Psalm 136—God’s Mercy and Love Endure Forever

Many of are familiar with this Psalm as it is often sung in churches during Holy Communion or after the service. We probably recognize it with these words:

And it goes on like this. We may not know that this hymn is a Psalm, but it is, like so much of our liturgical prayers and hymns. This Psalm certainly lends itself to being sung, as the refrain “For His steadfast love endures forever,” is part of every verse. Why is it part of every verse? To emphasize that the love and mercy of God are part of every chapter of human history. There has never been a time, and there never will be a time, that God will withdraw His love and mercy from us, either as a society, or as individuals. God’s love and mercy is present, even in the pandemic, even when it appears that God is absent or silent, His love and mercy remain present. Because God is incomprehensible, we may feel that God is absent or silent, and remain unable to comprehend that He actually is neither absent or silent, ever.

Psalm 136 walks us through a history of God’s love and mercy. It begins by affirming that God is good. (v. 1) In a polytheistic society, God is “God of gods” (v. 2) and “Lord of lords.” (v. 3) This is as true today as it was when the Psalms were written. We have made idols of many things and many people, and God is more mighty and more lasting than anything we idolize.

It is God alone who does the “great wonders” (v. 4) Each of us may do some wonderful things, but nothing we can do compares to the wonders of God, which begins with the creation of the heavens (v. 5), the earth and the sea (v. 6), and the sun, the moon and the stars. (v. 7-9).

Because this Psalm was written before Christ, the greatest work for which God was known was the delivery of His people from bondage in Egypt, through the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, to the conquest of the land of Canaan. This is detailed in verses 10-22, as we hear about the plagues (v. 10), the Exodus (v. 11), the dividing and crossing of the Red Sea (v. 12-15), God’s leading the children of Israel through the wilderness (v. 16) and the conquest of the Land of Canaan through the overthrowing of great and powerful kings with their armies (v. 17-22).

God remembers us in our low estate (v. 23). This was true in the time of the Israelites. It is true now, in the time of covid-19. It is true when we suffer personal challenges, like medical issues or loss of loved one, or loss of job. God is with us, even in these, with mercy and love. God rescues us from our enemies (v. 24). These do not only include military victories, which is what this refers to specifically. They include modern enemies like our own personal anxiety and doubt. These things are helped and cured through God’s love and mercy.

God “gives food to all flesh” (v. 25). This includes not only the food we eat, but includes provision for the things we hunger for. For instance, God gives comfort to those who are anxious. He gives forgiveness when we have erred. He gives grace to cover our inadequacies. He gives wisdom so that we can see clearly and make good decisions.

The Psalm concludes with reaffirming our thanks to the God of heaven (v. 26), the Creator of all that is seen and unseen, the Almighty and all-merciful God of all. I encourage you to find a recording of this Psalm on YouTube or elsewhere and listen to it often. It is important for us to remember that God’s steadfast love and mercy endure forever, even in the time of societal crisis, even in the time of personal crisis, even in time of personal failure and setback, and certainly in time of joy. We should give thanks to God at all times, because His love and mercy endure at all times.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and love endure forever!