Psalms 136:5

KJV

To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

To him that by wisdom {H8394} made {H6213} the heavens {H8064}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to him who skillfully made the heavens, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

By His insight He made the heavens. His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

To him that by understanding made the heavens; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 136:5 is a profound declaration of God's sovereign power and intentional design in creation, specifically highlighting the formation of the heavens. This verse, embedded within a grand hymn of praise, attributes the vastness and intricate order of the cosmos not merely to divine power, but to divine wisdom. It then immediately connects this magnificent creative act to God's enduring covenantal love, emphasizing that His mercy is the eternal foundation and motivation behind all His works, from the cosmic to the personal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 136 is a unique liturgical hymn, often called the "Great Hallel," characterized by its responsorial structure. Each line proclaiming a divine act is met with the congregational refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." The psalm systematically recounts God's benevolent actions, moving from His cosmic work as Creator (verses 1-9) to His redemptive acts in Israel's history, particularly the Exodus and wilderness journey (verses 10-22), and culminating in His continuous provision for His people (verses 23-26). Verse 5 specifically falls within the opening creation account, establishing God's foundational role as the ultimate architect of the universe before detailing His historical interventions. This placement underscores that God's redemptive mercy is as ancient and vast as His creative power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely served as a central piece of worship in ancient Israel, possibly during major festivals like Passover, when the nation remembered God's mighty acts of deliverance and provision. The call-and-response format would have fostered communal participation and reinforced theological truths. In a world where various pagan deities were associated with specific natural phenomena or national powers, Psalm 136 unequivocally asserts the singular sovereignty of Yahweh over all creation and all nations. The emphasis on God's wisdom in creating the heavens would have resonated with Israel's understanding of the cosmos as a divinely ordered realm, contrasting with chaotic or capricious pagan cosmologies. The concept of "mercy" (Hebrew *hesed*) was deeply rooted in Israel's covenantal relationship with God, signifying His steadfast, loyal, and unfailing love that endures across generations and circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 136 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Wisdom in Creation**, asserting that God's creative work, particularly the heavens, was not accidental but a deliberate act of profound intelligence and skill. This echoes passages like [Proverbs 3:19](/proverbs/3-19 "Proverbs 3:19 - The Lord by wisdom founded the earth") and [Jeremiah 10:12](/jeremiah/10-12 "Jeremiah 10:12 - God's power and wisdom in creation"), which emphasize God's purposeful design. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Omnipotence of God**, as only an all-powerful being could "make the heavens." This power is not abstract but active and manifest. Thirdly, and most centrally, it proclaims the **Everlasting Nature of God's Mercy (Hesed)**. The recurring refrain ties every divine act, from creation to redemption, to this unchanging attribute. It implies that even the very existence of the cosmos is an expression of God's enduring kindness and faithfulness, providing a stable dwelling for humanity, as seen in [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's mercy endures forever").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _tâbûwn'_):** From H8394, this term denotes intelligence, discretion, reason, and skilfulness. It implies not just intellectual knowledge, but profound insight and practical understanding applied to achieve a perfect and purposeful outcome. When applied to God's creation of the heavens, it signifies that His act was not arbitrary or impulsive, but meticulously planned, intelligently designed, and executed with ultimate skill, resulting in the intricate order and beauty observed in the cosmos.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, this is a rich and multifaceted Hebrew term, often translated as kindness, loving-kindness, or steadfast love. It speaks of loyal, covenantal faithfulness and enduring commitment. More than just pity or compassion, *hesed* describes an active, powerful, and unwavering love that forms the very foundation of God's relationship with His creation and His people. It is a love that is faithful to promises, even when undeserved.
* **For Ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** From H5769, this word signifies eternity, time out of mind (past or future), or perpetual continuance. When paired with *hesed*, it emphasizes the unchanging, unending, and eternal nature of God's loyal love. It assures the worshiper that God's mercy is not transient or conditional, but an inherent and permanent attribute of His character, extending through all generations and throughout all time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To him that by wisdom made the heavens":** This clause attributes the creation of the celestial realm—the sun, moon, stars, and the vast expanse of space—directly to God. The crucial element here is "by wisdom," indicating that God's creative act was not a mere display of raw power, but an intelligent, purposeful, and skillfully executed design. The intricate order, predictable cycles, and breathtaking beauty of the heavens are presented as a direct testament to God's profound knowledge and understanding.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever.":** This is the psalm's recurring refrain, immediately following the declaration of God's creative act. It profoundly connects God's power and wisdom in creation to His unchanging character of *hesed* (steadfast love/mercy). It suggests that the very act of creating the heavens, providing a stable and ordered cosmos, is an expression of God's enduring kindness and faithfulness towards His creation. His creative work is not detached but flows from His eternal, covenantal love, providing a secure and benevolent environment for life.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 136:5 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the **refrain** "for his mercy endureth for ever," which underscores the central theological truth of the psalm and creates a liturgical rhythm. This refrain functions as a **Leitwort**, a guiding word or phrase that unifies the entire composition and constantly reminds the audience of the foundational attribute of God. The phrase "made the heavens" uses **Synecdoche**, where "the heavens" represents the entirety of the created cosmos, implying God's comprehensive sovereignty over all things. The attribution of "wisdom" to God in the act of creation is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, describing God's divine intelligence in terms understandable to humans, emphasizing His deliberate and skillful design rather than a chaotic or accidental origin. The entire verse also functions as a form of **Hymnic Praise**, inviting the worshiper to acknowledge and respond to God's magnificent attributes and actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 136:5 powerfully links God's creative majesty with His unwavering covenantal love. The creation of the heavens by divine wisdom is presented not as an isolated act of power, but as an initial, grand expression of God's eternal mercy. This establishes a foundational theological truth: God's power and wisdom are always exercised within the bounds of His benevolent and faithful character. It teaches us that the very order and beauty of the cosmos are a testament to a God who is not only mighty and intelligent but also deeply committed to His creation. This enduring mercy, *hesed*, is the bedrock upon which all subsequent acts of redemption and provision are built, assuring humanity of God's constant and reliable presence.

