Psalms 136:26

KJV

O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

O give thanks {H3034} unto the God {H410} of heaven {H8064}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his grace continues forever.

Berean Standard Bible

Give thanks to the God of heaven! His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

Oh give thanks unto the God of heaven; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 136:26 serves as the triumphant and climactic conclusion to a psalm uniquely structured by its repetitive refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This verse encapsulates the psalm's overarching purpose: an emphatic, universal call to offer profound gratitude and worship to the transcendent God of heaven, whose steadfast love and covenant faithfulness are eternal and unchanging, providing the ultimate foundation for all creation and redemption. It is the culminating directive, inviting all to acknowledge the supreme being whose enduring goodness undergirds all existence and history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 136 is distinctively characterized by its responsorial structure, where the refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" follows each of its 26 verses. This insistent, repetitive pattern, likely intended for antiphonal worship, creates a powerful liturgical rhythm that deeply imprints the central theme of God's enduring `chêçêd` (loyal love) upon the worshiper. The psalm systematically recounts God's benevolent acts, beginning with His majestic creative power in the cosmos, as detailed in passages like [Psalm 136:4-9](/psalms/136-4-9 "Psalm 136:4-9 - God's Creative Power"), and progressing through His mighty redemptive works in Israel's history. These include the miraculous Exodus from Egypt ([Psalm 136:10-15](/psalms/136-10-15 "Psalm 136:10-15 - The Exodus and Red Sea Crossing")), His faithful guidance through the perilous wilderness journey ([Psalm 136:16](/psalms/136-16 "Psalm 136:16 - God's Guidance in the Wilderness")), and the victorious conquest of the Promised Land ([Psalm 136:17-22](/psalms/136-17-22 "Psalm 136:17-22 - Conquest of the Promised Land")). The narrative then broadens to God's ongoing, universal provision for all humanity and living creatures ([Psalm 136:23-25](/psalms/136-23-25 "Psalm 136:23-25 - God's Ongoing Provision and Redemption")). Verse 26, therefore, acts as the ultimate summary and directive, focusing the praise on God's highest title and His most enduring attribute, bringing the entire litany of praise to a resounding, universal crescendo.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Often referred to as the "Great Hallel" (though distinct from Psalms 113-118), Psalm 136 was likely used in communal temple worship, possibly during major pilgrimage festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, or Tabernacles. Its responsorial nature would have facilitated active communal participation, with a worship leader reciting the historical narrative and the congregation responding in unison with the powerful refrain. The title "God of heaven" (`ʼêl shâmayim`) gained particular prominence, especially in post-exilic Judaism, as seen in books like [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - The Decree of Cyrus") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer"). This designation emphasized God's universal sovereignty and transcendence over all earthly powers and pagan deities, a crucial theological affirmation in a context where Israel was often under foreign dominion. This title underscored that the God who acted specifically and powerfully for Israel was also the supreme ruler of the entire cosmos, reinforcing the immense magnitude and absolute reliability of His `chêçêd`.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes woven throughout Psalm 136, culminating in the powerful declaration of verse 26, are **Divine Sovereignty and Transcendence**, **Unfailing `Chesed` (Loyal Love)**, and **Universal Thanksgiving**. The psalm's progression from the grandeur of creation to the intricacies of redemption highlights God's absolute control over all realms, from the celestial bodies to the minutiae of human history, underscoring His supreme authority as the "God of heaven." The constant, rhythmic repetition of "for his mercy endureth for ever" establishes `chêçêd` as the foundational attribute of this sovereign God, demonstrating unequivocally that His immense power is always exercised through steadfast, covenantal love and unwavering kindness. This unwavering `chêçêd` is the ultimate basis for the psalm's fervent call to "give thanks," transforming gratitude from a mere emotion into a profound theological imperative—a proper, perpetual response to a God whose very nature is eternally good, faithful, and merciful, echoing similar calls to praise found in passages like [Psalm 107:1](/psalms/107-1 "Psalm 107:1 - Give Thanks to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **give thanks (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to use (i.e. hold out) the hand," this word implies a robust, active, and often public expression of gratitude and praise. It is not merely a passive mental state but an outward, often communal, act of acknowledging God's goodness, power, and faithfulness. It can also carry the nuance of confession, as one acknowledges God's truth.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This rich theological term is central to the Old Testament's understanding of God's character. Far more than simple pity or compassion, `chêçêd` denotes loyal love, steadfastness, covenant faithfulness, and unfailing kindness. It describes God's committed, active goodness towards His people, especially within the framework of His covenant promises. It signifies a love that is both strong and enduring, a commitment that never wavers, even in the face of human unfaithfulness.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This word signifies a duration that is "concealed" or "beyond the vanishing point," practically meaning eternity, perpetuity, or time "out of mind" (past or future). When applied to God's `chêçêd`, it profoundly emphasizes that His loyal love is not temporary, conditional, or subject to change, but is perpetual, immutable, and without end. It assures the worshiper that God's faithfulness is a constant, unending reality, transcending all temporal limitations and human circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O give thanks unto the God of heaven":** This opening clause is an imperative command, an urgent and universal summons to worship. The direct address "O" lends a sense of fervent appeal. The object of this thanksgiving is precisely identified as "the God of heaven," a title that profoundly underscores His supreme transcendence, His position above all earthly powers, and His universal dominion over the cosmos. It elevates the focus of praise beyond local deities, national gods, or human rulers to the ultimate, sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. The call is for a deliberate, volitional act of gratitude directed toward the one true, supreme God.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever.":** This second clause provides the foundational reason for the imperative command to give thanks. The conjunction "for" (or "because") links the command directly to the eternal nature of God's `chêçêd`. It is precisely because His loyal love, His covenant faithfulness, and His unfailing kindness are perpetual, unchanging, and without end (`ʻôwlâm`) that He is supremely worthy of unending gratitude and praise. This phrase, serving as the psalm's constant refrain, is the anchor of hope and assurance, declaring that God's character is steadfastly good, His commitment to His creation and His people is eternal, and therefore, His goodness can be trusted implicitly through all generations.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 136:26, as the psalm's powerful conclusion, masterfully employs several literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, as the phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" is the psalm's defining and constant refrain, appearing 26 times. This insistent repetition serves to deeply engrain the truth of God's enduring `chêçêd` into the minds and hearts of the worshipers, making it an undeniable and central theological statement that undergirds every act of God. The verse also utilizes an **Imperative** ("O give thanks"), a direct and forceful command that calls for an active, volitional response of gratitude from the worshiper. This is not a mere suggestion but a solemn directive, indicating that thanksgiving is a duty and a privilege. Furthermore, the phrase "God of heaven" functions as a title of **Emphasis** and **Transcendence**, elevating the object of worship to the highest possible plane, highlighting His supreme authority, universal reign, and cosmic dominion above all other powers, reinforcing the boundless nature of the mercy that flows from Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 136:26 culminates the psalm's grand narrative of God's redemptive history and cosmic sovereignty by grounding all praise in His eternal `chêçêd`. Theologically, it asserts that God's actions, whether in the majesty of creation, the power of deliverance, or the faithfulness of sustenance, flow intrinsically from His unchanging character of loyal love. This verse profoundly affirms that the very nature of God is one of enduring mercy, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith, worship, and hope. It teaches that true thanksgiving arises not from fleeting circumstances or temporary blessings, but from a profound and abiding understanding of who God is—the transcendent "God of heaven" whose covenant faithfulness is boundless and eternal. This truth inspires unwavering confidence and calls believers to a perpetual state of gratitude, recognizing that God's goodness and steadfast love are the ultimate realities that undergird all existence and provide ultimate security.

