Psalm 136:1

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever.

Study Bible

Give thanks to the LORD
This phrase is a call to worship and gratitude, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty and benevolence. In the Hebrew context, "LORD" is translated from "YHWH," the sacred name of God, highlighting His eternal and unchanging nature. The act of giving thanks is a central theme in Jewish worship, as seen in the Psalms and throughout the Old Testament. It reflects a heart posture of humility and recognition of God's provision and protection. This call to thanksgiving is echoed in the New Testament, such as in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where believers are encouraged to give thanks in all circumstances.

for He is good
The goodness of God is a foundational attribute, underscoring His moral perfection and benevolent actions towards His creation. This phrase reassures believers of God's trustworthy nature and His intentions for their well-being. The concept of God's goodness is prevalent throughout Scripture, from the creation narrative in Genesis, where God declares His creation "good," to the teachings of Jesus, who affirms God's goodness in passages like Matthew 19:17. The goodness of God is also a source of comfort and hope, as it assures believers of His righteous and just character.

His loving devotion endures forever
This phrase highlights the Hebrew word "hesed," often translated as "loving devotion," "steadfast love," or "mercy." It conveys God's covenantal faithfulness and unwavering commitment to His people. The enduring nature of God's loving devotion is a recurring theme in the Psalms and is central to the understanding of His relationship with Israel. This eternal aspect of God's love is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial love on the cross exemplifies the ultimate expression of "hesed." The assurance that God's love endures forever provides believers with confidence in His promises and eternal plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.

2. Psalmist
The author of Psalm 136, traditionally attributed to King David, who calls the people to worship and gratitude.

3. Israel
The nation to whom the Psalm is addressed, reminding them of God's enduring love and faithfulness throughout their history.

Teaching Points

The Call to Gratitude
We are called to give thanks to the LORD, recognizing His goodness in our lives. Gratitude should be a daily practice, acknowledging God's blessings and faithfulness.

Understanding God's Goodness
God's goodness is intrinsic to His nature. Reflect on how His goodness is evident in creation, salvation, and personal experiences.

Enduring Loving Devotion
The Hebrew word "chesed" translated as "loving devotion" or "steadfast love" signifies God's covenantal loyalty. This love is unwavering and eternal, providing a foundation for our faith and trust in Him.

Worship as a Response
Our response to God's goodness and enduring love should be worship. This includes both corporate worship in community and personal devotion.

Living Out Gratitude
Let gratitude shape our interactions with others, fostering a spirit of kindness and generosity. As recipients of God's enduring love, we are called to reflect that love to those around us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does recognizing God's goodness influence your daily life and decisions?

2. In what ways can you incorporate gratitude into your prayer life, reflecting on Psalm 136:1?

3. How does understanding God's "chesed" (loving devotion) provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty?

4. What are some practical ways you can express gratitude to God in your community or church?

5. How can the themes of Psalm 136:1 inspire you to share God's love and goodness with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 16:34
This verse echoes the call to give thanks to the LORD for His goodness and enduring love, showing a consistent theme of gratitude in worship.

Exodus 34:6-7
Describes God's character as merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, which aligns with the theme of enduring loving devotion.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Highlights God's mercies as new every morning, reinforcing the idea of His perpetual loving devotion.

James 1:17
Emphasizes that every good and perfect gift comes from God, connecting to the acknowledgment of His goodness in Psalm 136:1.