Pslam 136

"For His mercy endureth forever!"

(This is written as part of a study project I am doing this summer on the Psalms.(This psalm is part of P'sukei d'Zimra.)

This psalm is Known as Hallel HaGadol (Lit. "Great praise!"), but we call it Hodu (HoeDew) because of the first word.

The first three verses repeat, "O give thanks unto the Lord."

The next three verses reply either "To him who," "to him that" explicitly. Again his deeds are listed beginning with creation. The psalmist praises G*d and acknowledges his glory in the sun, the moon, and the earth. Then follows a long list of his actions in Egypt. G*d (in his mercy) "Smote Egypt in their first born" and "Brought Israel out from among them."

The next four verses praise G*d for the miracle of the Sea of Reeds. This is followed by four verses that reflect on victories of the first generation and the inheritance of the covenant. The holy land and the special bond of Israel with G*d. He is praised for his mercy which sustains them against their adversaries and provides food to all the Earth. (This link is explicit in the second blessing of the grace after meals.)

Two kings are named in the Psalm. Victories over them were considered G*d given. Sihon, king of the Amorites (19) and Og king of Bashan (20)Sihon also called (Heshbon) and his people are also called (Ammonites) They are referred appears in the Torah ." (Bamidbar 21:21-30 and D'vram 2:24-37)

King Bashan was defeated by the Israelite tribes in Bamidbar 21:33-35 and D'vram 3:1-7.

The Tribe of Gad received the land of Sihon (east of the Jordan) when Moshe allocated land to the tribes. (Joshua 13:24-28)

"This Psalm contains 26 verses, corresponding to the 26 generations from the creation of the world until the time the Torah was given. (26 is also the numerical value of G-d’s Name.)" R. Jack Abramowitz

Summer Psalms Project Page