Psalm 136:22
a heritage to His servant Israel. His loving devotion endures forever.
an inheritance
The phrase "an inheritance" in Psalm 136:22 refers to the land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Hebrew word for inheritance, "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), implies a possession or property that is passed down through generations. This concept of inheritance is deeply rooted in the covenantal promises God made to the patriarchs, emphasizing the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. In a broader spiritual sense, this inheritance symbolizes the eternal blessings and promises that believers receive through faith in Christ, as heirs of God's kingdom.

to His servant Israel
The phrase "to His servant Israel" highlights the special relationship between God and the nation of Israel. The term "servant" (עֶבֶד, ebed) denotes a position of honor and responsibility, indicating Israel's role as God's chosen people to serve His purposes on earth. Historically, Israel's identity as God's servant is rooted in the covenant at Sinai, where they were called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). This designation underscores the idea of divine election and mission, as Israel was to be a light to the nations, reflecting God's glory and truth. In the New Testament, this concept is expanded to include all believers, who are called to serve God and proclaim His excellencies (1 Peter 2:9).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The nation chosen by God as His people, often referred to as His servant. Israel's history is marked by God's covenantal relationship with them, beginning with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

2. Inheritance
In the context of this verse, inheritance refers to the Promised Land given to Israel by God. It symbolizes God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

3. Loving Devotion (Hebrew: ?????, chesed)
This term is central to understanding God's character in the Old Testament. It encompasses His steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness
God's promise of an inheritance to Israel is a testament to His unwavering faithfulness. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives as well.

Understanding Chesed
The Hebrew word "chesed" is rich in meaning, encompassing love, mercy, and loyalty. Reflecting on God's chesed can deepen our appreciation for His character and inspire us to emulate His love in our relationships.

The Importance of Remembrance
Psalm 136 is a call to remember God's mighty acts and His enduring love. Regularly recalling God's past faithfulness can strengthen our faith and encourage us in times of doubt.

Inheritance in Christ
While Israel's inheritance was the Promised Land, believers today have an inheritance in Christ. This includes eternal life and the spiritual blessings found in Him.

Enduring Love
God's love is not fleeting but endures forever. This assurance can provide comfort and hope, especially during challenging times.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "inheritance" in Psalm 136:22 relate to the promises God made to Abraham in Genesis 12:7?

2. In what ways can understanding the Hebrew word "chesed" enhance our view of God's character and His relationship with us?

3. How can we apply the principle of remembering God's past faithfulness in our daily lives?

4. What are some New Testament scriptures that speak about the believer's inheritance in Christ, and how do they connect to the inheritance mentioned in Psalm 136:22?

5. How can the assurance of God's enduring love impact our response to life's challenges and uncertainties?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:7
God's promise to Abraham about giving the land to his descendants, which is the foundation of the inheritance mentioned in Psalm 136:22.

Exodus 6:8
God's assurance to bring Israel into the land He swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting His faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 7:9
Emphasizes God's faithfulness and loving devotion to those who keep His commandments, paralleling the theme of enduring love in Psalm 136.

Romans 11:1-2
Paul speaks about God's continued faithfulness to Israel, affirming that God has not rejected His people.
A Song, a Solace, a Sermon, and a SummonsPsalm 136:1-26
Does His Mercy Endure Forever?S. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
God's Goodness and MercyR. Harris, D. D.Psalm 136:1-26
Repetitions Many, But not VainS. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
The Church's AntiphonS. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
The Duty of Praise and ThanksgivingH. Bonar, D. D.Psalm 136:1-26
The Eternity or God's GoodnessHomilistPsalm 136:1-26
From Egypt to CanaanS. Conway Psalm 136:10-25
Mercy in the Destruction of TyrantsHomilistPsalm 136:17-22
Sihon and Og, or Mercies in DetailPsalm 136:17-22
Fulfillment of Race-MissionsR. Tuck Psalm 136:21, 22
People
Amorites, Egyptians, Og, Pharaoh, Psalmist, Sihon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Age, Endures, Endureth, Everlasting, Forever, Heritage, Inheritance, Kindness, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Mercy, Servant, Steadfast, Unchanging
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 136:1-26

     1085   God, love of
     8352   thankfulness

Library
Pilgrim Song
Gerhard Ter Steegen Ps. cxxxvi. 16 Come, children, on and forward! With us the Father goes; He leads us, and He guards us Through thousands of our foes: The sweetness and the glory, The sunlight of His eyes, Make all the desert places To glow as paradise. Lo! through the pathless midnight The fiery pillar leads, And onward goes the Shepherd Before the flock He feeds; Unquestioning, unfearing, The lambs may follow on, In quietness and confidence, Their eyes on Him alone. Come, children, on and
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
THE new Institution of the Lord's Supper did not finally close what passed at that Paschal Table. According to the Jewish Ritual, the Cup is filled a fourth time, and the remaining part of the Hallel [5717] repeated. Then follow, besides Ps. cxxxvi., a number of prayers and hymns, of which the comparatively late origin is not doubtful. The same remark applies even more strongly to what follows after the fourth Cup. But, so far as we can judge, the Institution of the Holy Supper was followed by the
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Minstrel
ELISHA needed that the Holy Spirit should come upon him to inspire him with prophetic utterances. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." We need that the hand of the Lord should be laid upon us, for we can never open our mouths in wisdom except we are under the divine touch. Now, the Spirit of God works according to his own will. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," and the Spirit of God operates as he chooseth. Elisha could not prophesy just when he liked; he must wait until
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 27: 1881

Gethsemane
We turn once more to follow the steps of Christ, now among the last He trod upon earth. The hymn,' with which the Paschal Supper ended, had been sung. Probably we are to understand this of the second portion of the Hallel, [5818] sung some time after the third Cup, or else of Psalm cxxxvi., which, in the present Ritual, stands near the end of the service. The last Discourses had been spoken, the last Prayer, that of Consecration, had been offered, and Jesus prepared to go forth out of the City, to
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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