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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 136:23–26.
God's everlasting mercy is here celebrated, 1. In the redemption of his church, Psa 136:23, Psa 136:24. In the many redemptions wrought for the Jewish church out of the hands of their oppressors (when, in the years of their servitude, their estate was very low, God remembered them, and raised them up saviours, the judges, and David, at length, by whom God gave them rest from all their enemies), but especially in the great redemption of the universal church, of which these were types, we have a great deal of reason to say, "He remembered us, the children of men, in our low estate, in our lost estate, for his mercy endureth for ever; he sent his Son to redeem us from sin, and death, and hell, and all our spiritual enemies, for his mercy endureth for ever; he was sent to redeem us, and not the angels that sinned, for his mercy endureth for ever." 2. In the provision he makes for all the creatures (Psa 136:25): He gives food to all flesh. It is an instance of the mercy of God's providence that wherever he has given life he gives food agreeable and sufficient; and he is a good housekeeper that provides for so large a family. 3. In all his glories, and all his gifts (Psa 136:26): Give thanks to the God of heaven. This denotes him to be a glorious God, and the glory of his mercy is to be taken notice of in our praises. The riches of his glory are displayed in the vessels of his mercy, Rom 9:23. It also denotes him to be the great benefactor, for every good and perfect gift is from above, from the Father of lights, the God of heaven; and we should trace every stream to the fountain. This and that particular mercy may perhaps endure but a while, but the mercy that is in God endures for ever; it is an inexhaustible fountain.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Who gives food to all flesh" [Psalm 136:25], that is, to the whole race of mankind, not Israelites only, but Gentiles too; and of this Food is said, "My Flesh is meat indeed."
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Summary
Psalms 136:25 stands as a profound declaration of God's boundless and universal provision, serving as a climactic affirmation within a psalm dedicated to recounting His enduring mercy. It encapsulates the overarching theme of divine chesed ( steadfast love) by highlighting God's active, benevolent, and continuous role as the ultimate sustainer of all living beings, from the grandest to the most minute, thereby affirming His unwavering character and comprehensive care for His entire creation.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 136 is uniquely characterized by its antiphonal structure, with each of its 26 verses culminating in the unwavering refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This repetitive call-and-response pattern was likely designed for responsive worship, where a leader would recite the first half of the verse, and the congregation would respond with the powerful affirmation of God's eternal chesed. The psalm systematically journeys through salvation history, commencing with the majestic acts of creation, as seen in passages like Psalms 136:4-9, and then progressing through the pivotal events of the Exodus and Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, detailed in Psalms 136:10-15. It continues to recount God's faithful guidance during the wilderness journey, exemplified in Psalms 136:16, and His empowerment of Israel in the conquest of the Promised Land, as narrated in Psalms 136:17-22. Verse 25, "Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy [endureth] for ever," broadens the psalm's focus from specific historical acts concerning Israel to God's ongoing, universal provision for all life, serving as a climactic summary of His comprehensive and unfailing care that extends beyond a single nation to the entire cosmos.
Historical & Cultural Context
This psalm likely served as a central hymn for temple worship or significant national festivals, such as Passover or Tabernacles, where the Israelite community would collectively recall and celebrate God's unwavering faithfulness. The responsive singing format was a common feature of ancient Israelite liturgy, designed to foster deep communal participation and to indelibly impress theological truths upon the hearts of the worshipers. The emphasis on God's provision of "food to all flesh" held profound resonance within an agrarian society, whose very survival was intimately dependent on consistent rainfall and fertile land for sustenance. The concept of divine provision was not merely an abstract theological idea but a tangible, daily reality, ranging from the miraculous manna in the wilderness (as recounted in Exodus 16) to the seasonal harvests that sustained their communities. The psalm's central focus on God's mercy (Hebrew: chesed) would have been understood within the rich framework of God's covenant relationship with Israel, emphasizing His loyal, steadfast love that, as this verse powerfully demonstrates, extended beyond the chosen people to encompass the entirety of His creation.
