Psalm 136 is a very unique and different psalm. Repeated throughout the psalm is the phrase "His love endures forever." The author of this psalm is not known, but it may have been a responsive reading with the congregation saying these words in unison after each sentence. The repetition made this important lesson sink in God's love includes aspects of love, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness.
We never have to worry that God will run out of love because it flows from a well that will never run dry.
"Forgetful as we are, things must be often repeated to us. By "mercy" we understand the Lord's frame of mind to save those whom sin has rendered miserable and vile, and all the provision he has made for the redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ. The counsels of this mercy have been from everlasting, and the effects of it will endure forever, to all who are interested in it. The Lord continues equally ready to show mercy to all who seek for it, and this is the source of all our hope and comfort.
In verses 10-22 (shown below), we see the great things God did for Israel, when he brought them out of Egypt, where mercies which endured long to them; and our redemption by Christ, endures forever.
God's everlasting mercy (shown in verses 23-26) are praised for the redemption of his church; in all his glories, and all his gifts. Blessed be God, who has provided and made known to us salvation through his Son. May we know and feel his redeeming power, that we may serve him in righteousness all our days. Let us acknowledge all that we receive to this true source, and offer praise continually"
(Words in quotations provided by Matthew Henry Commentary)
Psalm 136 / New International Version
ReplyDelete1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.
17 to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel;
His love endures forever.
23 to the One who remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.