(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 136:1-26)

In Psalm 136, the phrase “For His lovingkindness is everlasting“ is repeated after each verse of proclamation. The repetition is intentional and it is a liturgical call and response. The psalmist first proclaims who God is, what He has done, and the congregation responds each time with, “For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

There is also a movement through the Psalm from discussing the character of God, to God as a the creator and source over all of creation, and lastly a movement of God being an independent and isolated source into a personal relationship with His people. It is a reminder to Israel that God is not only God, but He is their God, and they are His people.

“For His lovingkindness is everlasting” is a statement that God is the beginning with no end, He is everlasting, forever, and His love will never cease, but it is also speaks of the everlasting nature of God’s relationship with Israel.

It is also for us an opportunity to remember that the God of gods, Lord of lords, who alone does great wonders, that made the heavens and earth, is also in an everlasting, never-ending, forever relationship with us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Our identity as sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, has no expiration limit, and it is from everlasting to everlasting. It also calls us not just to remember our identity in God, but also to remember what the Lord has done for His church and for us in our lives as well.

In memory of His lovingkindness we gather together to worship, fellowship, and praise His holy name. In memory of His lovingkindness we should never be discouraged or afraid, because His lovingkindness is everlasting. We can trust in the Lord, depend on Him, and give our lives to Him, because His love never fails.

Let us then proclaim to the Lord today who He is, what He has done, and how He has shown His love to us through relationship with Jesus Christ, and together all respond, “For His lovingkindness is everlasting”

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Psalm 136