Thankfulness Flows From God's Mercy!

The Most Repeated Words Throughout the O.T.

Psalms 136:1-3

What is the differences between Thanksgiving and Praise?

They are 1st cousin.

Thanksgiving - is usually connected to something God has done.

Praise - is based on God’s excellence and character.

Word Study

Mercy - Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

Biblical definition

Mercy - to withhold what we deserve.

Grace - giving us what is undeserved.

Hebrew word - Hesed

This word can be translated

Steadfast love, Faithfulness, Loyalty, Mercy , & Kindness

When Israel repeated these words it was a reference to God’s covenantal love that is rooted in His commitment to Israel.

Many times today we want to give thanks for that which we have possessed.

Our thanksgiving must flow from that which possess us.

When God, through Christ is our possessor we have much to be thankful for.

History behind the Psalm

Known as the Great Hallel.

Which means Yahveh is Good.

Learn Hebrew

Hodu Yahveh Kee Tov Kee L olam Chasdo

“Oh, give thanks unto the LORD, for His is good! For His mercy endures forever”.

Was the favorite song of Israel.

It was sung at Passover meal.

It was sung at all their annual festivals.

It was repeated in Temple worship.

Turn together - 1 Chronicles 16:1-37, 41, Ezra 3:10-11

When they sang this Psalm they were reminding themselves of the “Loyal love” of God for Israel, reminding themselves of God’s “Faithfulness” for Israel.

It is a Psalm of praise in the midst of trouble that God showed His Mighty Love for His people - 2 Chronicles 20:20-24.

It is a Psalm that will be proclaimed in the future Kingdom - Jeremiah 33:7-11, 15-18.

Four significant aspects of thankfulness

Remembering what God has done.

Telling others about it.

Showing God’s glory to others.

Offering gifts of self, time, and resources.