Identifying the main theme of a passage of literature can often be found by locating the words and phrases, which are repeated. I believe repetition is a very valuable learning or teaching tool. The psalmist used this literary technique when he penned the 136th psalm. In Psalm 136:1 we read, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever."

The theme of God's love enduring forever is stated at the end of verse one and is repeated throughout all twenty-six verses. The psalms were originally written as songs of prayer and praise and were sung collectively. I enjoy listening to the monks at our local monastery when they pray or chat the psalms. The congregation is divided up into two groups and each of the psalms is recited using a responsive manner. For example, one side of the congregation sings, "O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His love endures forever." Then the monks on the other side of the room respond with the next verse by saying, "Give thanks to the God of gods, for His love endures forever." Each side of the room takes turns chanting the verses until the entire psalm is sung.

God's love enduring forever is clearly the main theme of Psalm 136; however, we can also learn a lot about God's character and Israel's early history by reading Psalm 136. In verses 5 through 9 we learn that it is God who made the heavens, sun, moon, and stars. And in verses 10 to 16 we learn that God is the one who brought the children of Israel out of Egypt and it was He who led His people through the desert.

In Psalm 136:17-18 we read, "Who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. And killed mighty kings--His love endures forever." It was God who delivered the great and mighty kings into the hands of Moses and the Israelites. Verses 19 and 20 name two of these kings, "Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan." The psalmist declares it was because of God's enduring love that He defeated the great kings of old and in verses 21 to 22 we read, "And [God] gave their land as an inheritance; an inheritance to His servant Israel."

May we be reminded of God's enduring and everlasting love for us. For it is in verses 23 to 25 where we learn that it is God who remembers us even in our lowest states, it is He who frees us from our enemies, and it is He who gives food to all living creatures. Yes, may we sing and pray as the psalmist in Psalm 136:26, "Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever." Amen.