Psalms 136:16
To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Original Language Analysis
לְמוֹלִ֣יךְ
H1980
לְמוֹלִ֣יךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עַ֭מּוֹ
his people
H5971
עַ֭מּוֹ
his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 6
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
through the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
through the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
3 of 6
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
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
Deuteronomy 8:15Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;Exodus 15:22So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.Exodus 13:18But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.Psalms 77:20Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.Deuteronomy 8:2And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
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
To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endu...—Led through wilderness - 40 years faithful guidance. 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.