Thanking God For His Pity
[Editor's Note: This is the second sermon is a series of four sermons by Dr. Owen on Thanksgiving. The sermons are being uploaded beginning October 27 through November 17, 2014. If you are viewing this after November 17, 2014, you can see all the sermons by searching under Sermons - Series, and find the series entitled: Thanking God.]
Introduction
This morning, we began a series of sermons dealing with the subject of “Thanking God.” And we looked at the situation of the ten lepers in Luke 17 who were healed by Jesus, and one came back “Thanking God For His Pardon” from the lifelong sentence of that dreaded disease. Tonight, it’s on my heart to consider Psalm 136 where the psalmist is “Thanking God For His Pity” or His mercy.
As we look at this psalm, we realize that we have found our way into a grand canyon of truth, for we begin to hear echoes. There is the echoing sound of thanksgiving in the first three verses and it reverberates throughout the psalm until it reaches the outer rim of thanksgiving in the last verse.
The great commentator Matthew Henry said, “There is something very singular in the composition of it; for the latter half of each verse is the same, repeated throughout the psalm, ‘for his mercy endureth for ever,’ and yet no vain repetition.” And so here is another echoing sound that reverberates throughout the psalm.
The word “mercy” is used 276 times in the word of God. Then the phrase “mercy endureth for ever” is used 41 times in the scripture and 26 of those times is in Psalm 136, which repeats the phrase at the end of each verse.
Albert Barnes wrote concerning this psalm...
This psalm also has no title to indicate the author, or to explain the occasion on which it was composed. It is a psalm of very special construction, and stands alone in the form of its poetry. The peculiarity consists in repeating at the close of each verse the language “for his mercy endureth forever.” This is a kind of refrains, and may have been designed, in public worship, to be a response by a choir, or by the people.
Similarly, Charles Spurgeon said…
This one hundred and thirty-sixth Psalm was constantly sung in the Temple by appointed singers … This continued service of song, was most fitting, for, if Jehovah’s mercy endureth forever, our praise should endure forever: if His goodness never ceases, our thanksgiving should never be silent.
At the outset we shall regard the text as A SONG. So it was originally intended to be used. It was a song for all singers, for it was the refrain of each verse, the chorus to be taken up by the whole-assembled multitude. I suppose that the practiced singers commenced thus, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good,” and then the entire multitude … chanted the chorus, “For his mercy endureth for ever.” Then would the choir again sweetly sing, “O give thanks unto the God of gods:” and a fresh burst of many voices would reply, “For his mercy endureth for ever.” In imitation of that ancient mode of singing, I shall ask the whole assembly to make a chorus with their hearts, and mentally to bless the Lord whose “mercy endureth for ever.”
The psalmist again and again points us to the enduring mercy of God. And the word “mercy” comes from a Hebrew word that means kindness, beauty, and favor. It is translated elsewhere in the Old Testament as “pity.” So again, the psalmist is “Thanking God For His Pity.”
The Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself, “Certainly the preacher won’t think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this.” Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began by praying, “We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this.”
(From the Daily Bread devotional, August 26, 1989 – http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/t/thanksgiving.htm)
But when it comes to God’s pity and God’s mercy, He is always like this!
Spurgeon said this text is a song. He said this text is a solace. But he also said this text is a sermon, “a sermon with three heads.” Now I’m not using the headings that Spurgeon used, but I do want to want to magnify three headings and three streams of truth in this psalm.
First of all…
I. We Are Thankful To God For His Magnificent Being
(Psalm 136:1-3)
The Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says…
There are three titles for God that mark His identity in verses 1 thru 3. The word “LORD” in verse 1 is the word Jehovah, meaning the self-existent and eternal One. The word “God” in verse 2 is the word elohiym, meaning He is the one true God who is a ruler and a judge, and who also is known by His works or special possessions. Then the word “Lord” in verse 3 is the word Adonai meaning that He is lord and master, the king, the Lord of lords.
