Psalms 118:29

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

O give thanks {H3034} unto the LORD {H3068}; for he is good {H2896}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Give thanks to ADONAI; for he is good, for his grace continues forever.

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.

Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

Commentary

Psalm 118:29 serves as a powerful doxology, a concluding anthem of praise that encapsulates the central message of the entire psalm. It is a direct call to worship and gratitude, emphasizing the unchanging nature of God's character and His steadfast love towards humanity.

Context

Psalm 118 is a joyous hymn of thanksgiving, often associated with national deliverance or a great act of salvation. It is part of the Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during significant Jewish festivals like Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" is a recurring refrain throughout this psalm, mirroring its prominent use in Psalm 136, highlighting its profound theological importance and serving as a communal confession of faith in God's unfailing commitment.

Key Themes

  • Thanksgiving and Praise: The opening imperative, "O give thanks unto the LORD," is a direct command and an invitation to acknowledge God's benevolent character. It underscores that gratitude is a fundamental response to understanding who God is and what He does, a theme echoed in 1 Chronicles 16:34.
  • God's Inherent Goodness: The declaration "for he is good" asserts a core attribute of God's being. His goodness is not merely a description of His actions but of His very nature – He is inherently benevolent, righteous, and beneficial. This truth forms the basis for all thanksgiving, as stated in Psalm 100:5.
  • Everlasting Mercy (Hesed): The phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" is the heart of the verse. This "mercy" translates the Hebrew word hesed, which is much richer than simple mercy. It encompasses steadfast love, lovingkindness, covenant faithfulness, and loyal devotion. It speaks of God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His people, a love that is eternal and unchanging, providing a secure foundation for faith and hope. This divine hesed never fails.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "good" is tov, which means not just morally good but also pleasant, agreeable, beneficial, and prosperous. It signifies a holistic goodness that brings blessing and well-being. The term hesed, translated as "mercy," is one of the most significant theological words in the Old Testament. It denotes a loyal, enduring love that is rooted in covenant relationship, distinguishing it from fleeting human kindness. Its eternal nature, "endureth for ever" (l'olam), emphasizes its unchanging and perpetual quality, assuring believers of God's constant presence and faithfulness, much like Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Practical Application

This verse calls believers to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude, regardless of circumstances, because God's goodness and mercy are immutable realities. It encourages trust in God's character, knowing that His loyal love will never cease. In times of trouble or blessing, the truth that God is good and His mercy endures provides a firm anchor for the soul, prompting continuous praise and confident reliance on His unfailing presence. It serves as a reminder that our ultimate security rests not on our fleeting circumstances, but on the eternal faithfulness of God.

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Cross-References

  • Ezra 3:11 (7 votes)

    And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

  • Psalms 118:1 (5 votes)

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

  • Psalms 103:17 (5 votes)

    But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

  • Isaiah 63:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, [and] the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.