Key Themes
The paramount theme woven throughout Psalm 136 is the enduring mercy (chesed) of God, which functions as the foundational attribute underpinning all His actions, from the grand act of creation to the intricate process of redemption and the daily miracle of sustenance. Verse 25 specifically amplifies the theme of universal divine provision, unequivocally demonstrating that God's meticulous care is not confined to humanity or His covenant people, Israel, but extends comprehensively to "all flesh," embracing every living creature. This theme powerfully underscores God's role as the sovereign sustainer of the cosmos, a concept beautifully echoed in the New Testament when Jesus points to God's care for the natural world, as seen in Matthew 6:26 where He speaks of God feeding the birds of the air. Furthermore, the psalm implicitly cultivates a spirit of absolute dependence on God, reminding all of creation of their reliance on His gracious hand for their most fundamental needs, thereby fostering an attitude of profound gratitude, unwavering trust, and continuous worship in His unfailing character.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root (H5414) is remarkably versatile, meaning "to give," but also encompassing "to put," "to make," "to bestow," or "to grant." In this context, it emphasizes God's active, intentional, and continuous act of providing. It denotes not a passive allowance or a one-time endowment, but a deliberate, generous, and ongoing outpouring of sustenance, highlighting God as the primary, dynamic agent of life's provision.
This rich Hebrew term (H2617) is the theological cornerstone of the entire psalm. Often translated as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "covenant loyalty," chesed denotes a loyal, enduring love that is active, compassionate, and faithful to commitments. It transcends mere pity, representing a deep, relational commitment that expresses itself in benevolent action and unwavering faithfulness. The provision of food is thus portrayed not as a mere biological function but as a profound expression of God's deeply rooted, covenantal faithfulness and compassionate care for His creation.
This word (H5769) signifies eternity, time out of mind (past or future), or perpetual continuance. When applied to God's mercy, it stresses the unchanging, unending, and eternal nature of His chesed. It assures the worshiper that God's benevolent provision is not temporary, conditional, or subject to human failing, but is an inherent, permanent, and immutable aspect of His divine character, thereby guaranteeing His sustained, faithful care for all time.
Verse Breakdown
"Who giveth food to all flesh"
This clause unequivocally identifies God as the ultimate and sole source of sustenance for every living creature. The phrase "all flesh" (Hebrew: bâsâr) is intentionally comprehensive, extending beyond humanity to encompass the entire animal kingdom and indeed, all biological life. This highlights God's universal benevolence and His meticulous, intricate care for the vast and complex web of life He has created. His provision is not limited to His covenant people, Israel, but extends to all, demonstrating His expansive, indiscriminate, and sustaining grace as the Creator and Preserver of the cosmos.
"for his mercy endureth for ever"
This is the psalm's iconic and unwavering refrain, providing the profound theological basis and unwavering assurance for the preceding declaration. The miraculous and continuous provision of food to all flesh is not an arbitrary act, nor is it a fleeting whim; rather, it flows directly and inexorably from God's eternal, unwavering chesed (mercy/lovingkindness). This enduring mercy is the constant, reliable, and immutable foundation for all of God's interactions with His creation, guaranteeing that His active sustenance and compassionate care will never cease, but will continue perpetually. It transforms a simple statement of fact into a declaration of profound theological truth about God's immutable character and His ceaseless faithfulness.