A. He Is The Self-Existent One In His Reality vs. 1
(Psalms 136:1) O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
The Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon indicates that…
The word “LORD” in verse 1 is the word Jehovah, meaning the self-existent and eternal One.
1. He Is Eternally God
LORD – Hebrew 3068. Yehovah, the self-Existent or Eternal.
2. He Is Essentially Good
(Psalms 136:1) O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
The word “good” in verse 1 is the Hebrew word towb. This word is used in the widest sense, as an adjective and as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural. This Hebrew word has been translated in the Old Testament with a number of different words all of which give us a greater understanding of what this word means. It is translated elsewhere as beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, fair, favour, fine, glad, graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, loving, merry, pleasant, precious, prosperity, sweet, wealth, welfare, and well-favoured.
B. He Is The Supreme One In His Rank vs. 2
(Psalms 136:2) O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
God – Hebrew 430. 'elohiym, this term is used of the supreme God; sometimes applied as a superlative term.
1. He Is Supremely Superlative In His Power
The word “God” in verse 2 is the word elohiym, meaning He is the one true God who is a ruler and a judge, and who also is known by His works or special possessions.
2. He Is Supremely Superior In His Possessions
C. He Is The Sovereign One In His Ruling vs. 3
(Psalms 136:3) O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
1. He Is The Overseer Of All Things
The word “Lord” in verse 3 is the word Adonai meaning that He is lord and master, the king, the Lord of lords.
2. He Is The Owner Of All Things
Lord – Hebrew 113. 'adown, meaning to rule; sovereign, controller (human or divine). Also translated as “lord, master, owner.”
In his “Treasury of David,” Spurgeon quoted William De Burgh who wrote…
The meaning of the title “Lord”, as distinct from “Jehovah” and “God”, is “Governor.” And in this view also he is eminently entitled to praise and thanksgiving, in that his rule and government of the world are also eminently marked by “mercy” and “goodness”: not the display of power only, but of power declared chiefly in showing mercy and pity. … Nor is it without intention that the doxology is threefold, indicating, doubtless, like the threefold invocation of the Name of the Lord … “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”
II. We Are Thankful To God For His Manifold Blessings
(Psalm 136:4-25)
A. There Is Blessing In This Act Of Creation (He Formed Us) vs. 4-9
1. He Created The Boundaries Of Land To Accommodate Our Steps
(Psalms 136:4-6) 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.
As we look into the cosmic telescope we see the vast universe and “all its wonders.” Then as we come closer in our focus we see our own galaxy and the various levels of atmosphere that surround this planet. And all of this points to His “acts of wisdom.” As we look through the atmospheric firmament and look closer still we see the great boundary that God set to contain the sea below and the land “above the waters.”
2. He Created The Brightness Of Light To Accommodate Our Sight
(Psalms 136:7-9) 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.
B. There Is Blessing In This Analogy Of Conversion (He Freed Us) vs. 10-21
1. Our Salvation Experience Is Pictured In The Transition Of The Exodus
(Psalms 136:10-16) 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.
May I remind you that in the midst of bondage, God prescribed the blood of Passover. May I remind you that in the face of obstacles, God revealed His overcoming power.
2. Our Salvation Experience Is Pictured In The Triumph Over The Enemies
(Psalms 136:17-22) 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.
These kings were great (vs. 17), these kings were gallant and glorious (famous – vs. 18), but ultimately these kings were gone and God gave their goods to His people.
Cf. (Numbers 21:33-35) And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei. {34} And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. {35} So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.
C. There Is Blessing In This Attitude Of Compassion (He Favors Us) vs. 23-25
1. He Helps Us In Our Times Of Heartache
(Psalms 136:23-24) 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.
remembered – Hebrew 2142. zakar, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication to mention; be mindful of; call, come, keep, or put to remembrance, to think on.
low estate – Hebrew 8213. shaphel, to depress or sink (to humiliate); to put down, debase, make low.
redeemed – Hebrew 6561. paraq, to deliver.
enemies – Hebrew 6862. tsar, means a tight place (usually figuratively it means trouble); an opponent (as one that is crowding in upon you). It is also translated as “adversary, affliction, anguish, distress, foe, sorrow, and tribulation.”
