Chapter 136
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
7To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
8The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
9The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
10To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
11And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
12With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
13To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
14And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
15But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
16To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
17To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
18And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
19Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
20And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
21And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
22Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
23Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
24And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
25Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
26O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Overview
Psalm 136 is the Great Hallel — a responsive hymn in which every verse ends with the refrain 'for his mercy endureth for ever.' It praises God as the God of gods and Lord of lords who alone does great wonders. It traces His works from creation — making the heavens, stretching out the earth, creating the sun, moon, and stars — through the exodus — smiting Egypt's firstborn, dividing the Red Sea, leading Israel through the wilderness — to the conquest of Canaan. Even in their low estate, God remembered His people. He gives food to all flesh. His mercy endures forever.
Key Themes
Enduring Mercy as History's Refrain
Twenty-six times the psalm declares 'his mercy endureth for ever' — making it the recurring theme of creation, redemption, and providence.
God as Creator and Redeemer
The same God who made the heavens also parted the Red Sea and defeated kings — creation and salvation flow from the same merciful hand.
God Remembers the Lowly
In their lowest condition, God remembered His people and rescued them — His mercy reaches to the deepest depths of human need.
Study Questions
Why is the refrain 'for his mercy endureth for ever' repeated in every verse? What does this accomplish?
How does the psalm connect creation (vv. 4-9) with redemption (vv. 10-22)?
What does it mean that God 'remembered us in our low estate' (v. 23)?
How does the ending — God giving food to all flesh (v. 25) — connect His mercy to daily provision?
How can this psalm shape our understanding of all of human history?
Connection to Christ
Every act of mercy in this psalm finds its climax in Christ. He is the Word through whom all things were made, the Passover Lamb whose blood delivers, and the one who leads His people through death into the promised inheritance. His mercy endures forever because His sacrifice is once for all and His intercession never ceases.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 136. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?