10 Give thanks to him who killed the firstborn of Egypt.
His faithful love endures forever.
11 He brought Israel out of Egypt.
His faithful love endures forever.
12 He acted with a strong hand and powerful arm.
His faithful love endures forever.
13 Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea.
His faithful love endures forever.
14 He led Israel safely through,
His faithful love endures forever.
15 but he hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea.
His faithful love endures forever.
16 Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness.
His faithful love endures forever. NLT
Background note from the first nine verses: Psalm 136 is most likely a responsive hymn. A soloist would have sung the first line of each verse. The congregation would have sung the 2nd line as a response.
Out of context, verse 10 could sound revolting. With verses 10-16 in mind, however, why would verse 10 cause someone to be thankful?
::::: DIGGING DEEPER ::::: If you have time, for further understanding of the historical context of these verses, see Exodus 11-12.
Why was it so important for the people of Israel to remember these events?
How did these events demonstrate that God’s love “endures forever”?
::::: EQUIPPING CHALLENGE :::::
In what ways did Jesus match these events through his work on the cross? What comparisons could be made between these verses and Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection? How did he demonstrate that God’s love “endures forever”?