Psalms 136:6

KJV

To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

To him that stretched out {H7554} the earth {H776} above the waters {H4325}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to him who spread out the earth on the water, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

He spread out the earth upon the waters. His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

To him that spread forth the earth above the waters; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 136:6 extols God's majestic power and unwavering faithfulness, specifically highlighting His foundational act of establishing the dry land "above the waters." This verse, embedded within a grand liturgical hymn, declares that the very order and stability of the created world are direct manifestations of God's enduring mercy, a steadfast love that provides a stable foundation for all existence. It serves as a profound reminder that divine power is inextricably linked with divine goodness, offering both a reason for worship and a source of profound comfort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 136 is a unique liturgical psalm, often referred to as "The Great Hallel," characterized by its responsorial structure. Each declaration of God's mighty acts is followed by the unchanging refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." The psalm systematically recounts God's attributes and deeds, beginning with His general goodness (verses 1-3), moving to His creative works (verses 4-9), His deliverance of Israel from Egypt (verses 10-22), and finally His ongoing provision for all living things (verses 23-26). Verse 6 specifically falls within the creation section, detailing the separation of land from water, an act described in [Genesis 1:9-10](/genesis/1-9-10 "Genesis 1:9-10 - God Gathers the Waters and Creates Dry Land"). This placement emphasizes that even the fundamental acts of creation are rooted in God's eternal covenantal love, not merely raw power. The repetitive refrain serves as a constant theological commentary, ensuring that every act of God, no matter how grand or terrifying, is understood through the lens of His enduring *chêçêd*.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, creation myths often depicted a chaotic, watery abyss from which the world emerged through violent struggles between deities. In stark contrast, the Israelite understanding, as presented in Genesis and echoed in Psalms, portrays a single, sovereign God who brings order out of primeval chaos through His authoritative word and deliberate action. The concept of "stretching out" the earth above the waters would have resonated deeply with a people familiar with the ever-present threat of floods and the vital importance of stable, fertile land. This act was not merely a physical feat but a theological statement about God's absolute control over the forces of chaos and His provision of a habitable world for humanity. The psalm's antiphonal nature suggests its use in temple worship, perhaps during festivals celebrating creation or the Exodus, where the community would collectively affirm God's enduring faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Order**, presenting God as the ultimate architect who brings form and stability to the formless void, as described in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Was Formless and Void"). This act of separating land from water is a testament to His absolute control over creation, establishing the very conditions necessary for life. Secondly, it highlights **God's Omnipotence**, showcasing His immense power to command the elements and structure the cosmos with deliberate intent. The imagery of "stretching out" implies a forceful, yet precise, act of formation. Most importantly, the recurring refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" emphasizes the theme of **Enduring Mercy** (Hebrew: *chêçêd*). This term signifies far more than mere pity; it encompasses steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, loyal kindness, and unwavering devotion. The psalm asserts that even God's mighty acts of creation are fundamentally expressions of His eternal, unwavering *chêçêd* towards His creation, a mercy that is not conditional but inherent in His nature, as affirmed in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Come to an End").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stretched out (Hebrew, _râqaʻ'_):** From H7554, meaning "to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand (by hammering); by implication, to overlay (with thin sheets of metal)." This verb vividly portrays a powerful, deliberate, and forceful act of creation. It suggests God's active involvement in shaping the earth, akin to a craftsman hammering out a metal sheet to expand and flatten it, creating a firm expanse. This imagery underscores the intentionality and might behind the formation of the dry land.
* **earth (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From H776, referring to "the earth (at large, or partitively a land)." In this context, it denotes the dry ground or landmass that emerges from the waters. It signifies the habitable, stable part of creation, distinct from the chaotic waters. The establishment of *ʼerets* is crucial for life and civilization, representing God's provision of a dwelling place.
* **waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** From H4325, meaning "water; figuratively, juice." In the biblical worldview, "waters" often represent primeval chaos, the unformed, and the untamed. God's act of stretching the earth *above* the *mayim* signifies His triumph over chaos, His ability to bring order and stability where there was none, and His establishment of boundaries for the wild forces of nature.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, meaning "kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty; favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing." This rich term, often translated as "steadfast love" or "covenant faithfulness," is central to understanding God's character. It's not just pity, but a loyal, enduring, and active love that is committed to the well-being of its object. In Psalm 136, it's the underlying motivation for all of God's mighty acts, including creation.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** From H5769, meaning "properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially with prepositional prefix) always." This word emphasizes the eternal, unending nature of God's *chêçêd*. It signifies that God's mercy is not transient or conditional but an inherent, perpetual attribute of His being, extending through all generations and throughout eternity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To him that stretched out the earth above the waters":** This clause attributes the specific act of creating the dry land to God. The verb "stretched out" (*râqaʻ*) conveys a powerful, deliberate, and expansive action, suggesting God's hands-on involvement in shaping the cosmos. It implies an intentional separation and elevation of the solid ground from the chaotic, formless waters, establishing a stable and habitable environment. This echoes the creation narrative in Genesis 1, where God commands the waters to gather and the dry land to appear, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over the elements.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever":** This refrain, characteristic of Psalm 136, provides the theological rationale and motivation behind God's creative act. It declares that God's power in creation is not arbitrary or detached, but is fundamentally an expression of His *chêçêd*—His steadfast, loyal, and covenantal love. The phrase "endureth for ever" (*ʻôwlâm*) emphasizes the eternal, unchanging, and unfailing nature of this mercy, assuring the worshiper that God's creative power is always directed by His benevolent and faithful character.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 136:6, in conjunction with its refrain, employs several powerful literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "stretched out," which attributes a human-like action (stretching or hammering) to God, making His creative power more relatable and comprehensible. This imagery evokes a craftsman diligently shaping the world. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a picture of the earth being carefully positioned "above the waters," conveying a sense of divine control and order over primeval chaos. The entire psalm, including this verse, relies heavily on **Repetition** through its consistent refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This repetition serves not only as a mnemonic device for communal worship but also as a profound theological emphasis, ensuring that every act of God, from creation to redemption, is understood as an an expression of His unchanging *chêçêd*. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Parallelism** between God's mighty acts of creation and His enduring mercy, suggesting that these two aspects of His character are not separate but intrinsically linked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 136:6 profoundly links God's immense creative power with His eternal mercy. It teaches us that the very fabric of the cosmos, the stable ground beneath our feet, is not merely a product of raw, indifferent power, but rather an intentional act of a God whose nature is *chêçêd*—steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. This means that the order and beauty we observe in creation are not accidental but are tangible expressions of God's benevolent character and His commitment to His creation. His power is always exercised in accordance with His loving-kindness, providing a secure and habitable world for humanity to flourish. This foundational truth assures us that the God who brought order out of chaos is also the God whose love for His creation is unending, providing a secure basis for trust and worship.

