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Day 339

Psalm 136:1 "Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."

Day 339 – Psalm 136

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

READING AND APPRECIATING PSALM 136

Psalm 136 was uniquely written. The psalmist uses one phrase throughout the entire psalm. That phrase was carefully selected. The focus on God’s mercy was astute and sound.

“For His mercy endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1b

How should we understand the oft-repeated use of this phrase? Why did the psalmist write in this particular manner? Three things need to be borne in mind if we are to read Psalm 136 meaningfully.

1. The significance of highlighting the mercy of the Lord

a) In grateful recognition of the place of God’s mercy.
b) In humble realization of the abundance of God’s mercy bestowed.
c) In deeper comprehension of the application of God’s mercy in life’s circumstances.

2. The circumstances in which the mercy of God ought to be appreciated

a) In the knowledge of the Attributes of God (Psalm 136:1-3).
b) In appreciation of His being the Creator (Psalm 136:4-9).
c) In gratitude to His mighty acts of deliverance (Psalm 136:10-26).
i) Powerful deliverance from bondage to Egypt (Psalm 136:10-15).
ii) Provision and protection in the wilderness journey for forty years (Psalm 136:16).
iii) Planting of Israel in the land of Canaan (Psalm 136:17-22).
iv) Personal appropriation of the outpouring of God’s mercies (Psalm 136:23-26).

3. The giving of grateful thanks

a) The giving of thanks is most appropriate.
b) It is natural that the heart should give thanks.
c) It is the most logical response.

The soul stands in awe of this great God of Heaven who graciously blesses His people with such abundant mercy. The psalmist did not need to mention the total unworthiness of the recipients of God’s mercy. The emphasis on the word “mercy” is sufficient to bring needed humility to the soul.