Psalm 136:2
Give thanks to the God of gods. His loving devotion endures forever.
Give thanks
The phrase "Give thanks" is a call to action, urging believers to express gratitude. In Hebrew, the word used is "yadah," which means to acknowledge or confess. This is not merely a polite expression but a profound act of worship and recognition of God's sovereignty and goodness. Historically, giving thanks was a central part of Israelite worship, often accompanied by sacrifices and offerings. It is a reminder that gratitude is foundational to a life of faith, acknowledging God's hand in all aspects of life.

to the God of gods
This phrase emphasizes the supremacy of the God of Israel over all other deities. The Hebrew term "Elohim" is used here, which can refer to God but also to gods in a general sense. By calling Him the "God of gods," the psalmist asserts that Yahweh is above all other spiritual beings or idols that people might worship. In the ancient Near Eastern context, where polytheism was prevalent, this declaration was a bold affirmation of monotheism and the unique sovereignty of the God of Israel. It serves as a reminder that no other power or entity can compare to the Lord, reinforcing the call to worship Him alone.

His loving devotion endures forever
This phrase is a recurring refrain throughout Psalm 136, highlighting the central theme of God's enduring love. The Hebrew word "chesed" is translated as "loving devotion" and encompasses steadfast love, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. It is a love that is not based on human merit but on God's character and promises. The phrase "endures forever" underscores the eternal nature of God's love, assuring believers that His commitment to them is unchanging and everlasting. This assurance would have been particularly comforting to the Israelites, who faced numerous challenges and uncertainties. It is a timeless reminder that God's love is a constant, providing hope and stability in an ever-changing world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God of gods
This title emphasizes the supremacy of the God of Israel over all other deities. It acknowledges His ultimate authority and power above any other so-called gods.

2. Psalm 136
Known as the "Great Hallel," this psalm is a liturgical hymn of thanksgiving, often used in Jewish worship, particularly during Passover.

3. Israel
The nation to whom this psalm was originally addressed, reminding them of God's enduring love and faithfulness throughout their history.
Teaching Points
Supremacy of God
Recognize and affirm God's ultimate authority in your life. He is above all other powers and influences.

Enduring Love
Reflect on the constancy of God's love. His loving devotion is not temporary but eternal, providing a foundation of security and hope.

Thanksgiving as Worship
Cultivate a heart of gratitude. Regularly give thanks to God, acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness in all circumstances.

God's Faithfulness in History
Study the history of God's interactions with His people. This can strengthen your faith and trust in His promises.

Personal Reflection
Consider how God's enduring love has been evident in your own life. Share testimonies of His faithfulness with others to encourage and build up the community of faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does recognizing God as the "God of gods" influence your understanding of His authority in your life?

2. In what ways can you incorporate thanksgiving into your daily routine as an act of worship?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's enduring love. How did it impact your faith journey?

4. How can studying the history of Israel's relationship with God enhance your trust in His promises today?

5. What are some practical ways you can share testimonies of God's faithfulness with others in your community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 10:17
This verse also refers to God as the "God of gods," reinforcing His supreme authority and power.

1 Chronicles 16:34
Similar to Psalm 136, this verse calls for giving thanks to the Lord for His enduring love.

Exodus 15:11
Highlights God's uniqueness and supremacy among the "gods," echoing the theme of His unmatched power and majesty.
God and Other GodsR. Tuck Psalm 136:2
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
People
Amorites, Egyptians, Og, Pharaoh, Psalmist, Sihon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Age, Endures, Endureth, Everlasting, Forever, Gods, Kindness, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Mercy, O, Oh, Praise, Steadfast, Thanks, Unchanging
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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