Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version an inheritance to his servant Israel. His love endures forever. New Living Translation a special possession to his servant Israel. His faithful love endures forever. English Standard Version a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures forever. Berean Standard Bible a heritage to His servant Israel. His loving devotion endures forever. King James Bible Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. New King James Version A heritage to Israel His servant, For His mercy endures forever. New American Standard Bible An inheritance to His servant Israel, For His faithfulness is everlasting. NASB 1995 Even a heritage to Israel His servant, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. NASB 1977 Even a heritage to Israel His servant, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Legacy Standard Bible Even an inheritance to Israel His servant, For His lovingkindness endures forever. Amplified Bible Even a heritage to Israel His servant, For His lovingkindness endures forever; Christian Standard Bible an inheritance to Israel his servant. His faithful love endures forever. Holman Christian Standard Bible an inheritance to Israel His servant. His love is eternal. American Standard Version Even a heritage unto Israel his servant; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever: Contemporary English Version He gave their land to Israel, the people who serve him. God's love never fails. English Revised Version Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. GOD'S WORD® Translation as an inheritance for his servant Israel- because his mercy endures forever. Good News Translation he gave them to Israel, his servant; his love is eternal. International Standard Version to Israel his servant as a possession, for his gracious love is everlasting— NET Bible as an inheritance to Israel his servant, for his loyal love endures, New Heart English Bible Even a heritage to Israel his servant; for his loving kindness endures forever: Webster's Bible Translation Even a heritage to Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblea heritage to His servant Israel. His loving devotion endures forever. World English Bible even a heritage to Israel his servant, for his loving kindness endures forever; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAn inheritance to Israel His servant, "" For His kindness [is] for all time. Young's Literal Translation An inheritance to Israel His servant, For to the age is His kindness. Smith's Literal Translation An inheritance to Israel his servant: for his mercy is forever. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor an inheritance to his servant Israel: for his mercy endureth for ever. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible A heritage for Israel, his servant, for his mercy endures forever. New Revised Standard Version a heritage to his servant Israel, for his steadfast love endures forever. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleEven a heritage to Israel his servant; for his mercy endures for ever. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated An inheritance to Israel his Servant, for his mercies are to eternity. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Even a heritage unto Israel His servant, For His mercy endureth for ever. Brenton Septuagint Translation even an inheritance to Israel his servant: for his mercy endures for ever. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context His Loving Faithfulness Endures Forever…21and He gave their land as an inheritance, His loving devotion endures forever. 22a heritage to His servant Israel. His loving devotion endures forever. 23He remembered us in our low estate His loving devotion endures forever.… Cross References Genesis 12:7 Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. Genesis 15:18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— Genesis 17:8 And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.” Exodus 6:8 And I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD!’” Deuteronomy 4:37-38 Because He loved your fathers, He chose their descendants after them and brought you out of Egypt by His presence and great power, / to drive out before you nations greater and mightier than you, and to bring you into their land and give it to you for your inheritance, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. / The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. / But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Deuteronomy 9:5 It is not because of your righteousness or uprightness of heart that you are going in to possess their land, but it is because of their wickedness that the LORD your God is driving out these nations before you, to keep the promise He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deuteronomy 32:8-9 When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. / But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance. Joshua 21:43 Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. 1 Chronicles 16:18 ‘I will give you the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance.’ Nehemiah 9:8 You found his heart faithful before You, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites and Hittites, of the Amorites and Perizzites, of the Jebusites and Girgashites—to give it to his descendants. You have kept Your promise, because You are righteous. Isaiah 41:8-9 “But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend— / I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you. Jeremiah 11:5 This was in order to establish the oath I swore to your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is to this day.” “Amen, LORD,” I answered. Acts 13:17-19 The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers. He made them into a great people during their stay in Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out of that land. / He endured their conduct for about forty years in the wilderness. / And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance. Romans 4:13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. Treasury of Scripture Even an heritage to Israel his servant: for his mercy endures for ever. Psalm 47:4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah. Jump to Previous Age Endures Endureth Everlasting Forever Heritage Inheritance Israel Kindness Loving Loving-Kindness Mercy Servant Steadfast UnchangingJump to Next Age Endures Endureth Everlasting Forever Heritage Inheritance Israel Kindness Loving Loving-Kindness Mercy Servant Steadfast UnchangingPsalm 136 1. An exhortation to give thanks to God for particular mercies.a heritage to His servant Israel This phrase highlights the concept of the Promised Land as an inheritance given by God to the people of Israel. The term "heritage" refers to something passed down through generations, emphasizing the covenantal promise God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This inheritance is not merely physical land but also a spiritual legacy, signifying