November 11, 2024
Where is "His love endures forever" in the Bible?
Psalm 136
Tori Feaster
Big Book Idea
Thinking and feeling God's way.
Key Verse | Psalm 136:1, 4
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
. . .
[T]o him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 136
His Steadfast Love Endures Forever
1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
3
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
4
to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
5
to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
6
to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
7
to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
8
the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
9
the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
10
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
11
and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
12
with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
13
to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
14
and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
15
but overthrew
1
136:15
Hebrew shook off
Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
16
to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
17
to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
18
and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
19
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
20
and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
21
and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
22
a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
23
It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24
and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25
he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
26
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms
Timeline
Author and Date
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
Key Themes
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
- Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
- Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
- Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
- Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.
Types of Psalms
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
Structure
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
Fact: What is a psalm of lament?
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
Fact: Selah
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Fact: Snares
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
Fact: A helpful guide
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Fact: Wonders
Wonders can also be translated “marvels.” The word is often used to describe God’s works of rescuing his people and protecting and caring for them (9:1; 78:11; 98:1; Ex. 3:20; 34:10). In Ps. 136:4, it describes creation, showing that God’s work as Creator should fill us with awe and wonder.
Structure of Psalms
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 136:1–3 The song calls God’s people to give thanks to him because he is good, he is the God of gods, and he is the Lord of lords. This affirmation of the Lord’s supremacy shows why his steadfast love, which endures forever, is effective for his people.
Ps. 136:4 The word wonders (also translated “marvels”) usually refers to God’s deeds of rescuing, protecting, and caring for his people. Here it refers specifically to creation: God’s work of creation is wonderful, too.
Fact: Wonders
Wonders can also be translated “marvels.” The word is often used to describe God’s works of rescuing his people and protecting and caring for them (9:1; 78:11; 98:1; Ex. 3:20; 34:10). In Ps. 136:4, it describes creation, showing that God’s work as Creator should fill us with awe and wonder.
Ps. 136:4–9 The OT often reminds God’s people that the God who has redeemed them is also the God who created the world. Sometimes that reminder is given to reassure the people of God’s power. Sometimes (as here) it is given so that the people will see their own lives in relation to God’s continuing commitment to his creation.
Ps. 136:10–16 These verses recall how the Lord brought Israel out from among the Egyptians with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and led his people through the wilderness.
Ps. 136:17–22 These verses recall how God struck down great kings and gave their land to Israel as a heritage. The specific event here is the defeat of Sihon and Og.
Ps. 136:22 The people as a whole are God’s servant.
Psalm Ps. 136. This hymn calls on the worshiping congregation to give thanks to the Lord, who has shown his faithfulness throughout the history of God’s people. Each verse in this psalm has the same refrain, “for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Ps. 136:23–26 Now the song turns to an apparently more recent event, when the Lord remembered us in our low estate, and rescued us from our foes. The reference to food to all flesh (that is, not just to Israel), returns to the theme of the Lord as the universal Creator.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Psalm 136
Imagine you are standing on the beach, looking at the ocean. You jump in and submerge yourself in the water, then you come back to shore and realize that you are completely covered in the ocean, yet it seems as though there is no less water in the ocean. Imagine now that you and everyone you know all jump in the ocean at the same time, then you all get out and stand on the shore, soaking wet, and look out again to see that the water is still seemingly endless. As infinite as the ocean's waters may seem, God's steadfast love is even greater. The ocean could possibly be emptied of water one day, but God's steadfast love will never run out. It completely covers our past, present, and future, and it is still endlessly available to you and everyone else who has been created or will be created.
In Psalm 136, the people of Israel practice the disciplines of remembrance and praise. Every line reveals something about the history of Israel and the character of God, and it can be divided into five sections that each highlight a unique attribute of God:
Psalm 136:1-4: God is Sovereign
Psalm 136:5-9: God is Creator
Psalm 136:10-16: God is Deliverer
Psalm 136:17-22: God is Savior
Psalm 136:23-26: God is Provider
After each of these attributes, this refrain is repeated: "for his steadfast love endures forever." That means that every single one of the attributes described is carried out through steadfast love. God enacts sovereignty through His steadfast love. Out of an overflow of His steadfast love, He created the world. His steadfast love compels Him to deliver His people. In steadfast love, He conquers earthly kings. He provides for our daily needs with His steadfast love.
We get to sing Psalm 136 in seasons of despair and seasons of joy because through every season God's character is unchanging. His steadfast love endures forever!
This month's memory verse
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
– 2 Corinthians 9:7
Discussion Questions
1. Read Psalm 118:1-4. Based on these verses, who is Psalm 136 written for?
2. In addition to sovereign, creator, deliverer, savior, and provider, what other attributes of God do you see in Psalm 136?
3. How often do you take time to praise the Lord for what He has done in your life? For what He has done throughout the history of the world? Is this a discipline you enjoy or one you want to grow in?
4. Take time today to reflect on God's steadfast love in your own life. As a way of remembrance, write out your own version of Psalm 136, noting what God has done in your life and declaring that His steadfast love endures forever. Then share it with your community group! (Example: "To Him who comforted me in my time of loneliness, for His steadfast love endures forever; to Him who provided my job and home, for His steadfast love endures forever. . . .")
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