Psalm 136

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

Key Verse:
24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Key Observation:
McGee: “I don’t know about you, but I feel like saying “Hallelujah” again. How wonderful is our God. Learn to fall down before Him and worship Him. He is worthy. When you get down in the dust (and you have to get down to get up), He will lift you up with His mercy.”

McGee, J. Vernon (1990-01-30). Thru the Bible 1-5 (5 Volume Set) (Kindle Locations 51508-51510). Grupo Nelson. Kindle Edition.

Memory Verse:
1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Devotion:
This is a tale of God’s mercy enduring for ever. The psalmest almost wears out the theme that no matter who the enemy of Israel, the Lord’s merciful intercession endured forever. It would be worn out except that the psalmest is speaking of something that we need an almost inexhaustible supply of.
First Peter (1:2,3) has something to say about mercy: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” Notice that Peter calls it “abundant mercy”. I know that if it is not abundant, it would not be enough to save me. I know what I am, because God allows us to see ourselves through His eyes. The Word casts much light on who we are. Our righteousness is as filthy rags in His sight. There is none that doeth right, no not one. Somehow God has foreseen our need and His mercy is abundant. It will cover even my sins. It will cover even your sins. It will cover the sins of the world, “whosoever will” may come. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever will may come.”
I think the psalm will be used during the trial, the time of Jacob’s trouble, as some of the Israelites remind themselves that their God will intercede and save them. I also think that the millennium is coming, when all of the nation of Israel will humble themselves and remember their God of abundant mercy, the God who delivered them, and is now their King. A beautiful psalm!

Whosoever Will

Philip P. Bliss, pub.1870

1. “Whosoever heareth,” shout, shout the sound!
Spread the blessed tidings all the world around;
Spread the joyful news wherever man is found:
“Whosoever will may come.”
o Refrain:
“Whosoever will, whosoever will,”
Send the proclamation over vale and hill;
’Tis a loving Father calls the wand’rer home:
“Whosoever will may come.”
2. Whosoever cometh need not delay,
Now the door is open, enter while you may;
Jesus is the true, the only Living Way:
“Whosoever will may come.”
3. “Whosoever will,” the promise secure,
“Whosoever will,” forever must endure;
“Whosoever will,” ’tis life forevermore:
“Whosoever will may come.”