Psalms 136:24

KJV

And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And hath redeemed {H6561} us from our enemies {H6862}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and rescues us from our enemies, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

and freed us from our enemies. His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

And hath delivered us from our adversaries; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 136:24 serves as a powerful declaration within a grand liturgical hymn, affirming God's active and unwavering commitment to His people. It highlights His sovereign act of redemption, delivering His chosen from oppressive adversaries, and attributes this saving power to His unchanging, eternal mercy. This verse encapsulates the core message of the entire psalm: that every divine intervention, from creation to personal deliverance, flows from the boundless and everlasting nature of God's steadfast love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 136 is a unique liturgical psalm, often referred to as the "Great Hallel" or "The Great Thanksgiving." Its distinctive feature is the repetitive refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," which follows each declaration of God's mighty acts. The psalm begins with a universal call to praise God for His greatness and His creative power ([Psalms 136:1-9](/psalms/136-1 "Psalms 136:1-9 - God's Creation and Power")). It then transitions to recounting God's historical interventions on behalf of Israel, specifically the Exodus from Egypt ([Psalms 136:10-15](/psalms/136-10 "Psalms 136:10-15 - The Exodus from Egypt")), the wilderness wanderings and provision ([Psalms 136:16](/psalms/136-16 "Psalms 136:16 - Leading Through the Wilderness")), and the conquest of the Promised Land ([Psalms 136:17-22](/psalms/136-17 "Psalms 136:17-22 - Conquest of Kings")). Verse 24 falls within the concluding section ([Psalms 136:23-26](/psalms/136-23 "Psalms 136:23-26 - God's Ongoing Provision")), which narrows the focus to God's specific care for Israel in their "low estate" and His ongoing provision for all living things. Thus, verse 24 serves as a specific historical reminder of God's consistent role as Redeemer, reinforcing the psalm's central theme of His eternal mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm was likely used in communal worship, possibly as a responsive reading in the Temple. The structure, with its repeated refrain, suggests a call-and-response format where a leader or choir would declare God's acts, and the congregation would respond with "for his mercy endureth for ever." This practice would have fostered a deep sense of corporate memory and gratitude, embedding the historical narrative of God's faithfulness into the hearts of the worshipers. The "enemies" mentioned in the verse would have resonated deeply with Israel's history of oppression, from the Egyptians to various neighboring nations and empires that sought to subjugate them. The act of "redeeming" them from these adversaries would recall specific deliverances, reinforcing the understanding of Yahweh as their active Protector and Deliverer, a foundational aspect of their covenant relationship with Him.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Psalms 136, powerfully reinforced by verse 24, is **God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed)**. This divine attribute is not merely an emotion but an active, covenantal faithfulness that undergirds all of God's actions, from creation to redemption. The verse also highlights **Divine Redemption and Deliverance**, showcasing God's powerful intervention to free His people from bondage and oppression. This theme is central to Israel's identity, rooted in the foundational event of the Exodus, where God "redeemed" them from slavery in Egypt ([Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "God's Promise of Redemption")). Furthermore, the psalm encourages **Gratitude and Remembrance**, urging the community to recall God's past mercies as a basis for present trust and future hope. The very act of reciting this psalm, particularly the refrain, was a communal act of remembering God's consistent character, as seen in other calls to remembrance throughout the Psalms, such as [Psalm 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Remembering God's Deeds").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redeemed (Hebrew, _pâraq'_ H6561):** This verb carries the primary meaning "to break off or crunch," and figuratively, "to deliver." In the context of redemption, it implies a forceful, decisive act of liberation. It's not a gentle release but a breaking of bonds, a tearing away from a grip. This highlights the power and authority with which God intervenes to free His people from their oppressors, often through dramatic and overwhelming displays of strength.
* **Enemies (Hebrew, _tsar'_ H6862):** Derived from a root meaning "to be narrow" or "to be in a tight place," this word refers to an opponent, an adversary, or a source of distress. It encompasses not only external human foes but also the "tight places" or "anguish" that such opposition creates. Thus, "enemies" here signifies all forms of oppression, affliction, and tribulation that threaten God's people, from which He delivers them.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_ H2617):** This is one of the richest theological terms in the Old Testament, often translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," "covenant faithfulness," or "loving-kindness." It signifies God's active, unwavering commitment to His covenant people, characterized by kindness, favor, and a deep, enduring loyalty. It's not merely pity but a relational attribute that drives God to act on behalf of those with whom He has made a covenant, ensuring their welfare and deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hath redeemed us from our enemies:"** This clause declares God's active and powerful intervention in the lives of His people. The use of "redeemed" (Hebrew _pâraq_) emphasizes a decisive, often forceful, act of liberation. It speaks to God's historical and ongoing role as the one who breaks the bonds of oppression and delivers His people from the grip of those who seek to harm or enslave them. This refers broadly to Israel's numerous deliverances from various adversaries throughout their history, underscoring God's consistent faithfulness in protecting His covenant community.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever."** This is the psalm's central refrain and the theological foundation for God's redemptive acts. The phrase "his mercy" (Hebrew _chêçêd_) refers to God's steadfast, loyal, and covenantal love. The declaration that it "endureth for ever" (Hebrew _ʻôwlâm_) signifies its eternal, unchanging, and perpetual nature. This means God's redemptive actions are not arbitrary or temporary; they flow from His very character of unwavering love and faithfulness, which is constant across all generations and circumstances. It provides ultimate assurance that His commitment to His people will never fail.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Psalms 136:24, and indeed the entire psalm, is **Repetition**, specifically through the use of a **Refrain**. The phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" is repeated after every declaration of God's mighty acts, serving as a powerful liturgical response. This repetition emphasizes the unwavering and eternal nature of God's *hesed* (mercy/steadfast love), ensuring that the central theological truth of the psalm is deeply impressed upon the worshiper. It functions as a constant reminder that all of God's interventions, whether in creation, history, or personal deliverance, are rooted in this unchanging attribute. The psalm also employs **Anaphora**, where the same phrase begins or ends successive clauses or verses, further reinforcing the refrain's impact. Additionally, there is an implicit **Cause-and-Effect Relationship** or **Reasoning** established by the word "for" (Hebrew _ki_), indicating that God's redemption of His people is *because* His mercy endures forever. This highlights the theological grounding of His actions in His character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 136:24 profoundly connects God's historical acts of redemption with His unchanging nature of *hesed*, or steadfast love. The verse teaches that God's deliverance of His people from their "enemies" is not an isolated event but a consistent manifestation of His eternal character. This deep theological truth assures believers that God's commitment to His covenant is unwavering, providing a secure foundation for faith amidst any challenge. It reveals that His power is always exercised in conjunction with His love, making Him a reliable and compassionate deliverer. This enduring mercy is the wellspring from which all salvation flows, both in the Old Testament narrative of Israel's liberation and in the broader scope of redemptive history.

* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "The Steadfast Love of the Lord")
* [Psalm 103:8-11](/psalms/103-8 "God's Compassion and Mercy")
* [Micah 7:18-19](/micah/7-18 "God's Unchanging Compassion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 136:24 offers profound encouragement and a call to worship for believers today. It reminds us that the same God who powerfully delivered ancient Israel from their adversaries is still active and unchanging in His character. Whatever "enemies" we face—be they spiritual forces ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Spiritual Warfare")), personal struggles, oppressive circumstances, or the internal battles against sin and despair—we can confidently look to God as our Redeemer. Our hope is not placed in our own strength or the fleeting nature of circumstances, but in the eternal and unfailing *hesed* of God. This truth invites us to cultivate a spirit of continuous thanksgiving, remembering God's past interventions in our lives and acknowledging that every blessing, every deliverance, flows from His enduring mercy. It calls us to trust that His loyal love will prevail, even when we feel in a "tight place" or surrounded by opposition, prompting us to lean into His sovereign power and compassionate heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of redemption, both in biblical history and in your own life, strengthen your faith in His present and future help?**
* **In what specific "tight places" or from what "enemies" do you need to experience God's redeeming power today?**
* **How can the unchanging nature of God's mercy (*hesed*) provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty and fear?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the repeated refrain in Psalm 136?**

Answer: The repeated refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," is the theological anchor of Psalm 136. Its significance is multi-faceted: it emphasizes the **unchanging nature of God's character**, asserting that His steadfast love (hesed) is the eternal foundation for all His actions; it serves as a **liturgical device** for communal worship, fostering corporate memory and participation; and it acts as a **constant theological affirmation**, reinforcing that every act of creation, deliverance, and provision is motivated by and flows from God's boundless and perpetual mercy. It ensures that the worshiper never loses sight of the divine motivation behind God's mighty deeds.

**How does "mercy" in this verse relate to "love" or "faithfulness"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "mercy" here is *chêçêd* (H2617), a rich term that encompasses far more than mere pity or compassion. It is best understood as **steadfast love, loyal kindness, or covenant faithfulness**. While it includes aspects of love and compassion, *chêçêd* specifically highlights God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His covenant people. It's an active, relational love that drives Him to fulfill His obligations and to act for the well-being of those with whom He has established a relationship. Therefore, God's "mercy" is His active, loyal love that ensures His faithfulness to redeem and sustain His people.

**Does "enemies" only refer to physical adversaries in this context?**

Answer: While "enemies" (Hebrew *tsar*, H6862) certainly refers to the physical adversaries that Israel faced throughout its history (e.g., Egyptians, Canaanites, Philistines), the underlying meaning of *tsar* as "narrow" or "a tight place" suggests a broader scope. It can encompass any form of **distress, oppression, anguish, or tribulation** that puts God's people in a difficult or threatening situation. Thus, "enemies" can symbolize not only external human foes but also the broader circumstances, spiritual forces, or internal struggles that seek to diminish or destroy God's people. God's redemption extends to all such "tight places" from which His people need deliverance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 136:24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament speaks of God's historical redemption of Israel from physical enemies, the New Testament reveals the spiritual and eternal redemption accomplished through Christ. The "enemies" from which humanity truly needed deliverance were sin, death, and the power of the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Christ's Victory Over Death")). It was God's eternal *hesed*—His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness—that motivated Him to send His Son as the ultimate Redeemer. Jesus, the Lamb of God, took away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")) by His atoning sacrifice on the cross, breaking the bonds of sin and death that held humanity captive ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Redemption through Christ")). His resurrection sealed the victory, demonstrating God's power to deliver us from our greatest adversaries. Through Christ, God's mercy truly "endures forever," as His redemptive work provides a new covenant of grace ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "A Superior Covenant")) and eternal life for all who believe, showcasing the boundless and unchanging nature of His love ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God's Love Demonstrated")).

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 107:2

Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

Exodus 15:13

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided [them] in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

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.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Deuteronomy 15:15

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

Luke 1:68

Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

Luke 1:74

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,