Psalm 136 Meaning Explained

The great 'Hallel' (praise) psalm with its antiphonal refrain. Each line declaring God’s creative and redemptive acts—from 'He who made the heavens' to 'He who gives food to all flesh'—is answered by the congregation: 'for his steadfast love endures forever.' It is liturgical memory in call-and-response, grounding all of history and nature in God’s unending covenant love ('hesed').

A clear explanation of Psalm 136, emphasizing God’s mercy, mighty works, and everlasting love

Psalms Chapter 136 | KJV

1. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
4. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5. To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
7. To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
8. The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
9. The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
10. To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
11. And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
12. With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
13. To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
14. And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
15. But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
16. To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
17. To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
18. And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
19. Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
20. And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
21. And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
22. Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
23. Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
24. And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
25. Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
26. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Historical Context

Psalm 136, a Song of Thanksgiving, repeatedly emphasizes God’s enduring mercy in creation, deliverance, and covenant.