God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. The term "servant Israel" underscores Israel's role as God's chosen people, set apart to serve Him and be a light to the nations. This concept is rooted in the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3) and is reiterated throughout the Old Testament, including in the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19:5-6). The land of Canaan, promised to the descendants of Abraham, is a central theme in the narrative of the Israelites, representing God's provision and faithfulness. This inheritance is also a type of the eternal inheritance believers receive through Christ, as mentioned in the New Testament (Hebrews 9:15). His loving devotion endures forever Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelThe nation chosen by God as His people, often referred to as His servant. Israel's history is marked by God's covenantal relationship with them, beginning with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 2. Inheritance In the context of this verse, inheritance refers to the Promised Land given to Israel by God. It symbolizes God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. 3. Loving Devotion (Hebrew: ?????, chesed) This term is central to understanding God's character in the Old Testament. It encompasses His steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessGod's promise of an inheritance to Israel is a testament to His unwavering faithfulness. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives as well. Understanding Chesed The Hebrew word "chesed" is rich in meaning, encompassing love, mercy, and loyalty. Reflecting on God's chesed can deepen our appreciation for His character and inspire us to emulate His love in our relationships. The Importance of Remembrance Psalm 136 is a call to remember God's mighty acts and His enduring love. Regularly recalling God's past faithfulness can strengthen our faith and encourage us in times of doubt. Inheritance in Christ While Israel's inheritance was the Promised Land, believers today have an inheritance in Christ. This includes eternal life and the spiritual blessings found in Him. Enduring Love God's love is not fleeting but endures forever. This assurance can provide comfort and hope, especially during challenging times. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 136:22?2. How does Psalm 136:22 emphasize God's enduring love for His chosen people? 3. What does "heritage to His servant Israel" reveal about God's promises? 4. How can we apply God's faithfulness in Psalm 136:22 to our lives today? 5. Connect Psalm 136:22 with God's covenant promises in Genesis 12:1-3. 6. How does Psalm 136:22 encourage gratitude for God's unchanging faithfulness? 7. How does Psalm 136:22 reflect God's enduring love for Israel? 8. Why is the inheritance of Israel significant in Psalm 136:22? 9. What historical events does Psalm 136:22 reference regarding Israel's inheritance? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 136? 11. What was Jesus' religion? 12. What defines a psalm? 13. What are the specific Psalms included in Hallel? 14. What are the main themes of the Bible's books? What Does Psalm 136:22 Mean Setting the stagePsalm 136 is a call-and-response celebration of God’s mighty acts, each line ending with the refrain, “For His loving devotion endures forever” (Psalm 136:1). Verses 17-22 recount how the Lord brought Israel into Canaan and gave them the land of former kings “as a heritage.” This historical snapshot reminds worshipers that the God who rescued, conquered, and settled His people still loves them with the same steadfast devotion. The gift of heritage • “A heritage” points to the physical territory promised to Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 15:18-21; Deuteronomy 4:37-38). • The word also carries the sense of an unearned inheritance—Israel received land they did not cultivate (Joshua 24:13). • By framing the land as a gift, the psalm highlights grace: the inheritance came “by His mighty hand” (Psalm 136:12). • Psalm 135:12 offers an almost identical line, reinforcing that Israel’s borders were drawn by divine generosity, not military brilliance. His servant Israel • Calling Israel “His servant” underscores covenant loyalty (Isaiah 41:8-9; Exodus 4:22-23). • The title recalls how God formed the nation to showcase His glory (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). • Even when Israel faltered, the covenantal bond remained; Psalm 136 celebrates that unwavering commitment. • The phrase affirms literal Israel—descendants of Jacob—receiving a literal homeland, fulfilling specific promises (Genesis 17:7-8). Steadfast loving devotion • “His loving devotion endures forever” (ḥesed) appears 26 times in the psalm, anchoring every historical act in God’s character (Psalm 100:5; Lamentations 3:22-23). • The refrain assures readers that the same love that granted Canaan still operates today; God’s covenant kindness does not expire. • By pairing the inheritance with everlasting love, the psalm teaches that land and loyalty are inseparable gifts from the Lord. Implications for today • God keeps His promises; He is trustworthy with every detail of our lives (Numbers 23:19; 2 Corinthians 1:20). • Believers grafted into the “olive tree” share in God’s covenant goodness while respecting His ongoing plan for ethnic Israel (Romans 11:17-26). • We, too, possess an inheritance—“an inheritance incorruptible” kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:4) and the Spirit’s deposit now (Ephesians 1:13-14). • Remembering God’s past faithfulness fuels present praise and future hope (Hebrews 13:8). summary Psalm 136:22 proclaims that God handed “a heritage to His servant Israel” because “His loving devotion endures forever.” The verse encapsulates tangible grace (the land), covenant identity (servant Israel), and unending love (steadfast devotion). What God promised, He delivered, proving His character unchangeable. That same faithful God still secures every promise for His people today, inviting us to rest in His enduring loving devotion. Verse 22. - Even an heritage unto Israel his servant (comp. Psalm 135:12). For his mercy, etc.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew a heritageנַ֭חֲלָה (na·ḥă·lāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion to His servant עַבְדּ֑וֹ (‘aḇ·dōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant Israel. לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל (lə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc His loving devotion חַסְדּֽוֹ׃ (ḥas·dōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty endures forever. לְעוֹלָ֣ם (lə·‘ō·w·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always Links Psalm 136:22 NIVPsalm 136:22 NLT Psalm 136:22 ESV Psalm 136:22 NASB Psalm 136:22 KJV Psalm 136:22 BibleApps.com Psalm 136:22 Biblia Paralela Psalm 136:22 Chinese Bible Psalm 136:22 French Bible Psalm 136:22 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 136:22 Even a heritage to Israel his servant (Psalm Ps Psa.) |