Psalms 136 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 136

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to various authors, including King David, the renowned ruler of ancient Israel. Psalm 136, in particular, is a powerful hymn of thanksgiving and praise, reflecting on God’s unwavering love and faithfulness throughout history.

The author of this psalm is not explicitly named, but it is believed to have been composed during a time of national celebration or worship, when the people of Israel were reminded of God’s mighty acts and His enduring compassion. The repetitive refrain, “His love endures forever,” underscores the central theme of the passage, emphasizing the steadfast nature of the divine love that sustains and guides the chosen people. The psalmist recounts God’s creation of the world, His deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, and His provision for His people in the wilderness in this chapter. These events echo the narratives found in the books of Genesis and Exodus, reminding the reader of the interconnectedness of the biblical story and the continuity of God’s redemptive work. The focus shifts to God’s triumph over mighty kings and His care for the needy as the psalm progresses, further demonstrating the breadth and depth of His sovereign power and compassion.

Psalms 136:1-3

The verses in Psalms 136:1-3 read, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

The repetition of the phrase “for his steadfast love endures forever” in these verses emphasizes the eternal and unwavering nature of God’s love. The psalmist is calling upon the people to give thanks to the Lord, the God of gods, and the Lord of lords because of His enduring love. This theme of gratitude and praise for God’s love is a central theme in the book of Psalms.

The mention of the Lord as the God of gods and the Lord of lords highlights His supremacy over all other gods and rulers. This proclamation asserts the sovereignty of God and reinforces the belief in monotheism. Throughout the Bible, there are instances where God’s power is demonstrated over false gods, such as in the story of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18.

The act of giving thanks is a common theme throughout the Bible. Gratitude is encouraged as a response to God’s goodness and faithfulness. The apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers in the New Testament to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), recognizing that gratitude is a mark of a heart that is aligned with God’s will. Psalms 136:1-3 sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, recounting the many acts of God’s deliverance and provision for His people throughout history. The psalmist uses these verses as an invitation for the people to join in giving thanks and praise to God for His unfailing love and supremacy.

Psalms 136:4-9

Verse 4 begins with the declaration, “To him who alone does great wonders”. This section acknowledges the power and sovereignty of God in performing marvelous works that are beyond human comprehension. The psalmist is specifically highlighting the uniqueness of God as the One who is able to carry out extraordinary deeds that display His greatness and supremacy over all creation. This verse serves as a testimony to God’s infinite capabilities and His ability to intervene in the affairs of His people in miraculous ways. It’s a reminder to the readers of the unmatched power and authority of God, calling them to trust in His ability to do the impossible. The psalmist reflects on God’s wisdom in the act of creating the heavens in verse 5. The mention of the heavens in this context points to the vastness and complexity of the universe, emphasizing God’s role as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. This verse underscores the divine intelligence and design that is evident in the heavens, showcasing God’s supremacy and authority over the entire cosmos. It prompts us to marvel at the intricacy of God’s creation, acknowledging His wisdom as unfathomable and beyond human comprehension. This reflection on the heavens ties back to the opening verses of Psalm 19, where the heavens are described as declaring the glory of God, reinforcing the idea that all of creation proclaims His greatness.

Moving on to verse 6, the psalmist praises God for His role in establishing the earth upon the waters. This reference recalls the biblical account of creation in Genesis, where God separated the waters to form the earth, illustrating His power to bring order out of chaos. The act of establishing the earth upon the waters signifies God’s authority and control over the elements of nature, demonstrating His ability to govern the world He has created. It reinforces the biblical theme of God’s sovereignty over creation and His ability to sustain and uphold the earth through His mighty power. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in upholding His creation and providing for His creatures, reflecting His care and provision for all that He has made.

