Psalms / Tehillim 136

136

Context: Called the “Great Hallel” meaning “Great Praise”.

Historically, sung at Sabbath morning services, at festival gatherings, and the last day of Passover. This Great Hallel is partially referenced in 2 Chr 5:13, 7:3 when Solomon is dedicating the first temple. The Levites [Descendants of United with] and people are praising God, God’s manifest glory comes down and covers the temple in cloud 2 Chr 5:11-6:2. Also referenced in Ezra 3:11, when rebuilding of second temple at the laying of the foundation stone, some who recall the first dedication are crying, others are cheering Ezra 3:8-13.

Summary: Praise God, Sovereign Ruler over the earth, the nations, and the heavens. Context Reference Ps 136 (v5) Gen 1:6-8; (v7) Gen 1:14-19; (v10) Ex 11; (v11) Ex 12:40-41; (v12-15) Ex 14 (v16) Num 9:15-23; (v17-18) Deut 2-3; (v19-20) Deut 2:26-3:3; (v21-22) Gen 28:10-22; (v23) Ex 3; 6:6-7

Historically, recited antiphonally with the Levites [Descendants of United with] and the People. This means performed by two semi-independent choirs in interaction, often by singing alternate musical phrases.

1 Hodu la-Yahweh ki'-tov ·Give thanks to Adonai for he is good·, and yadah ·extend hands in thankful praise·;

ki' li-olam chas'do ·for his loving-kindness endures forever·. *

2 Yadah ·Extend hands in thankful praise· to the God of deities;

for his cheshed ·loving-kindness· endures forever.

3 Yadah ·Extend hands in thankful praise· to the Lord of lords;

for his faithful 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 loving kindness is everlasting:

6 To him who spread out the earth above the waters;

for his loyal love endures forever:

7 To him who made the great lights;

for his mercies are to eternity:

8 The sun to rule by day;

for his gracious love is everlasting;

9 The moon and stars to rule by night;

for his mercy continues forever:

10 To him who struck down the Egyptian [person from Abode of slavery] firstborn;

for his grace endures forever;

11 And brought out Israel [God prevails] from among them;

for his loyal devotion endures forever;

12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm;

for his covenant ·binding contract between two or more parties· loyalty endures forever:

13 To him who divided the Sea of Suf [Reed Sea] apart;

ki' li-olam chas'do ·for his loving-kindness endures forever·.

14 And made Israel [God prevails] to pass through the middle of it;

for his cheshed ·loving-kindness· endures forever.

15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Sea of Suf [Reed Sea];

for his faithful love endures forever:

16 To him who led his people through the wilderness;

for his steadfast love endures forever:

17 To him who struck great kings;

for his loving kindness is everlasting:

18 And killed mighty kings;

for his loyal love endures forever:

19 Sihon king of the Amorites [Descendants of Talkers];

for his mercies are to eternity:

20 Og king of Bashan;

for his gracious love is everlasting;

21 And gave their land as an inheritance;

for his mercy continues forever:

22 Even a heritage to Israel [God prevails] his servant;

for his grace endures forever;

23 Who remembered us in our low estate;

for his loyal devotion endures forever;

24 And has delivered us from our adversaries;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

25 Who gives food to every creature;

for his cheshed ·loving-kindness· endures forever.

26 Oh yadah ·extend hands in thankful praise· to the God of heaven;

ki' li-olam chas'do ·for his loving-kindness endures forever·.

a Note: Verse one shows the Hebrew for this verse and this Psalm’s repeated second line. Instead of repeating the second phrase 26 times, OUR Bible has utilized the rational of Hebrew poetry and repeats the same idea in multiple ways from multiple accepted translations; like many facets of a diamond.