Finding Yourself in the Psalms

Psalm 136

A Psalm to Remind us of God’s Loyal Love

Part of the Halel (praise) – recited at different times in the Passover Feast
Psalm 136 = Great Halel
Psalm 113-118 = Halel (First two recited before the meal, last four recited after) Antiphonal Psalm – Priests recited first section – worshipers replied with the refrain.
I. Call to Praise – 136:1-3
A. NAMES –
1. LORD. YHWH. Used 678 times in Psalms. “The eternal. He who was, and is, and is to come.” (Scrogie) SEE Ex. 3:13-15; 6:3. God’s Covenant Relationship with His people. His love extends to those with whom He has established a covenant.
2. God of gods. Elohim of elohim. a. See Psalm 135:5.
b. Not saying there are any other Gods, but that God is the only true

God.

c. Other people have their gods (Psalm 135:15-17; Jeremiah 10), only YHWH is the true God.
d. Emphasis on his CREATIVE POWER
3. Lord of lord. The Adon of adonai. Signifies his lordship, rulership, sovereignty.
4. God of Heaven (closing verse 26). Elohim = strength and power.
5. “This is the God to Whom we should give thanks, the God Who has covenanted with us, who has created us, who rules over us, and over all others in our interests, and who is omnipotent.” (Scrogie)
B. REFRAIN. “His Love endures forever”
1. Hesed. Used 250 times in the OT
2. Read Ryrie Note Hosea 2:19
3. “I have loved you with an everlasting love (ahab) I have drawn you with

loving-kindness (hased).

4. OUR SIGNIFICANCE is not found in what we can DO FOR GOD, but in His LOVE FOR US.
II. Cause for Praise
A. Thank Him for His Power. (136:4-9)
B. Thank Him for HIS Provision. (136:10-22)
C. Thank Him for His Person. (136:23-25)
III. Conclusion of Praise. 136:26