Psalms 136:23
Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Original Language Analysis
זָ֣כַר
Who remembered
H2142
זָ֣כַר
Who remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
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
Isaiah 63:9In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.Luke 1:48For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.Psalms 116:6The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.Psalms 142:6Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.Psalms 113:7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;Deuteronomy 32:36For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.Psalms 102:17He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.Genesis 8:1And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;Luke 1:52He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
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
Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:...—Remembered in low estate - God's attention to afflicted. 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.