“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

“To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who made the heavens with skill,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who spread out the earth above the waters,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

“To Him who made the great lights,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting:
The sun to rule by day,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
The moon and stars to rule by night,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

“To Him who struck the Egyptians, that is, their firstborn,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And brought Israel out from their midst,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
With a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

“To Him who divided the Red Sea in parts,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And allowed Israel to pass through the midst of it,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
But He overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

“To Him who led His people through the wilderness,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who struck great kings,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And killed mighty kings,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting:”

“Sihon, king of the Amorites,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And Og, king of Bashan,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And gave their land as a heritage,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
A heritage to Israel His servant,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

“Who remembered us in our low state,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And has rescued us from our enemies,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
Who gives food to all flesh,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

“Give thanks to the God of heaven,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

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Context and Meaning

Psalm 136 is a majestic hymn of thanksgiving and praise, structured as a responsive liturgy. Each declaration of God’s works is followed by the refrain: “For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

It recounts God’s power in creation, His redemption of Israel from Egypt, His guidance in the wilderness, His victories over kings, His provision, and His compassion. The psalm celebrates the steadfast, covenantal love of God (Hebrew: hesed) that never ends.

Key Themes:

1. God’s Goodness and Supremacy: He is the God of gods and Lord of lords (v. 1–3).
2. God’s Power in Creation: He made the heavens, earth, sun, moon, and stars (v. 4–9).
3. God’s Redemption in History: Deliverance from Egypt and Pharaoh (v. 10–15).
4. God’s Guidance and Provision: Leading through the wilderness and giving land (v. 16–22).
5. God’s Mercy in Our Weakness: Remembering His people in low estate and delivering them (v. 23–24).
6. God’s Provision for All Creation: Giving food to all flesh (v. 25).
7. God’s Everlasting Lovingkindness: Every act of power and mercy flows from His unending love.

Reflection and Impact

Psalm 136 reminds us that all of God’s acts—creation, redemption, provision—flow from His steadfast love:

• God’s goodness never fails – “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good” (v. 1) recalls James 1:17: every good gift comes from above.
• Creation reflects His love – “He made the heavens with skill” (v. 5) parallels Romans 1:20: His power and divine nature are seen in creation.
• Redemption reveals His power and love – “With a strong hand and outstretched arm” (v. 12) foreshadows Luke 1:51: God has done mighty deeds with His arm.
• God provides daily bread for all – “Who gives food to all flesh” (v. 25) echoes Matthew 6:26: your heavenly Father feeds them—will He not much more feed you?
• His love is eternal – The refrain “His lovingkindness is everlasting” aligns with Romans 8:39: nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Application

• Give Thanks Continually: Recognize God’s steadfast love in all areas of life.
• See His Love in Creation: Look at the world around you as testimony of His care.
• Trust His Power to Redeem: He delivers from bondage with a mighty hand.
• Rest in His Daily Provision: Trust Him to supply your needs as He feeds all creation.
• Anchor Your Hope in His Eternal Love: His covenant faithfulness endures forever.

Closing Thought

Psalm 136 is the anthem of God’s covenant love: in creation, redemption, provision, and mercy, His lovingkindness endures forever.
“Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.”