17 Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings.
His faithful love endures forever.
18 He killed powerful kings—
His faithful love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites,
His faithful love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan.
His faithful love endures forever.
21 God gave the land of these kings as an inheritance—
His faithful love endures forever.
22 a special possession to his servant Israel.
His faithful love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
24 He saved us from our enemies.
His faithful love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
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, these verses could sound horrible. With verses 17-25 in mind, however, why would these events be cause for thanksgiving?
Notice the details. How would these events be proof that God’s love “endures forever”?
Take a moment to follow the command of verse 26.
::::: APPLICATION CHALLENGE :::::
Take a moment to remind yourself that God’s faithful love endures forever. Through every circumstance and thought, repeat this phrase again and again in the next 24 hours.