Psalm 136:6
He spread out the earth upon the waters. His loving devotion endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters
who spread out
The phrase "who spread out" in Hebrew is "לְרֹקַע" (leroqa), which conveys the idea of stretching or expanding. This imagery is reminiscent of a craftsman skillfully spreading out a material to create something vast and beautiful. In the context of creation, it emphasizes God's sovereign power and intentionality in forming the earth. The act of spreading out suggests order and purpose, contrasting with chaos. This reflects the biblical theme of God bringing order from disorder, as seen in the Genesis creation narrative.

the earth
The term "earth" in Hebrew is "הָאָרֶץ" (ha'aretz), referring to the physical world or land. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the earth was often seen as a flat expanse, a concept that aligns with the imagery of spreading out. Theologically, the earth is portrayed as God's creation, a testament to His glory and a place for humanity to dwell. The earth's creation is a foundational aspect of God's covenant relationship with His people, as it provides the setting for His interactions with humanity throughout biblical history.

upon the waters
The phrase "upon the waters" in Hebrew is "עַל הַמָּיִם" (al hamayim). This evokes the imagery of Genesis 1:2, where the Spirit of God hovers over the waters before creation. In ancient cosmology, waters often symbolized chaos and the unknown. God's act of spreading the earth upon the waters signifies His dominion over chaos, bringing stability and life. This imagery reassures believers of God's control over the natural world and His ability to bring peace and order into their lives. The waters, once a symbol of chaos, become a foundation for God's creative work, highlighting His transformative power.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God (Yahweh)
The Creator and Sustainer of the universe, whose loving devotion is eternal.

2. The Earth
The physical world that God created and spread out upon the waters.

3. The Waters
Refers to the primordial waters over which God established the earth, symbolizing chaos subdued by divine order.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Creation
God’s act of spreading out the earth upon the waters demonstrates His supreme authority and control over creation. Believers can trust in His power and plan for the world.

Enduring Loving Devotion
The phrase "His loving devotion endures forever" reminds us of God's unchanging love and faithfulness. This assurance should encourage believers to rely on His promises.

Order from Chaos
The imagery of God spreading the earth over the waters symbolizes bringing order from chaos. In our lives, God can bring peace and structure to our chaotic situations.

Creation as a Testament to God's Character
The natural world reflects God's attributes, such as His creativity, power, and care. Observing creation can lead us to worship and reverence for the Creator.

Stewardship of Creation
Recognizing God as the Creator should inspire us to care for the earth responsibly, honoring His work and maintaining the balance He established.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God as the Creator of the earth influence your view of His authority in your life?

2. In what ways can you see God's loving devotion enduring in your personal experiences?

3. How can the concept of God bringing order from chaos encourage you in times of uncertainty or turmoil?

4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate stewardship of God's creation in your daily life?

5. How do other scriptures that speak of God's creation enhance your understanding of Psalm 136:6?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1:9-10
This passage describes God gathering the waters to let dry ground appear, which parallels the imagery of God spreading out the earth upon the waters.

Psalm 24:1-2
This psalm speaks of the earth belonging to the Lord, for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters, reinforcing God's sovereignty over creation.

Isaiah 42:5
This verse highlights God as the Creator who stretched out the heavens and spread out the earth, emphasizing His power and authority.

Job 38:4-11
God questions Job about the creation of the earth, illustrating His wisdom and control over the natural world.
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
God the Wonder-WorkerPsalm 136:4-9
People
Amorites, Egyptians, Og, Pharaoh, Psalmist, Sihon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Age, Endures, Endureth, Everlasting, Forever, Forth, Kindness, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Mercy, Spread, Spreading, Steadfast, Stretched, Unchanging, Waters
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 136:1-10

     4963   past, the

Psalm 136:1-20

     1035   God, faithfulness

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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