Psalms 136:25
Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Original Language Analysis
נֹתֵ֣ן
Who giveth
H5414
נֹתֵ֣ן
Who giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לֶ֭חֶם
food
H3899
לֶ֭חֶם
food
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
2 of 7
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בָּשָׂ֑ר
to all flesh
H1320
בָּשָׂ֑ר
to all flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
4 of 7
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
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 giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever....—Gives food to all flesh - universal providence. 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.