Psalms 136:9

The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

The moon {H3394} and stars {H3556} to rule {H4475} by night {H3915}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

the moon and stars to rule the night, for his grace continues forever;

the moon and stars to govern the night. His loving devotion endures forever.

The moon and stars to rule by night; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:

Commentary

Psalm 136:9 continues the grand hymn of praise, focusing on God's sovereign hand in creation, specifically His provision of the moon and stars to govern the night. This verse, like every other in the psalm, reiterates the foundational truth that all of God's mighty acts, from creation to deliverance, are rooted in His eternal, unchanging mercy.

Context

Psalm 136 is unique for its litany structure, where each declaration of God's works is followed by the refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." The psalm systematically recounts God's benevolence, moving from the creation of the heavens and earth (verses 5-9), to His miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt (verses 10-15), their journey through the wilderness, and their entrance into the Promised Land. Verse 9 specifically highlights the nocturnal celestial bodies, following the mention of the sun ruling the day in Psalm 136:8. It sets the stage for recognizing God's consistent care and provision in the natural world before detailing His historical interventions for His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order in Creation: God is not only the Creator but also the one who establishes and maintains order in the universe. The "moon and stars to rule by night" signify His deliberate design, providing light, marking seasons, and guiding humanity in the darkness. This echoes the creation account in Genesis 1:16, where these celestial bodies are appointed for specific functions.
  • God's Enduring Mercy (Chesed): The recurring refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," is the theological anchor of the entire psalm. The Hebrew word for mercy here is chesed (ื—ึถืกึถื“), which denotes far more than mere pity. It encompasses steadfast love, unfailing kindness, covenant loyalty, and faithful benevolence. The psalmist emphasizes that even the existence and function of the moon and stars are expressions of God's unchanging love and faithfulness towards His creation.
  • Universal Witness to God's Character: The consistent presence and function of the moon and stars serve as a silent, yet powerful, testimony to God's everlasting nature and His providential care. They are a constant reminder that His goodness is not fleeting but eternal, reaching across all time and space.

Linguistic Insights

The pivotal term in this psalm is chesed (ื—ึถืกึถื“), translated as "mercy" in the KJV. This rich Hebrew word conveys a profound sense of loyal love, covenant faithfulness, and steadfast kindness. Itโ€™s a love that is not earned but freely given, and it endures eternally. Understanding chesed helps us grasp that God's creation of the cosmos, including the "moon and stars to rule by night," is an act born out of His deep, unwavering commitment to His creation, not just a display of raw power. It is His unchanging character that underpins all His actions, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23.

Practical Application

This verse invites us to look up at the night sky with renewed awe and gratitude. In a world of constant change and uncertainty, the enduring presence of the moon and stars, fulfilling their divine purpose, serves as a tangible reminder of God's unchanging nature and His steadfast love. It encourages us to:

  • Trust in God's Consistency: Just as the moon and stars reliably appear each night, we can trust in God's faithfulness and His unfailing mercy in our lives.
  • Worship the Creator: Recognize that the beauty and order of the cosmos are not random but are purposeful expressions of a loving, sovereign God who cares for His creation.
  • Find Comfort in His Mercy: Knowing that God's mercy "endureth for ever" provides immense comfort and hope, assuring us that His goodness will never run out, no matter our circumstances.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 89:36 (2 votes)

    His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

  • Psalms 89:37 (2 votes)

    It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

  • Job 31:26 (2 votes)

    If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking [in] brightness;

  • Psalms 8:3 (2 votes)

    ยถ When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;