Psalms 136:5
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Original Language Analysis
לְעֹשֵׂ֣ה
made
H6213
לְעֹשֵׂ֣ה
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַ֭שָּׁמַיִם
the heavens
H8064
הַ֭שָּׁמַיִם
the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
2 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
בִּתְבוּנָ֑ה
To him that by wisdom
H8394
בִּתְבוּנָ֑ה
To him that by wisdom
Strong's:
H8394
Word #:
3 of 6
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
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
Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.Psalms 104:24O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.Psalms 33:6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.Jeremiah 51:15He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.Jeremiah 10:12He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.
Historical Context
Psalm 136 is the Great Hallel, sung at Passover's conclusion and during daily temple worship. Its antiphonal structure—each verse followed by the refrain 'for his mercy endureth for ever'—suggests congregational or choir responses, one group reciting the verse, another the refrain. This created powerful corporate worship, voices joining in affirmation of God's enduring chesed. The psalm recounts salvation history from creation through exodus to conquest, demonstrating that the same loyal love that made the heavens delivered Israel from Egypt.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing creation as product of divine wisdom (not accident) affect your view of purpose and meaning in life?
- What is the connection between God's creative power and His covenant loyalty (chesed)—how does creation display His faithful love?
- In what ways can you cultivate awareness of God's enduring mercy in the created world around you?
Analysis & Commentary
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. This verse begins the psalm's creation section, celebrating God as wise Creator. "By wisdom" (בִּתְבוּנָה/bitvunah) emphasizes intelligent design—creation wasn't random chaos but ordered purpose. Tevunah denotes understanding, insight, discernment. The heavens display sophisticated order: planetary orbits, stellar patterns, cosmic laws. This wisdom anticipates Proverbs 8:22-31, where personified Wisdom assists in creation.
"Made the heavens" (לְעֹשֵׂה הַשָּׁמַיִם/le'oseh hashamayim) uses עָשָׂה (asah), to make, fashion, or accomplish. Unlike bara (create from nothing, Genesis 1:1), asah emphasizes craftsmanship—the heavens are God's workmanship, skillfully fashioned. The heavens (שָׁמַיִם/shamayim) include both atmospheric sky and stellar expanse, declaring God's glory (Psalm 19:1).
The refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ/ki le'olam chasdo) connects creation with covenant loyalty. Chesed denotes steadfast love, loyal-love, covenant faithfulness. That God's chesed endures forever (לְעוֹלָם/le'olam) means creation itself flows from and reflects God's loyal love. He made the heavens not from necessity but from overflow of faithful love.