* [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - God creates the heavens and the earth")
* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The heavens declare the glory of God")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 136:5 invites us to gaze upon the vastness of the heavens and recognize the profound wisdom and enduring mercy of their Creator. In a world often perceived as chaotic or indifferent, this verse offers a comforting and empowering truth: the same God who meticulously designed and brought into being the intricate cosmos is the one whose loyal love "endureth for ever." This should inspire both awe and trust. It calls us to move beyond a superficial appreciation of nature to a deep worship of the Designer. If God's wisdom is so immense that it fashioned the celestial bodies in perfect order, and His mercy is so steadfast that it undergirds even creation, then surely we can entrust our lives, our anxieties, and our futures to Him. This verse encourages us to live with a posture of gratitude, continually acknowledging God's faithful provision in every aspect of our existence, knowing that His *hesed* is the constant backdrop to all of life's seasons.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does contemplating the vastness and order of the heavens deepen your understanding of God's wisdom and power?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God's "mercy endureth for ever" provide comfort or challenge in your current circumstances?**
* **How can you intentionally recognize and respond to God's enduring mercy in your daily life, mirroring the psalmist's call to praise?**

### FAQ
**What does "by wisdom made the heavens" specifically imply about God's creation?**

Answer: This phrase implies that God's creation of the heavens was not an arbitrary or accidental act, but a deliberate, intelligent, and skillfully executed design. The Hebrew word for "wisdom" (H8394, *tâbûwn*) suggests profound understanding, discernment, and practical skill. Therefore, it means that the intricate order, predictable movements, and breathtaking beauty of the celestial bodies are direct evidence of God's infinite intelligence and purposeful planning. It underscores that the universe is not a product of chaos but of divine design, reflecting the mind of its Creator, as seen in [Proverbs 3:19](/proverbs/3-19 "Proverbs 3:19 - The Lord by wisdom founded the earth").

**Why is the refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" so central to Psalm 136?**

Answer: The refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" (H2617, *chêçêd*; H5769, *ʻôwlâm*) is central because it ties every single act of God—from cosmic creation to historical redemption and ongoing provision—back to His unchanging character of steadfast, loyal love. It transforms a mere recounting of God's deeds into a profound theological statement about His nature. It assures the worshiper that God's power and wisdom are always exercised in the context of His benevolent and faithful commitment to His people. This eternal mercy is the underlying motivation and guarantee of all His promises and actions, providing a constant source of hope and trust, as highlighted in [Psalm 107:1](/psalms/107-1 "Psalm 107:1 - Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 136:5 speaks of God's wisdom in creating the heavens, the New Testament reveals that this divine wisdom is perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All things were created through Him and for Him") declares that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him." This powerfully links the wisdom and creative power of God directly to Christ, revealing Him as the agent through whom the heavens were made. Furthermore, the "mercy that endureth for ever" finds its ultimate and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus. God's eternal *hesed* is not just a general benevolence but a specific, covenantal love that culminates in the redemption offered through Christ's sacrifice. The incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus are the supreme demonstration of God's unwavering mercy, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to their Creator. The stability and order of the heavens, created by divine wisdom, foreshadow the eternal security and new creation established through the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose work ensures that God's mercy will indeed endure for all who believe, ushering them into an [eternal kingdom](/2_peter/1-11 "2 Peter 1:11 - The eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus 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

Genesis 1:1

¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Psalms 104:24

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Psalms 33:6

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Jeremiah 51:15

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.

Proverbs 8:22

¶ The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

Proverbs 8:29

When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

Jeremiah 10:12

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.