Psalms 136:24
And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּפְרְקֵ֥נוּ
And hath redeemed
H6561
וַיִּפְרְקֵ֥נוּ
And hath redeemed
Strong's:
H6561
Word #:
1 of 5
to break off or crunch; figuratively, to deliver
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 5
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 107:2Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;Exodus 15:13Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.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.Deuteronomy 15:15And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
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 hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever...—Redeemed from enemies - forcible deliverance. 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.