Psalm 136 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Psalm 136
"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
Plaque quoting verse 1 from Psalm 136 at an ascent to the Matterhorn together with lines from a hymn by Paul Gerhardt based on it
Other name	Psalm 135 "Confitemini Domino quoniam bonus"
Language	Hebrew (original)

Psalm 136 is a special song found in the Book of Psalms in the Bible. It's often called "The Great Hallel" because it's a big song of praise and thanks. What makes it really stand out is that every single verse ends with the same phrase: "for his mercy endureth for ever." This means God's kindness and love last forever!

This psalm is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible. It is also a book in the Christian Old Testament. In some older Bible versions, like the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate, it's known as Psalm 135. Its Latin name is "Confitemini Domino quoniam bonus", which means "O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good."

Psalm 136 is used in both Jewish and Christian worship. People have also written hymns and songs based on its words.

The Words of Psalm 136

This psalm is a long song of thanks. It reminds us of many amazing things, from how the world was made to important events in history. Each line tells us something wonderful, and then repeats the message that God's love lasts forever.

Here are the words of Psalm 136 from the King James Version of the Bible:

• O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
• And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
• O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

How Psalm 136 is Used

Psalm 136 is an important part of many religious traditions. Its message of lasting love and thanks is shared in different ways.

In Judaism

Psalm 136 is known as the Great Hallel (Hallel HaGadol), which means "great praise." It's called "great" to tell it apart from another prayer of praise called the Egyptian Hallel.

• This psalm is recited fully during morning prayers on Shabbat, Yom Tov (Jewish holidays), and Hoshana Rabbah.
• Some traditions also recite it on the eighth day of Passover.
• The first verse is part of a blessing said after meals, called Birkat Hamazon.
• Other verses are used in different prayers and ceremonies, like during the Hakafot on Simchat Torah.

It is believed that the first verse of this psalm was sung when Solomon dedicated the Temple. Some people think the whole psalm might have been sung then.

In Eastern Orthodox Christianity

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Psalm 136 is called the Polyeleos. This name means "Many Mercies," because of the repeated phrase "for His mercy endures forever."

• The Polyeleos is sung during special services, especially on feast days and during Vigils.
• On Mount Athos, a famous monastic community, this psalm is a very joyful part of the morning service.
• During this time, all the candles are lit, chandeliers swing, and bells ring. It's a very lively and happy moment of worship.

In Coptic Orthodox Christianity

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, Psalm 136 is chanted as part of the Midnight Praises. This is a nightly prayer service called Tasbeha, practiced in churches and monasteries.

Psalm 136 in Literature and Music

The powerful words of Psalm 136 have inspired many writers and musicians over the centuries.

• The famous English poet John Milton wrote his own version of Psalm 136 in 1645.
• The German round song, "Danket, danket dem Herrn" from the 1700s, is also based on the first verse of this psalm.
• Composer Heinrich Schütz created two musical pieces based on the psalm in 1618.
• More recently, Roxanna Panufnik set verses 1-15 to music in 2012, calling it "Love Endureth."
• The popular Christian song "Forever," written by Chris Tomlin in 2001, also uses many ideas and words from Psalm 136.