Psalms 136:11
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psalms 136:11 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 136 is a psalm of thanksgiving, often called the “Great Hallel.” It was sung as a responsive liturgy, with the people repeating the refrain “for his mercy endureth for ever” after each line. The psalm recalls God’s mighty acts in creation, deliverance, and provision throughout Israel’s history. Verse 11 sits within the account of the Exodus, following verse 10, which tells of God striking Egypt in their firstborn, and leading to verse 12, which speaks of a strong hand and stretched out arm. This verse is part of a larger recital of God’s saving deeds, each one followed by the same refrain of enduring mercy.
Meaning
The verse declares that God “brought out Israel from among them.” The word “them” points to the Egyptians, the oppressors who held Israel in slavery. God actively separated His people from a wicked and idolatrous nation, rescuing them from great hardship. This was not a distant or abstract mercy; it was shown in a concrete historical act of redemption. The phrase “for his mercy endureth for ever” repeats throughout the psalm, emphasizing that God’s steadfast love is not temporary or limited but extends to all generations. The deliverance was accomplished through God’s judgments on Egypt, culminating in the events preceding the Exodus.
Biblical connections
The deliverance in this verse is part of the larger Exodus story, where God demonstrated His power and faithfulness. The immediate context in Psalm 136:10-12 shows that God’s judgments on Egypt and His strong arm worked together to free His people. This event became foundational for Israel’s identity, reminding them that God’s mercy is the driving force behind their liberation. The verse presents this act as a clear demonstration of God’s enduring mercy, for which thanks are due.
Application
God’s deliverance assures us that He can rescue His people from any bondage or difficult situation. Just as He brought Israel out from among their oppressors, He can provide a way out for us. We can trust in His mercy and depend on Him to act. The unending nature of His mercy gives us comfort and security, knowing that His love will never fail, regardless of our circumstances or mistakes. This same mercy is available to us today, calling us to rely on Him in every trial.
Reflection
Psalm 136 urges us to give thanks to the Lord for His enduring mercy. Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in history and in our own lives should lead us to respond with gratitude and praise. We are reminded to acknowledge and appreciate the goodness of God, who has shown us steadfast love through His mighty acts of redemption. His mercy is not abstract but is demonstrated in concrete historical acts of redemption, and we can rejoice in that truth.