* [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Goodness and Enduring Mercy")
* [1 Chronicles 16:34](/1_chronicles/16-34 "1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give Thanks for His Enduring Mercy")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Great Love and Compassions Never Fail")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 136:26 is far more than a concluding verse; it is an enduring invitation to live a life saturated with profound gratitude, rooted deeply in the unwavering character of God. In a world perpetually marked by flux, uncertainty, and shifting values, this verse anchors our souls to the immutable truth that God's loyal love is not dependent on our performance, the ebb and flow of our emotions, or the shifting tides of external circumstances, but on His very being. It calls us to intentionally remember and recount God's past faithfulness in our lives, just as the psalm meticulously recounts Israel's history, thereby fostering a deep and abiding trust that His `chêçêd` will continue to sustain us through every season. This transformative understanding should reshape our perspective, enabling us to give thanks not only for overt blessings but also in the midst of trials, knowing that His merciful intentions towards us are eternal and His purposes are always good. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of perpetual worship that acknowledges God's supreme authority and boundless grace in every aspect of our existence, making thanksgiving a lifestyle rather than an occasional act.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "the God of heaven" profoundly impact your perception of His power, sovereignty, and active involvement in the daily details of your life?**
* **In what specific and tangible ways have you personally experienced God's "mercy [enduring] for ever" in your journey, and how can you more consistently and actively express your thanks for it?**
* **How might regularly meditating on God's unchanging `chêçêd` transform your emotional and spiritual response to difficult, uncertain, or even seemingly hopeless situations?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the God of heaven" in this verse, particularly as a conclusion?**

Answer: The title "God of heaven" (Hebrew: `ʼêl shâmayim`) is profoundly significant, especially in the context of Psalm 136's conclusion. It emphasizes God's absolute transcendence, His universal sovereignty, and His cosmic authority. While the psalm meticulously recounts God's specific acts of deliverance and provision for Israel, this culminating title broadens the scope to acknowledge Him as the supreme ruler over all creation and all nations. It underscores that the God who miraculously intervened in Israel's history is not merely a tribal deity or a localized power, but the ultimate, omnipotent, and omnipresent cosmic authority who governs the entire universe. By ending with this majestic designation, the psalm declares that the `chêçêd` (loyal love) that "endureth for ever" is not limited to one people or one era, but flows from the very nature of the sovereign God who presides over all things, thereby reinforcing the boundless magnitude and absolute reliability of His mercy, inviting universal and unending praise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 136:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent manifestation of the "God of heaven" and the very embodiment of His eternal `chêçêd`. The "mercy [that] endureth for ever" is most vividly and tangibly displayed in God's willingness to send His only Son into the world, not to condemn it, but to save it through His sacrificial love ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Christ's immaculate life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection are the supreme acts of God's loyal love, demonstrating that His `chêçêd` is not merely an abstract concept but an active, redemptive force that decisively conquers sin, death, and the grave. Through Christ, the seemingly inaccessible "God of heaven" draws near to humanity, making His eternal mercy tangible, personal, and universally available. The New Testament consistently testifies to this truth, affirming that God's immeasurable love for us was demonstrated while we were still helpless sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God's Love Demonstrated")), and that Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ is the Same Forever")), perfectly reflecting the immutable and enduring nature of God's mercy. Therefore, when we "give thanks unto the God of heaven," we are ultimately giving thanks for the `chêçêd` revealed in its fullest measure through Christ, by whom we receive eternal life and an everlasting, reconciled relationship with the Father ([1 John 4:9-10](/1_john/4-9-10 "God's Love Revealed in Christ")).

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 136:1

¶ O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 136:3

O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Nehemiah 1:4

And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned [certain] days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

Jonah 1:9

And he said unto them, I [am] an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry [land].

Psalms 115:3

But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Psalms 123:1

¶ A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

Revelation 11:13

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.