590_His steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136) Psalm 136:1-9 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; 4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; 5 to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; 6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; 7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; 8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; 9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever; Vs. 23-26 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; 24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; 25 he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. The great nineteenth-century preacher Charles Spurgeon was visiting an elderly Christian woman who lived in a tiny, weather-worn home. She had almost nothing—just a few pieces of old furniture, a small stove, and a Bible that looked like it had been opened more than any book should withstand. When Spurgeon asked her how she managed life with so little, she smiled and said, “Oh, Mr. Spurgeon, I am rich. I have a bank note pasted in my Bible.” Curious, he opened it—and found written in her own handwriting, next to Psalm 136, the words, “This is my inheritance—His love endures forever.” She didn’t possess financial wealth, but she held a truth so rich that it shaped her entire outlook on life. She had anchored her soul to the refrain that has echoed through the centuries: “His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136 is sometimes called the Great Hallel, the great song of praise. It was sung in the gatherings of Israel, in festivals, in times of thanksgiving, and even in seasons of national reflection. What sets this psalm apart is its unforgettable rhythm—the repeated refrain that appears in all 26 verses: “His steadfast love endures forever.” The Hebrew word behind “steadfast love” is checed—a word so rich that no single English word can capture its fullness. Translators have used terms like mercy, lovingkindness, faithful love, loyalty, grace, and covenant love. It carries the idea of loyalty expressed in compassionate action, especially within a covenant relationship. It is the love that moves God to rescue, protect, provide, forgive, and remain faithful—even when His people fail. And when the psalm says this love “endures forever,” it is declaring that God’s covenant faithfulness and kindness are not subject to the march of time or the wavering obedience of His people. Time changes. People change. Circumstances change. But His steadfast love remains. The psalm opens and closes with a call to give thanks,