Verse 7 praises God for His role in creating the great lights, specifically the sun to rule the day and the moon and stars to rule the night. This reference harkens back to the creation account in Genesis, where God made the lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. The psalmist acknowledges God’s order and design in appointing these heavenly bodies to govern the cycles of day and night, highlighting His wisdom and purpose in every aspect of creation. This verse emphasizes the beauty and functionality of God’s design in the natural world, pointing to His intricate plan and attention to detail in orchestrating the cosmos. It also serves as a reminder of God’s provision for His creation, as these celestial bodies serve as signs for seasons, days, and years, showcasing His care and foresight in providing for the needs of His creatures. The psalmist praises God for His redemption of Israel from Egypt in verse 8, emphasizing His steadfast love that endures forever. This reference alludes to the Exodus account in the Bible, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through miraculous signs and wonders. The redemption of Israel from bondage serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and His compassion towards His chosen people. It underscores the theme of God’s deliverance throughout the Bible, showcasing His willingness to rescue and save His people from oppression and bondage. This verse celebrates God’s intervention on behalf of His people, highlighting His unwavering love and commitment to their well-being.

Verse 9 continues to extol God’s miraculous intervention on behalf of His people by mentioning His power in parting the Red Sea to make way for Israel to pass through. This event in Israel’s history, recorded in the book of Exodus, is a pivotal moment where God displayed His power by rescuing His people from the pursuing Egyptian army. The parting of the Red Sea stands as a symbol of God’s ability to overcome insurmountable obstacles and deliver His people from imminent danger. This verse underscores God’s supremacy over the forces of nature and His ability to work wonders on behalf of those who trust in Him. It serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and protecting His people from harm. Psalms 136:4-9 provides a powerful reflection on the greatness of God as seen in His wondrous works of creation, His faithfulness in redeeming His people, and His power in delivering them from adversity. These verses highlight key events in the history of Israel, such as the Exodus from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, pointing to God’s consistent care and provision for His chosen people throughout their journey. The psalmist’s praise and thanksgiving serve as a timeless reminder of God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and love that endures forever, inviting readers to trust in His faithfulness and power in every circumstance. Through these verses, we are encouraged to look back on God’s mighty deeds in the past as a source of hope and assurance for the present and the future, knowing that His steadfast love will never fail.

Psalms 136:10-15

The verses in Psalms 136:10-15 focus on the deliverance of the Israelites from the hands of Pharaoh and the Egyptians during the time of the Exodus. The passage reads, “To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, His love endures forever. And brought Israel out from among them, His love endures forever. With a mighty hand and outstretched arm, His love endures forever. To Him who divided the Red Sea asunder, His love endures forever. And brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea, His love endures forever.”

The first part of this passage references the tenth plague on Egypt, where God struck down all the firstborn in the land, including Pharaoh’s own son. This plague finally compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The repetition of “His love endures forever” highlights the unwavering and unfailing love of God, even in moments of judgment and justice. This event underscores the justice and sovereignty of God, demonstrating His power over even the most powerful rulers of the time.

The imagery of God’s “mighty hand and outstretched arm” denotes His strength and ability to deliver His people from oppression. The parting of the Red Sea is one of the most iconic and miraculous events in the Bible. When the Israelites were trapped between the pursuing Egyptian army and the sea, God divided the waters, creating a dry path for His people to walk through on dry ground. This not only shows God’s miraculous power over nature but also His faithfulness to His promises to deliver His people from bondage. The parted Red Sea symbolized the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom, from oppression to liberation as they walked through it. This moment serves as a powerful metaphor for redemption and salvation, illustrating God’s ability to make a way where there seems to be no way. The drowning of Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea speaks to the consequences of defying God and opposing His plans. It symbolizes the defeat of evil and the triumph of righteousness.

These verses in Psalms 136 not only recount a specific historical event but also hold timeless messages about God’s faithfulness, deliverance, justice, and sovereignty. They remind readers of the importance of trusting in God’s power to overcome any obstacle or enemy. The story of the Exodus and the crossing of the Red Sea is referenced in other parts of the Bible, such as Exodus 14, and is often used as an example of God’s saving grace and protection over His people throughout history.

