O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
O give thanks {H3034} to the Lord {H113} of lords {H113}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his grace continues forever;
Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His loving devotion endures forever.
Oh give thanks unto the Lord of lords; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Revelation 17:14
¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful. -
1 Timothy 6:15
Which in his times he shall shew, [who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; -
Revelation 19:16
And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Psalm 136:3 continues the ancient Israelite call to worship, focusing on a profound attribute of God: His supreme authority coupled with His unending faithfulness. This verse invites all to "O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy [endureth] for ever."
Context of Psalm 136
Psalm 136 is unique for its litany structure, where each verse is followed by the refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This antiphonal pattern likely indicates its use in temple worship or communal gatherings, with a leader proclaiming God's mighty acts and the congregation responding. The psalm systematically recounts God's creative power, His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and His provision in the wilderness, emphasizing that every act of God is rooted in His steadfast love and faithfulness. Verse 3 specifically focuses on God's unparalleled sovereignty.
Key Themes and Messages
This powerful title emphasizes God's absolute supremacy over all other rulers, powers, and even other supposed deities. He is the ultimate authority, above every earthly king, every spiritual force, and every nation. This declaration establishes His unparalleled dominion and worthiness of worship. The New Testament similarly refers to Jesus Christ as the "King of Kings, and Lord of Lords", affirming His divine authority.
This recurring refrain is the heartbeat of Psalm 136. The Hebrew word for "mercy" here is chesed, a rich term often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," or "covenant faithfulness." It denotes a loyal, unwavering, and active love that is deeply rooted in God's character and His covenant relationship with His people. This isn't just pity, but a deep, enduring commitment. The phrase "endureth for ever" assures us that this divine attribute is eternal, unchanging, and always available. This truth is foundational to the psalmist's call for thanksgiving, as seen also in Psalm 100:5.
The verse begins with "O give thanks," indicating that recognizing God's supreme power and unending mercy should naturally lead to heartfelt gratitude and worship. It's a direct invitation to acknowledge God's character and respond with praise.
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word chesed (חֶסֶד) is central to understanding the depth of "mercy" in this verse. It encompasses more than mere compassion; it signifies loyal love, kindness, and faithfulness that stems from a covenant relationship. When the psalm declares that God's chesed "endureth for ever," it means His covenant faithfulness is eternal and reliable, never failing or running out.
Practical Application
For believers today, Psalm 136:3 offers immense encouragement and a clear directive for worship.