Connect Psalm 136:12 with another Bible story showcasing God's deliverance. Opening Verse “with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His loving devotion endures forever.” – Psalm 136:12 Tracing the Thread of Divine Might • From Genesis to Revelation, God’s “mighty hand” and “outstretched arm” form a single, unbroken storyline of rescue. • Psalm 136 repeats the refrain that His steadfast love “endures forever,” anchoring every act of deliverance in His covenant faithfulness (cf. Exodus 15:13; Deuteronomy 26:8). • The same God who pulled Israel from Egyptian chains still moves with equal power in every generation. Parallel Deliverance: Daniel in the Lions’ Den Read Daniel 6:16-23. • Context: Daniel’s integrity clashes with a corrupt decree; he is sealed overnight among hungry lions. • Key moment: “My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions” (v. 22). • Result: Daniel emerges without a scratch, and God’s name is exalted across a pagan empire (vv. 26-27). Echoes of the Outstretched Arm Psalm 136:12 and Daniel 6 line up in striking ways: • Divine Initiative – Psalm: God “brought Israel out.” – Daniel: God “sent His angel.” • Visible Power – Psalm: “mighty hand and outstretched arm.” – Daniel: lions’ jaws held shut—an unmistakable sign no human could fake. • Loving Devotion – Psalm celebrates enduring hesed. – Daniel experiences that same covenant love guarding him in exile. • Public Testimony – Psalm recounts God’s deeds in Israel’s worship. – Daniel’s rescue persuades King Darius to proclaim, “He delivers and rescues” (v. 27). Living the Connection • God’s power did not dwindle after the Exodus; it safeguarded Daniel centuries later and still guards believers today (2 Timothy 4:17-18). • Circumstances differ—slavery, lions, prisons, addictions—but the deliverer remains unchanged (Hebrews 13:8). • The refrain “His loving devotion endures forever” invites constant praise, not only when rescue is visible but in the waiting season as well (Psalm 34:1). Verses to Remember • Deuteronomy 26:8 – “So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm…” • Daniel 6:27 – “He delivers and rescues; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth…” • Luke 1:51 – “He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts.” |