Psalms 136:16-22

His mercy endures forever as He led His people through the wilderness, struck down great kings, slew famous kings, including Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and gave their land as a heritage to Israel His servant.”

This passage highlights the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness under the leadership of God. It reflects on the numerous victories God granted His people as they faced adversaries and conquered kingdoms. The mention of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, signifies powerful rulers who opposed the Israelites but were defeated by God’s mighty hand.

The wilderness journey of the Israelites is a pivotal event in the Old Testament, symbolizing the trials, testing, and provision of God for His people. It not only physically traversed the wilderness but also spiritually represented their journey from slavery in Egypt to the promised land of Canaan. The mention of great and famous kings being struck down conveys the sovereignty and power of God over all nations and rulers.

The repeated refrain of “For His mercy endures forever” emphasizes the unwavering and everlasting nature of God’s mercy towards His people. Despite the challenges and enemies they faced, God remained faithful to His covenant with Israel, leading them to victory and granting them the land promised to their ancestors.

This passage resonates with other parts of the Bible where the faithfulness and deliverance of God are celebrated. “The Lord gave them rest on every side according to all that He had sworn to their fathers” is affirmed after the conquest of the kings and their lands in Joshua 2:24.” This reaffirms God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises to His people. Psalms 136:16-22 reflects on the historical events that shaped the identity of the Israelites as a chosen nation under the guidance and protection of God. It serves as a reminder of God’s enduring mercy, His sovereignty over earthly powers, and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people throughout the ages.

Psalms 136:23-26

The text in Psalms 136:23-26 reads, “He remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; he rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; he gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

This passage highlights God’s faithfulness and enduring love towards His people. The Psalmist acknowledges that God remembered them in their low estate, showing compassion and mercy towards them. This is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, where God consistently cares for His people, even when they are in times of trouble or despair. For example, in the story of the Israelites in Egypt, God heard their cries and remembered His covenant with them, leading to their eventual deliverance from slavery.

The mention of being rescued from foes reminds us of the numerous times God intervened on behalf of His people in the face of enemies. Whether it was the crossing of the Red Sea, the victory over Goliath through David, or the protection of Daniel in the lion’s den, God has always shown His mighty power and faithfulness in delivering His people from their adversaries. This serves as a powerful reminder that God is our ultimate protector and defender in times of trouble.

The provision of food to all flesh is another significant point in this passage. It showcases God’s role as the sustainer and provider for all living creatures. Just as God provided manna in the wilderness for the Israelites, this act of provision demonstrates His care and concern for the physical needs of His creation. This passage encourages gratitude and thanksgiving for God’s continuous provision in our lives, reminding us that everything we have ultimately comes from Him.

The concluding exhortation to give thanks to the God of heaven emphasizes the importance of gratitude and praise towards God for His steadfast love that endures forever. This eternal love of God is unchanging and unwavering, regardless of our circumstances or actions. It is a love that surpasses all understanding and is the foundation of our relationship with Him. We, as believers, are called to constantly give thanks to God for His love and faithfulness towards us, recognizing that His enduring love is the source of all blessings in our lives. Psalms 136:23-26 serves as a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness, provision, and love towards His people throughout history. It encourages us to reflect on God’s past acts of deliverance and provision, leading us to offer sincere praise and thanksgiving for His unwavering and steadfast love towards us.

After Psalms 136

The Lord’s steadfast love endures forever. He alone does great wonders, for his love endures forever. He made the heavens, the earth, the sun, moon, and stars – all by his mighty hand, for his love endures forever. He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, and brought Israel out from among them, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his love endures forever.

And so the Lord’s people were delivered from their oppressors, saved by the power of the Almighty. But their journey was not over. For as the Israelites looked to the horizon, they knew that the road ahead would be long and arduous. Yet they took heart, for they were assured of the Lord’s unwavering love and protection, no matter what trials lay in wait. With faith in their hearts, they pressed onward, ready to face whatever challenges the future held.