Psalms Chapter 136 — God's Enduring Kindness
This psalm is a litany of gratitude that recounts God's power in creation and His faithful deliverance of Israel throughout history.
1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
2Give thanks to the God of gods,
3Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
4to him who alone does great wonders,
5to him who by understanding made the heavens,
6to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
7to him who made the great lights,
8the sun to rule by day,
9the moon and stars to rule by night,
10to him who struck down the Egyptian firstborn,
11and brought out Israel from among them,
12with a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm,
13to him who divided the Red Sea apart,
14and made Israel to pass through the middle of it,
15but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
16to him who led his people through the wilderness,
17to him who struck great kings,
18and killed mighty kings,
19Sihon king of the Amorites,
20Og king of Bashan,
21and gave their land as an inheritance,
22even a heritage to Israel his servant,
23who remembered us in our low estate,
24and has delivered us from our adversaries,
25who gives food to every creature,
26Oh give thanks to the God of heaven,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,”
This opening verse establishes the central theme of the entire psalm, which is a call to communal gratitude based on God's goodness.
Psalm 136:25
“who gives food to every creature,”
This verse expands the scope of God's care from the nation of Israel to the physical sustenance of all living things.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 136 is a structured hymn of thanksgiving that calls upon the faithful to praise God for His character and works. It begins by acknowledging God's supremacy as the "God of gods" and "Lord of lords." The text then details the wonders of creation, including the making of the heavens, the earth, the sun, the moon, and the stars. Following the section on creation, the psalm transitions into a historical account of Israel's redemption. It mentions the striking down of the Egyptian firstborn, the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, and the guidance of the people through the wilderness. It further records the defeat of powerful kings like Sihon and Og to secure an inheritance for Israel. The chapter concludes by noting God's provision for all creatures and His remembrance of His people in their low estate, ending with a final call to give thanks to the God of heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main theme is a call to give thanks to God for His inherent goodness and His mighty acts in history. It highlights His roles as Creator, Deliverer, and Sustainer of life.
The psalm recounts the Exodus from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the journey through the wilderness, and the defeat of kings like Sihon and Og to claim the Promised Land.
It credits God with making the heavens by understanding, spreading the earth over the waters, and creating the sun, moon, and stars to rule day and night.
Study Note
This psalm is often called the 'Great Hallel' in Jewish tradition and is notable for its repetitive structure traditionally used in responsive liturgical worship.
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