Literary Devices
The most prominent and defining literary device in Psalms 136:25, and indeed throughout the entire psalm, is the Refrain. The repeated phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" functions as a liturgical response, rhythmically reinforcing the central theological truth of God's unfailing chesed. This constant repetition serves not only as a powerful mnemonic device, aiding memorization and communal participation, but also as a profound theological affirmation, deepening the impact and significance of each preceding statement of God's mighty acts. The phrase "all flesh" employs Universality, emphasizing the boundless scope of God's provision, extending His care to every living being without exception. This broad declaration also implies a strong sense of Parallelism, where the tangible act of giving food is directly correlated with, and indeed presented as a direct manifestation of, God's enduring mercy. The physical sustenance provided is thus a tangible, daily expression of an eternal spiritual attribute, powerfully linking God's practical, sustaining care with His unchanging, compassionate character.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 136:25 profoundly connects God's universal provision with His enduring mercy, revealing a foundational and immutable aspect of His character: He is a benevolent, faithful, and ceaseless Sustainer of all life. This verse underscores that the very existence, nourishment, and well-being of every creature are not accidental or self-generated, but are direct and continuous expressions of God's steadfast love and covenant loyalty. It teaches us that God's chesed is not merely a passive attribute or a distant sentiment, but an active, dynamic force that drives His continuous engagement with His creation, ensuring their well-being and flourishing. This profound theological truth invites humanity to recognize their complete and utter dependence on the Creator for every breath and every meal, and to respond with profound gratitude, unwavering trust, and humble worship, understanding that the same God who meticulously provides for the sparrow also cares intimately and personally for His beloved children.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 136:25 offers immense comfort and a powerful, ongoing call to worship for believers today. In a world often marked by anxiety over provision, economic uncertainty, and a pervasive sense of self-sufficiency, this verse powerfully redirects our gaze to the divine source of all sustenance. It reminds us that our daily bread, the very air we breathe, and the life that animates our bodies are not entitlements but precious gifts from a God whose mercy is not fleeting or conditional, but eternal and boundless. This understanding should cultivate a deep, transformative sense of gratitude, transforming mundane acts of eating and living into profound moments of worship. Furthermore, it fosters profound trust, assuring us that if God meticulously cares for "all flesh"—from the smallest insect to the mightiest beast—He will certainly, and even more so, care for His beloved children, especially in times of scarcity, uncertainty, or profound need. This divine generosity, which flows from His eternal chesed, should also inspire us to emulate His character, becoming faithful channels of His provision and mercy to those in need around us, sharing our material resources, time, and compassion as tangible reflections of His boundless love for all.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "all flesh" in this verse refer only to humans, or does it include animals?
The phrase "all flesh" (Hebrew: bâsâr) in Psalms 136:25 is comprehensive and includes all living creatures, extending beyond humanity to encompass the entire animal kingdom. Throughout the Old Testament, while bâsâr can certainly refer to humanity, in contexts of creation, universal provision, or broad scope, it often encompasses the entire biosphere. For example, in the Noahic covenant, God promises to never again destroy "all flesh" by a flood (Genesis 9:11). This verse powerfully emphasizes God's expansive benevolence as the Creator and Sustainer of the entire living world, demonstrating His meticulous and indiscriminate care for every single living being He has made.
What is the significance of the repeated refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" in Psalm 136?
The repeated refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew: ki l'olam chasdo) is the theological heartbeat and structural anchor of Psalm 136. Its significance is multi-layered and profound:
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 136:25, with its declaration of God's universal provision rooted in His enduring mercy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's chesed, the visible manifestation of a mercy that truly endures forever. While the psalm speaks of physical food for "all flesh," Jesus Himself declared, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35), offering not merely temporal sustenance but spiritual nourishment that satisfies eternal hunger and grants eternal life. His compassionate acts, such as miraculously feeding the multitudes (Matthew 14:13-21), powerfully echo the Father's universal provision, yet His ultimate act of self-giving on the cross is the supreme expression of God's enduring mercy, providing salvation and eternal life for "whoever believes in Him" (John 3:16). Furthermore, as the One through whom "all things were created" and "in him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:16-17), Christ is the divine agent of the very sustenance and cosmic order described in the psalm. Thus, the continuous provision and eternal mercy celebrated in Psalms 136:25 are perfectly realized and redemptively extended in the person and work of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), extending God's life-giving chesed to humanity in its fullest, most saving sense.