Psalms 136:11
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Original Language Analysis
וַיּוֹצֵ֣א
And brought out
H3318
וַיּוֹצֵ֣א
And brought out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 6
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל
Israel
H3478
יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 6
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Exodus 12:51And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.Exodus 13:3And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.Psalms 105:37He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.Psalms 78:52But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.Exodus 13:17And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
Historical Context
Psalm 136, the Great Hallel, recounts salvation from creation through providence. Sung at Passover and festivals with antiphonal structure (cantor and congregation), it trained Israel to see history through the lens of God's enduring mercy. Every generation learned their identity through this recitation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does repeatedly saying "his mercy endures forever" after each historical event transform your perspective?
- What events in your life can you recount with the refrain "for his mercy endures forever"?
- How does this psalm challenge viewing history as random versus providentially unfolding divine faithfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for eve...—Brought Israel out - deliverance from bondage. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.