Walk Of Life – Day 28, February 2023 – Thoughts From The Book Of Psalms

Psalm 136 – His Mercy Endures Forever

This psalm displays how the assembled people of Israel would worship in response to the Levites during special occasions and festive seasons. Old Testaments records this kind of public praise or declarations in the psalm of David (1 Chronicles 16:8-36) , during the dedication of Solomon’s built temple (2 Chronicles 5:13;7:3,6), when Israel was victorious over the Ammonites (2 Chronicles 20:21), during the dedication of Ezra’s built temple ( Ezra 3:11) and in the future praise by Israel after the destruction suffered in the Babylonian conquest (Jeremiah 33:10,11).

A priest or Levite would call out a reason to give God thanks, and His people would respond with, “For His mercy endures forever” which is mentioned 26 times in this psalm. Mercy is the translation of a Hebrew word ‘hesed’ which is understood as Yahweh’s grace, his loyal love and his covenant love unto his people, however words like kindness and steadfast love are also used.

In the words of theologian John Oswalt, ‘hesed’ is “a completely undeserved kindness and generosity”. Indeed, it is to a creation that proved to be disobedient uncountable times. To think of why God has to show his mercies to an undeserving generation, one cannot find an accurate answer. Psalm 135: 6 says that, “the Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth”. As his creation, we do not have the authority to question him or conclude on matters such as this.

• God’s Sovereign Choice of Mercy – He chose Abraham to make himself known but not all his physical descent were called children of God, but it was the children of the promise who were regarded as his offspring. “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned” Roman 9: 6.  In case of Isaac’s twin children, even before they were born or had done anything good or bad, He chose Jacob the younger child in order that God’s purpose in election might stand, not by works but by him who calls. “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hate” Roman 9:13.
• Objects of Mercy – Just like a potter who uses the lump of clay to make pottery for special purposes and common purposes, God has the authority to set apart objects of mercy (Israel) and objects of wrath (Egypt). In case of Pharaoh, it is said “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. Romans 9:17, 18
• Greatest demonstration of Mercy – One might think that God is unjust in his ways not knowing that the greatest demonstration of his enduring mercy was displayed in the person and work of Lord Jesus, the Savior of the world. Those who believe in him, even though they are the objects of wrath change into the children of the new covenant, justified by his sacrificial blood shed for those who choose to repent for their sins. It is through this faith that the blessing given to Abraham is fulfilled, “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” Genesis 12:3 and his descendants as countless as the stars in the sky and as measureless as the sand on the seashore, both Jews and Gentiles alike.

Therefore, with a grateful heart let’s “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.”