Psalm 136 11

Psalm 136:11 kjv

And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Psalm 136:11 nkjv

And brought out Israel from among them, For His mercy endures forever;

Psalm 136:11 niv

and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:11 esv

and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;

Psalm 136:11 nlt

He brought Israel out of Egypt.
? His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 136 verses

Psalm 136 11 Meaning

Psalm 136:11 declares that God powerfully delivered the nation of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. This act of rescue was not arbitrary but rooted in His unchanging and covenantal loyal love for His people, which endures for all eternity. The verse emphasizes divine initiative and power in bringing His chosen nation out from a state of slavery under a formidable oppressive regime.

Psalm 136 11 Context

Psalm 136 is a hymn of thanksgiving, part of a collection known as the "Great Hallel." It recounts God's benevolent actions in creation and Israel's salvation history, particularly the Exodus from Egypt. Each declaration of God's deed is followed by the congregational refrain, "for His steadfast love endures forever." Verse 11 directly follows the verse proclaiming God's judgment on the firstborn of Egypt, establishing the Exodus as a direct result of that divine judgment and an act of liberation. It details the decisive moment of separation between Israel and their Egyptian oppressors, setting the stage for Israel's journey in the wilderness and the subsequent provision for them by the same unwavering love of God. The psalm's structure highlights God's attributes as creator, deliverer, and provider, all rooted in His unchanging character.

Psalm 136 11 Word analysis

• And brought out (וְהוֹצִיא, v'ho'tzi): The Hebrew verb is in the Hiphil stem, indicating a causative action. This emphasizes that God Himself was the active agent who caused Israel to exit. It implies a strong, purposeful, and effective leadership, not merely a passive departure. It portrays God as the divine Shepherd leading His flock.
• Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisrael): Refers to the covenant nation, God's chosen people, renamed from Jacob ("contends with God" or "God contends"). This emphasizes their unique relationship with God as His treasured possession, underscoring that His acts of deliverance are for His chosen, through whom His promises will unfold.
• from among them (מִתּוֹכָם, mittocham): Literally, "from their midst" or "from their interior." This signifies a complete and decisive separation, drawing Israel out of the very heart of Egyptian power and influence. It implies rescue from deep oppression and entanglement. "Them" implicitly refers to the Egyptians mentioned in the preceding verse (Ps 136:10), making the context clear without direct repetition.
• for His steadfast love (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki l'olam chasdo): This is the recurring refrain of the psalm, grounding all God's actions.
  • His steadfast love (חַסְדּוֹ, chasdo): The Hebrew word chesed is a rich theological term that means covenant loyalty, lovingkindness, mercy, grace, and faithfulness. It speaks of God's committed and active goodness towards His covenant partners, going beyond mere pity to deep, loyal affection that leads to faithful action. It is central to understanding God's character.
  • endures forever (לְעוֹלָם, l'olam): This signifies eternal, perpetual, everlasting. It communicates that God's chesed is not momentary or fickle but unchanging, enduring through all generations and circumstances. This permanence is the basis for Israel's continued trust and hope in Him.

Psalm 136 11 Bonus section

The repetitive structure of Psalm 136 with its fixed refrain served not only as a theological affirmation but also as a powerful mnemonic device and a liturgical confession for the ancient Israelites. Each iteration of "for His steadfast love endures forever" deepened their understanding and memory of God's character and past interventions. This method of repetitive affirmation ensures that the foundational truth of God's unfailing love is imprinted on the heart, providing a basis for trust and worship even when present circumstances are difficult. The Exodus event, highlighted in this verse, is viewed as the "birth" of the nation of Israel and served as the cornerstone for their identity and their understanding of Yahweh as their unique and powerful Deliverer. It laid the groundwork for all future promises of redemption.

Psalm 136 11 Commentary

Psalm 136:11 highlights the Exodus as the paradigmatic act of divine salvation in the Old Testament, directly attributing Israel's deliverance to the Lord. It showcases God's sovereign power over oppressive earthly forces, specifically demonstrated in bringing Israel out from the very center of Egyptian rule. This powerful liberation was not accidental or earned by Israel, but sprang directly from God's character: His enduring chesed – His covenantal, loyal, and unchanging love. This constant refrain throughout the psalm serves as a theological anchor, asserting that every mighty act of God, whether in creation, judgment, or redemption, flows from and testifies to the perpetual nature of His loving commitment to His people. This foundational truth assures believers of God's faithfulness in all circumstances.