Psalms 136 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 136 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

This is commonly referred to as "The Great Hallel," sometimes in combination with Psalm 135. Psalms 135 and 136 follow the same basic order of topics. The song became associated with holy days such as Passover. Each verse in this psalm ends with the phrase translated as, "For his steadfast love endures forever," or "for his lovingkindness is everlasting." This uses the Hebrew root word hesed: a forgiving, constant, loyal, kind love.

God is to be praised with gratitude, on account of His absolute goodness (Psalm 34:8; 86:5). He alone is supreme, far above all other real or imaginary beings (Deuteronomy 4:35). Titles such as "Lord of lords" and "God of gods" are structured the same way in Hebrew as in English (Deuteronomy 10:17); they imply that God is as far above those others as they are thought to be above ordinary men (Psalm 136:1–3).

A key aspect of God's supreme nature is His role as Creator (Genesis 1:1). Nature gives the most obvious evidence of His work (Romans 1:18–20; Psalm 19:1). This psalm echoes the steps of creation expressed in the early chapters of Genesis (Genesis 1:14–17). The Lord created all things and arranged them according to His nature, which includes His eternal love (Psalm 136:4–9).

The Lord has also demonstrated Himself through miracles. God killed the firstborn of Egypt (Exodus 12:29–30) to free Israel from slavery (Exodus 12:41). He protected the nation from the Egyptian army at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:27–29). When the people needed food or water, He miraculously gave it to them (Exodus 16:35; 17:6). Eventually, through His power, the people were enabled to arrive at the borders of the Promised Land (Psalm 136:10–16).

Once Israel began to conquer Canaan, God's power was still on display. He was the power behind Israel's victories (Deuteronomy 7:7–8; 8:17–18). Among the first defeated were the kings of Bashan and the Amorites (Numbers 21:23–25, 33–35). The Lord's presence continued as Israel moved further into the Promised Land. However, their own sin created a cycle (Judges 2:16–19) of oppression and rebellion (Psalm 136:17–22).

During the era of the judges, the Lord continued to rescue Israel from oppressive enemies (Judges 3:9–10, 14–15, 30; 4:1–2, 23–24; 6:1; 8:28). Even after He allowed Israel to suffer defeat and exile (2 Chronicles 36:17–21), He kept the nation alive and eventually brought them back to the Promised Land (Ezra 2:1). God's love is seen in His mercy and salvation. It is also seen in His provision for all life on earth (Colossians 1:17). For all these reasons, the people are called to praise their Creator (Psalm 136:23–26).

Psalm 136:1–9 offers worship to the Lord because of His role as sovereign God and Creator. No other being, real or imaginary, can match His power. Nature demonstrates His supremacy (Romans 1:18–20; Psalm 19:1). Each expression of praise is followed by a repeated statement of His unchanging, steady, eternal love.

Psalm 136:10–16 focuses on the exodus from Egypt. There, God used powerful miracles to prove Himself and break Egyptian power (Exodus 3:20; 12:41). The signature sign was the death of Egypt's firstborn (Exodus 12:29–30). The Lord protected the people from a vengeful Egyptian army at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:27–29). As Israel traveled in the wilderness, He provided them with food and water (Exodus 16:35; 17:6). Each feat is followed by a repeated reference to God's constant and eternal love.

Psalm 136:17–22 describes God's power which brought Israel victory in Canaan. Among these were the defeat of Sihon (Numbers 21:23–25) and Og (Numbers 21:33–35). The Lord would continue to empower His people as they entered into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:7–8; 8:17–18). As these blessings are described, the psalm repeats an expression of the Lord's love, which is never-ending and constant.

Psalm 136:23–26 summarizes God's care for His people. The Lord rescued Israel (Exodus 12:41), empowered them against enemies (Numbers 21:23–25, 33–35), and continues to sustain all He has created (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:17). These are appropriate reasons to worship Him. Each statement comes before a repeated sentence which notes God's permanent, consistent love.

Chapter Summary:

Each verse in this psalm ends with a declaration that God's love is loyal and unending. The song praises God for His goodness, sovereignty, power, creation, rescue of Israel, empowerment of His people, mercy, sustaining power, and role as "the God of heaven." The song is often labeled "The Great Hallel" because of this enthusiastic worship.

Chapter Context:

This psalm is sometimes called "The Great Hallel." Psalms 113—118 are often called the "Hallel Psalms" or the "Egyptian Hallel." These are found in the section of Psalms which contains the Hebrew word halelu-yāh, though Psalm 136 itself does not. This song follows nearly the same order of subjects as Psalm 135. Each verse ends by repeating the same phrase. This was probably used for call-and-response: a leader speaks unique words and the congregation responds with a repeated sentence (Ezra 3:11). The refrain uses the root word hesed, indicating a constant, loyal, steady love.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/18/2024 10:30:08 AM