What does Psalms 136:7 mean?

"To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:" - Psalms 136:7

"To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:" - Psalms 136:7

Psalm 136:7 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever." This verse is a part of a larger psalm that is focused on praising God for his enduring mercy and steadfast love. Each verse of Psalm 136 ends with the phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever," emphasizing the unchanging and eternal nature of God's mercy.

The specific focus of verse 7 is on God as the creator of "great lights." In the context of the Bible, this is a reference to the creation of the sun and the moon, which are described in the book of Genesis as part of God's work in bringing order and light to the world. The creation of the sun and moon symbolizes God's power and authority over the universe, as well as his provision for the needs of humanity.

In the broader context of Psalm 136, this verse is part of a litany of praise for God's work in creation and his ongoing care for his people. The psalmist recounts the story of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the promised land, emphasizing God's faithfulness and provision throughout their history. By praising God for his creation of the sun and moon, the psalmist is acknowledging God's sovereignty over the natural world and his ongoing care for all of creation.

The theme of God's enduring mercy is central to this verse and to the entire psalm. The repetition of the phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging love and faithfulness. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament prophets to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. The concept of God's enduring mercy is a source of hope and comfort for believers, assuring them of God's steadfast love in the midst of life's challenges and struggles.

Symbolically, the "great lights" mentioned in this verse can also be seen as representing God's revelation and guidance for his people. The sun and moon provide light to the world, allowing for growth, sustenance, and a sense of order and rhythm to life. In a similar way, God's word and presence in the lives of believers offer illumination and direction, leading them in the paths of righteousness and truth. The "great lights" can also be understood as pointing to the ultimate source of light and truth, which is found in God himself.

Understanding Psalm 136:7 in its larger context within the Bible reveals its rich theological and spiritual significance. It points to God as the creator and sustainer of the universe, as well as the source of enduring mercy and love. It reminds believers of God's faithfulness in the past and gives them confidence in his ongoing care for them in the present and future. Ultimately, this verse invites readers to join in the psalmist's praise and to celebrate the goodness and greatness of the God whose mercy endures forever.

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Psalms 136:7 Artwork

Psalms 136:7 - "To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:7 - "To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

"To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:" - Psalms 136:7

"To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:" - Psalms 136:7

Psalms 136:17 - "To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:17 - "To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:18 - "And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:18 - "And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:21 - "And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:21 - "And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:26 - "O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:26 - "O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever."

"And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:" - Psalms 136:20

"And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:" - Psalms 136:20

Psalms 136:19 - "Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:19 - "Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:20 - "And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:20 - "And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

"And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:" - Psalms 136:18

"And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:" - Psalms 136:18

Psalms 136:10 - "To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:10 - "To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:12 - "With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:12 - "With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:8 - "The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:8 - "The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:6 - "To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:6 - "To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 119:136 - "Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law."

Psalms 119:136 - "Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law."

Psalms 136:4 - "To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:4 - "To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:15 - "But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:15 - "But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:9 - "The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:9 - "The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:5 - "To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:5 - "To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever."

"O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 136:3

"O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 136:3

Psalms 136:16 - "To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:16 - "To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever."

"Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 136:22

"Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalms 136:22

Psalms 136:25 - "Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:25 - "Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:14 - "And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:14 - "And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:3 - "O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:3 - "O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:13 - "To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:13 - "To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:23 - "Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:23 - "Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:24 - "And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:24 - "And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:22 - "Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:22 - "Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalms 136:11 - "And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:"

Psalms 136:11 - "And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:"