* [Genesis 1:9-10](/genesis/1-9-10 "God Gathers the Waters and Creates Dry Land")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "The Lord's Mercies Never Come to an End")
* [Job 38:4-11](/job/38-4-11 "God's Questions to Job About Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound assurance and a compelling call to worship. In a world that often feels chaotic, uncertain, and unstable, remembering that God is the one who "stretched out the earth above the waters" reminds us of His sovereign control and His ability to bring order out of even the most formidable chaos. His creative power is matched only by His eternal mercy, meaning that His powerful acts are always rooted in His loyal love for humanity. This truth should inspire not only awe at His majesty but also deep trust in His character. If God can establish the very foundations of the earth with such power and precision, motivated by an unending mercy, then He is certainly capable of sustaining and guiding our individual lives and the course of history. This should move us to profound **Praise** for His incredible power and unfailing love, which are evident in every aspect of creation around us. It should also bring immense **Comfort**, knowing that the unchanging nature of God's mercy means that even when circumstances seem overwhelming, His steadfast love endures forever, providing a constant source of hope and faithfulness in an ever-changing world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God "stretching out the earth above the waters" deepen your understanding of His power and control over chaos in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God's "mercy endureth for ever" provide comfort or challenge your perspective on difficult circumstances?**
* **How can reflecting on God's creative acts, as described in this verse, lead you to a deeper sense of worship and gratitude?**

