Psalm 136:3
Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His loving devotion endures forever.
Give thanks
The phrase "Give thanks" is translated from the Hebrew word "yadah," which means to acknowledge, praise, or confess. In the context of worship, it implies a deep sense of gratitude and recognition of God's sovereignty and goodness. Historically, giving thanks was a central part of Israelite worship, often expressed through sacrifices and offerings. This act of thanksgiving is not just a ritual but a heartfelt response to God's enduring love and faithfulness.

to the Lord of lords
The title "Lord of lords" is a superlative expression, emphasizing God's supreme authority over all other rulers and deities. In Hebrew, "Adonai" is used for "Lord," signifying master or sovereign. This title is a reminder of God's ultimate power and dominion, surpassing any earthly or spiritual authority. Throughout history, this acknowledgment of God's supremacy has been a cornerstone of faith, affirming that no power can rival or challenge His rule.

His loving devotion
The phrase "His loving devotion" is derived from the Hebrew word "chesed," which encompasses love, kindness, mercy, and loyalty. It is a covenantal term, reflecting God's steadfast love and faithfulness to His people. This concept of "chesed" is central to the Old Testament, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises. It is a love that is not based on human merit but on God's character and covenant.

endures forever
The phrase "endures forever" highlights the eternal nature of God's love and faithfulness. The Hebrew word "olam" is used here, indicating perpetuity and timelessness. This assurance of God's everlasting devotion provides comfort and hope, reminding believers that His promises and love are unchanging and reliable. Throughout the Bible, this theme of eternal faithfulness is a source of encouragement, affirming that God's love transcends time and circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lord of lords
This title emphasizes God's supreme authority over all other rulers and deities. It highlights His sovereignty and ultimate power.

2. Psalm 136
Known as the "Great Hallel," this psalm is a liturgical hymn of thanksgiving, often used in Jewish worship, particularly during Passover.

3. Israel
The nation of Israel is the primary audience and context for this psalm, reflecting on God's enduring love and faithfulness throughout their history.
Teaching Points
Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
Recognize and submit to God's ultimate authority in every aspect of life. His position as "Lord of lords" calls for our reverence and obedience.

Gratitude for God's Enduring Love
Cultivate a heart of gratitude, acknowledging that God's loving devotion is unchanging and eternal. This gratitude should be expressed in both prayer and action.

Consistency in Worship
Just as Psalm 136 is a repeated refrain of thanksgiving, our worship should consistently reflect God's enduring love and faithfulness.

Trust in God's Faithfulness
In times of uncertainty, trust in the steadfast love of God. His faithfulness to Israel is a testament to His reliability and care for His people today.

Reflecting God's Love
As recipients of God's enduring love, we are called to reflect that love to others, demonstrating His compassion and mercy in our relationships.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does recognizing God as the "Lord of lords" influence your daily decisions and priorities?

2. In what ways can you incorporate gratitude for God's enduring love into your daily routine?

3. How does the concept of God's unchanging love provide comfort during challenging times?

4. What are some practical ways you can reflect God's loving devotion to those around you?

5. How do the connections between Psalm 136:3 and other scriptures deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and love?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 10:17
This verse also refers to God as the "Lord of lords," emphasizing His unmatched authority and power.

Revelation 17:14
In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the "Lord of lords," connecting the Old Testament understanding of God's sovereignty to the person of Christ.

1 Timothy 6:15
Paul describes Jesus as the "King of kings and Lord of lords," affirming His divine authority and eternal reign.
A Song, a Solace, a Sermon, and a SummonsPsalm 136:1-26
Does His Mercy Endure Forever?S. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
God's Goodness and MercyR. Harris, D. D.Psalm 136:1-26
Repetitions Many, But not VainS. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
The Church's AntiphonS. Conway Psalm 136:1-26
The Duty of Praise and ThanksgivingH. Bonar, D. D.Psalm 136:1-26
The Eternity or God's GoodnessHomilistPsalm 136:1-26
People
Amorites, Egyptians, Og, Pharaoh, Psalmist, Sihon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Age, Endures, Endureth, Everlasting, Forever, Kindness, Lords, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Mercy, O, Oh, Praise, Steadfast, Thanks, Unchanging
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 136:3

     1230   God, the Lord

Psalm 136:1-10

     4963   past, the

Psalm 136:1-20

     1035   God, faithfulness

Psalm 136:1-26

     1085   God, love of
     8352   thankfulness

Library
Pilgrim Song
Gerhard Ter Steegen Ps. cxxxvi. 16 Come, children, on and forward! With us the Father goes; He leads us, and He guards us Through thousands of our foes: The sweetness and the glory, The sunlight of His eyes, Make all the desert places To glow as paradise. Lo! through the pathless midnight The fiery pillar leads, And onward goes the Shepherd Before the flock He feeds; Unquestioning, unfearing, The lambs may follow on, In quietness and confidence, Their eyes on Him alone. Come, children, on and
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
THE new Institution of the Lord's Supper did not finally close what passed at that Paschal Table. According to the Jewish Ritual, the Cup is filled a fourth time, and the remaining part of the Hallel [5717] repeated. Then follow, besides Ps. cxxxvi., a number of prayers and hymns, of which the comparatively late origin is not doubtful. The same remark applies even more strongly to what follows after the fourth Cup. But, so far as we can judge, the Institution of the Holy Supper was followed by the
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Minstrel
ELISHA needed that the Holy Spirit should come upon him to inspire him with prophetic utterances. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." We need that the hand of the Lord should be laid upon us, for we can never open our mouths in wisdom except we are under the divine touch. Now, the Spirit of God works according to his own will. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," and the Spirit of God operates as he chooseth. Elisha could not prophesy just when he liked; he must wait until
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 27: 1881

Gethsemane
We turn once more to follow the steps of Christ, now among the last He trod upon earth. The hymn,' with which the Paschal Supper ended, had been sung. Probably we are to understand this of the second portion of the Hallel, [5818] sung some time after the third Cup, or else of Psalm cxxxvi., which, in the present Ritual, stands near the end of the service. The last Discourses had been spoken, the last Prayer, that of Consecration, had been offered, and Jesus prepared to go forth out of the City, to
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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