God’s Never-Ending Mercy
Psalm 136
Rev. Devadosan Sugirtharaj
Introduction
Psalm 136, known as the Great Hallel (Great Praise), is a remarkable psalm distinguished by its repeated refrain: “His mercy endures forever” in each of its 26 verses. This repetition was part of the Hebrew liturgical tradition, performed responsively by priests and Levites (see Ezra 3:11; 1 Chronicles 16:7-36, 41; 2 Chronicles 20:21; Jer. 33:10-11).
1. God’s Never-Ending Mercy in Creation (Psalm 136:1-9).
- From the very beginning, God’s never-ending mercy is revealed as His essential nature. The psalm opens with a call to give thanks to God for His goodness and steadfast mercy, inviting thoughtful and grateful worship. God created humanity in His own image (Gen. 1:26-27), and despite humanity's fallenness (Romans 5:19), His mercy endures.
- The psalmist praises God using His names—Jehovah, Elohim, and Adonai—and for His wondrous acts that demonstrate divine power and miraculous wonders.God’s creative work—making the heavens with wisdom and laying out the earth—declares His mercy. All of creation, as described in Acts 14:17, testifies to God’s kindness and enduring love.
2. God’s Never-Ending Mercy in Salvation History (Psalm 136:10-26).
- ’Gods mercy is especially evident in Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Psalm 136:10-15). Through miraculous signs and wonders, God redeemed His people from oppression, dividing the Red Sea and overthrowing Pharaoh’s army (cf. Isa. 33:9; Exodus 14:27).
- In the wilderness, God’s mercy continued as He guided, provided, and protected Israel on the journey to the Promised Land (Psalm 136:16-22). He defeated kings who opposed Israel, such as Pharaoh, Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan (Deut. 3:11-13; Amos 2:9).
- ’Gods mercy did not cease with Israel’s history. The psalmist transitions in verses 23-26 to praise God for ongoing deliverance and provision in the lives of all people, reminding us that God still delivers, protects, and provides for His creation today (Genesis 9:8-17).
Conclusion
Psalm 136 reveals God’s never-ending mercy through creation, the history of Israel, and our own lives. His mercy is rooted in His love for us and is shown through deliverance, providence, and protection. As recipients of divine mercy, we are called to show mercy to others and nurture hope. Praising God for His mercy in the past, present, and future inspires worship and compels us to extend mercy to those in need. Are you thankful for God’s never-ending mercy? Are you willing to show mercy to others?