2. He Helps Us In Our Times of Hunger
(Psalms 136:25) Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
food – Hebrew 3899. lechem, food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain. It is also translated as “fruit, loaf, meat, or victuals.”
Cf. (Psalms 37:25) I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
III. We Are Thankful To God For His Manifested Bigness
(Psalm 136:26)
A. Notice His Big Almightiness (The Direction Of Our Gratitude)
(Psalms 136:26) O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
1. Let’s Consider The Gift Of Thanksgiving
thanks – Hebrew 3034. yadah, means to hold out the hand; to revere or worship (with extended hands); to make confession; to praise.
2. Let’s Consider The God Of Thanksgiving
We are not just giving vague thanks in a general way, but we are specifically thanking God. We are giving thanks “To Him” (verses 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 13, 16, 17). To who? Unto “the God.”
a. He Is The Strong One
God – Hebrew 410. 'el, means strength, power, or mighty; especially the Almighty.
Strength can crush, but His strength is manifested in that…
b. He Is The Supportive One
‘El is derived from the Hebrew 352. 'ayil, which refers to anything strong; such as a political chieftain, a strong ram, a column that acts as a strong support, an oak or other strong tree.
B. Notice His Big Abode (The Dimension Of Our God)
(Psalms 136:26) O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
heaven – Hebrew 8064. shamayim, means to be lofty; the sky (alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve).
1. This Word “Heaven” Tells us That God Occupies All Of Sky
2. This Word “Heaven” Tells us That God Occupies All Of Space
C. Notice His Big Attribute (The Declaration Of His Goodness)
(Psalms 136:26) O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
1. Let’s Consider The Significance Of His Mercy
What is meant by “His mercy”? Essentially the word “mercy” in this psalm means kindness, pity, and favor. It also refers to beauty and good deeds.
2. Let’s Consider The Scope Of His Mercy
The Barnes’ Notes commentary says…
It “endureth for ever.” Literally, “For unto eternity his mercy.” That is, it is ever the same; it never changes; it is never exhausted; it is found in all His dealings – in all His acts toward His creatures, and ever will be.
for ever – Hebrew 5769. 'owlam, means to the vanishing point; time out of mind (past or future), means eternity, always. It has to do with continuance, with that which is perpetual, with that which is at any time, from the “beginning of the world” to the “without end.”
Conclusion
It was midnight on Thursday, February 8, A.D. 356, and Athanasius, a leader in the early Christian church and passionate defender of the deity of Jesus Christ, was leading a worship service. Suddenly loud shouts and clashing armor could be heard outside the church. Soldiers had come to arrest him.
But Athanasius said, ‘I didn’t think it right, at such a time, to leave my people,’ so he continued the service. He asked a deacon to read Psalm 136 and then requested the congregation to respond with the refrain, ‘His mercy endureth forever,’ which they did twenty-six times over the din (noise) of the soldiers outside.
Just as the final verse was completed, the soldiers rushed into the church, brandishing their swords and spears and crowding forward up the nave toward Anthanasius. The people yelled for Athanasius to run, but he refused to go until he had given a benediction. Then some of his assistants gathered tightly around him, and, as he recounts it, ‘I passed through the crowd of people unseen and escaped, giving thanks to God that I had not betrayed my people, but had seen to their safety before I thought of my own.’
Athanasius was portraying to his people God’s love, which endures forever. He was willing to lay down his life for his flock just as Jesus had laid down his life for his flock a few centuries earlier.
Since God’s ‘mercy endureth forever,’ why is there ever any need to worry?
(Adapted from The One Year Book Of Psalms; devotionals by William J. and Randy Petersen – Entry for November 8 http://www.thecorner-stone.org/Illustrations)