Psalms 136:26
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Original Language Analysis
ה֭וֹדוּ
O give thanks
H3034
ה֭וֹדוּ
O give thanks
Strong's:
H3034
Word #:
1 of 6
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
לְאֵ֣ל
unto the God
H410
לְאֵ֣ל
unto the God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
2 of 6
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
of heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם
of heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
3 of 6
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
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
Nehemiah 1:4And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,Jonah 1:9And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.Psalms 123:1Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.Psalms 115:3But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
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
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever....—God of heaven - sovereign over all. 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.