God’s Love Never Fails

Psalms 136:1–9
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Every verse in this Psalm ends in the words “His mercy endures forever.” It follows the progress of the events from the creation in Genesis to the conquest of Canaan recorded in Joshua. It is thought that the Levite song leader would recite the first half of each verse and the congregation would echo the refrain. We need to remember just as these people were reminded that all we are, all we have and all we do depends on God’s loving kindness and mercy. Here are some of the reasons we need to praise Him:

1. For what He is (vv. 1-3).

The Lord is good (v. 1). The Hebrew word for good is “tov”. It means good, pleasant, and agreeable. Psalms 106, 107, and 118 also begin with thanks to the Lord for his goodness. He is the God of gods (v. 2) and the Lord of lords (v. 3). This is a quote from Deuteronomy 10:17. These verses are not saying that there are other gods (like the Greek or Norse Pantheons) flying around. Rather “gods” refers rulers, judges, and angels, while “lords” refers to masters, kings, and princes. The Lord God is over all these institutions of authority, whether they be human or angelic. 

2. For what He can do (v. 4).

The Lord can accomplish wonderous things, far beyond our ability and understanding. 

3. For what He has done in creation (vv. 5-9). 

The Lord made the heavens and the earth with power and understanding. 

Application

I need to be thanking God daily for His mercy. It is only because of His mercy that I am saved. If I received what I deserve it would be an eternity separated from God in Hell.