Psalm 136:1-26
Q.1. What did the Psalmist mean to convey with the recurring theme – ‘His lovingkindness is everlasting’? Why should we sing praises to God? – (Ps.136:1-20)
God reveals His sovereign power in every aspect of His control over the universe. However, He is not just clinically almighty, but He reigns with a lovingkindness that is everlasting, and seen in every succeeding generation. For the Psalmist, God is a good God, and this was worth singing about. His tender mercy is displayed in how He sustains all of creation, and in how He delivers His people from all their oppressors. He exerts His great power in order to keep Israel safe, and to destroy all her enemies.
Q.2. What personal impact did God’s actions toward His people have? How did the Psalmist contrast the greatness of God with his own frailty? – (Ps.136:21-26)
God removed heathen nations from the land and gave it – Even a heritage to Israel His servant, for His lovingkindness is everlasting (Ps.136:22). The Psalmist remembered how precious God’s lovingkindness had been, when He – 23 remembered us in our low estate, for His lovingkindness is everlasting, 24 And (has) rescued us from our adversaries, for His lovingkindness is everlasting (Ps.136:23-24). This is all the more remarkable, when we consider the greatness of God which caused the Psalmist to conclude – Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His lovingkindness is everlasting (Ps.136:26).