It speaks to a God who does not forget His covenant or His children, even when they feel forgotten or overwhelmed by circumstances. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the narrative of God remembering the cries of the Israelites in Egyptian bondage.
  • The Enduring Mercy of God: The repeated refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" is the theological anchor of the entire psalm. The Hebrew word for "mercy" here is hesed, which signifies God's steadfast love, loyal covenant faithfulness, and unwavering kindness. It is a love that perseveres through all circumstances, providing the eternal foundation for God's actions of remembrance and deliverance. This everlasting quality of God's love is a source of profound comfort and assurance, as affirmed in Psalm 100:5.

Linguistic Insights

The term "mercy" (Hebrew: hesed) is crucial to understanding this verse and the entire Psalm. It's more than just pity; it encompasses loyalty, covenant faithfulness, loving-kindness, and grace. When the psalm declares that God's hesed "endureth for ever," it means His committed, loyal love is eternal and unchanging, providing a constant basis for His interaction with humanity. The phrase "low estate" suggests a condition of being brought low, whether by oppression, humility, or personal suffering, emphasizing the contrast with God's high and mighty position, yet He condescends to remember.

Practical Application

Psalm 136:23 offers immense encouragement to believers today. It reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances, how "low" our personal or collective "estate," God sees, remembers, and acts. It cultivates a spirit of gratitude and trust, knowing that God's loyal love is not conditional on our performance but is an eternal aspect of His character. This verse encourages us to bring our struggles before God with confidence, knowing that His everlasting mercy is the constant source of our hope and deliverance. It calls us to praise Him not just for His past interventions, but for His ongoing, unwavering presence and care in our lives.

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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.
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