Psalms 136:8

The sun to rule by day: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

The sun {H8121} to rule {H4475} by day {H3117}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}:

the sun to rule the day, for his grace continues forever;

the sun to rule the day, His loving devotion endures forever.

The sun to rule by day; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;

Psalms 136:8 is part of a grand hymn of praise, celebrating God's enduring mercy as revealed through His mighty acts in creation and redemption. This particular verse focuses on God's design of the celestial bodies.

Context

Psalm 136 is unique for its repetitive refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," which follows each declaration of God's wonderful works. This structure suggests it was likely used in responsive worship, with a leader proclaiming God's deeds and the congregation responding with the refrain. Verses 1-9 highlight God as the supreme Creator, establishing the heavens, the earth, and the great lights. Verse 8 specifically acknowledges the sun's role, which God ordained to "rule by day," setting a divine order for the world.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty in Creation: The verse emphasizes that the sun's existence and function are not random but are divinely appointed. God is the ultimate authority over all creation, including the most prominent celestial body. This points to God's careful design and control over the cosmos, a theme also seen in Genesis 1:16, where God makes the two great lights.
  • God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed): The recurring refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," ties every aspect of God's creation and acts of salvation to His unfailing, covenantal love. The Hebrew word for "mercy" here is chesed (or hesed), which conveys a deep sense of steadfast love, faithfulness, loyalty, and kindness. It's not just pity but an active, committed love that endures through all circumstances.
  • Order and Reliability: The sun's consistent rising and setting, its "rule by day," signifies the stable and reliable order God has established in the universe. This consistent natural law serves as a constant testament to God's unchanging character and His enduring commitment to His creation.

Linguistic Insights

The pivotal phrase "his mercy endureth for ever" translates the Hebrew ki l'olam chasdo. The word chasdo (or hesed) is profoundly significant in the Old Testament. It describes a loyal, steadfast love that is rooted in covenant faithfulness. It speaks of God's benevolence and His unfailing commitment to His promises and His people. This divine attribute is seen not only in grand acts of salvation but also in the consistent provision of daily life, like the sun's light.

Practical Application

For a general audience, Psalms 136:8 offers a profound sense of security and hope. Just as the sun faithfully rises each day, providing light and warmth, so too does God's mercy remain constant and unfailing. In a world often marked by change and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that God's fundamental character—His steadfast love—is eternally dependable. It encourages trust in God's provision and His unchanging nature, knowing that His mercies are indeed new every morning, as Lamentations 3:22-23 beautifully describes.

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.

  • Psalms 148:3

    Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

  • Matthew 5:45

    That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

  • Genesis 1:16

    And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: [he made] the stars also.

  • Jeremiah 31:35

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, [and] the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts [is] his name:

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