### FAQ

**What does "stretched out the earth above the waters" mean in a scientific sense?**

Answer: Biblically, this phrase describes God's act of creating dry land from a watery, unformed state, as detailed in [Genesis 1:9-10](/genesis/1-9-10 "Genesis 1:9-10 - God Creates Dry Land"). It's a theological statement about God's sovereignty and power to bring order out of primeval chaos, rather than a scientific explanation of geological processes. The imagery of "stretching out" (Hebrew: *râqaʻ*) suggests a powerful, intentional act of formation, akin to a craftsman spreading out a sheet. It emphasizes God's deliberate establishment of a stable, habitable world, setting boundaries for the waters, and providing a foundation for life. The Bible's primary purpose is to reveal the *Who* and *Why* of creation (God's power and mercy), not the *How* in modern scientific terms.

**How does God's mercy relate to His power in creation?**

Answer: Psalm 136:6, with its repeated refrain, explicitly links God's creative power to His enduring mercy (Hebrew: *chêçêd*). This connection is profound: it means that God's power is not arbitrary or detached, but is always exercised in accordance with His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. The creation of a stable earth "above the waters" is not just a display of might, but an act of benevolent provision, establishing a secure and habitable world for humanity. God's power in creation is thus an expression of His active, loyal love for His creatures, ensuring that His mighty acts are always for the good of His creation. This theme is consistent throughout scripture, where God's power is often demonstrated in acts of salvation and sustenance, all rooted in His *chêçêd*, as seen in passages like [Psalm 145:9](/psalms/145-9 "Psalm 145:9 - The Lord is Good to All").

**Is "for his mercy endureth for ever" just a repetitive phrase, or does it hold deeper meaning?**

Answer: Far from being mere repetition, the phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew: *chêçêd ʻôwlâm*) is the theological cornerstone of Psalm 136. It serves as a constant, unwavering affirmation of God's character and the underlying motivation for all His actions. Each time it is declared, it recontextualizes the preceding mighty act, whether it's creation, the Exodus, or daily provision, as an outflow of God's eternal, steadfast, and covenantal love. This refrain transforms the psalm from a simple list of deeds into a profound meditation on the enduring nature of God's faithfulness. It assures the worshiper that God's love is immutable, providing a firm foundation for trust and hope, as also expressed in [1 Chronicles 16:34](/1_chronicles/16-34 "1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 136:6, with its declaration of God stretching out the earth above the waters by His enduring mercy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that Jesus is not merely a recipient of God's mercy, but He is the very agent through whom God's creative power and eternal *chêçêd* are manifested. [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Were Made Through Him") states that "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made," while [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") affirms that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him." Thus, the very act of establishing the earth's foundations, celebrated in Psalm 136:6, was accomplished through the pre-existent Christ. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly embodies and delivers God's enduring mercy. The *chêçêd* that endures forever is most powerfully expressed in His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, where God's steadfast love triumphs over sin and chaos, bringing about a new creation. Just as God brought order out of the primeval waters, Christ brings spiritual order and life out of the chaos of sin and death, offering eternal salvation to all who believe, as highlighted in [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy in Christ"). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), demonstrating God's ultimate act of mercy, a love that endures forever and secures our eternal dwelling.

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 24:2

For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

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.

Genesis 1:9

¶ And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry [land] appear: and it was so.

Job 26:7

He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, [and] hangeth the earth upon nothing.

Isaiah 44:24

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

Psalms 104:2

Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

Psalms 104:3

Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: