Psalm 136: A Lesson About Love
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136 :1 (KJV)
The word mercy in Hebrew is hesed, which refers to God’s eternal covenant love and speaks of the greater covenant partner(God) blessing the lesser one (us). It is a reminder of the God who keeps covenant. We are to give thanks to the Lord because He is good and He is love. We praise God based on both who He is and what He has done for us. And, to walk in a higher level of faith, we thank God for what we can’t see yet.
This psalm tells us some of the wonderful works and workings of God. God will go to great lengths to do what He promises in order to meet any and every need we may have.
Verse 4
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:4 (KJV)
God does great wonders. He will do miraculous and amazing things, making us wonder and be awed by the love and goodness of God.
Verses 5-9
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:5-9 (KJV)
God created the heavens, earth, waters, sun, moon, and stars by His power and wisdom. How much He understands us and knows how to help us and give us what we need.
Verses 10-20
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever: And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever: But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever: Psalm 136: 10-15 (KJV)
Because of God’s love and goodness, He will deal with our enemies. He is just and His justice is a manifestation of His love. Injustice is borne out of cruelty, selfishness, and hatred- and those qualities are not found in God in any way, shape, or form.
Verses 11, 14, 21-22
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:… And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:… And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136: 11, 14, 21-22 (KJV)
God brings us out to bring us through to bring us in. He brings us out of bondage, through the wilderness, to a place of plenty where we inherit the sinners’ wealth. Because He loves us, He guides us into what He has promised.
Verses 22-25
Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:22-25 (KJV
God guides and provides for us through it all. He is always thinking of us, protecting us, and meeting our needs.
Twenty-six times, this psalm says His mercy (love) endures forever. This repetition is for a reason. God wants us to get it in our hearts that His love endures and lasts forever. No matter what we face, go through, or endure, His love will outlast it. The Lord is God, and He is good. He will take care of us. No one and nothing can separate us from God’s love unless we allow it. God does what He does for us because He is love. Give thanks to the Lord for His love endures and goes on forever!
