O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Thanks are to be given to the Lord because He is good and His mercy lasts forever. This call to thanksgiving is the song of the redeemed, and the next verse directs those the Lord has rescued from the enemy to declare it. The redeemed thus called to speak are those rescued from the hand of the adversary and gathered out of the lands from the east and from the west and from the north and from the south. That goodness and mercy are seen in redeeming people from the enemy, gathering them from every direction, rescuing them when hungry and lost in the wilderness, and leading them by the right way to a place to live, for which the redeemed should praise Him.
Studying the history recorded in the psalm helps people appreciate His goodness, mercy, and love. It was sung in united worship at the Feast of Tabernacles, expressing joy and gratitude for His goodness throughout the year and for the harvest. It gives grounds to trust His word, to increase faith, and to praise Him for His goodness. Its words are to be treasured and spoken in thanksgiving, grounding confidence in God and heavenly joy even amid uncertainty about the future.
His goodness and lasting mercy are experienced in affliction, when He comes near to His children, offers refuge in danger, and gives joy and consolation in sorrow. Singing this thanksgiving by faith, especially when tempted or discouraged, opens the heart to the Saviour's presence and brings health and blessing.
Thanks are to be given to the Lord because He is good and His mercy lasts forever. This call to thanksgiving is the song of the redeemed, and the next verse directs those the Lord has rescued from the enemy to declare it. The redeemed thus called to speak are those rescued from the hand of the adversary and gathered out of the lands from the east and from the west and from the north and from the south. That goodness and mercy are seen in redeeming people from the enemy, gathering them from every direction, rescuing them when hungry and lost in the wilderness, and leading them by the right way to a place to live, for which the redeemed should praise Him.
Studying the history recorded in the psalm helps people appreciate His goodness, mercy, and love. It was sung in united worship at the Feast of Tabernacles, expressing joy and gratitude for His goodness throughout the year and for the harvest. It gives grounds to trust His word, to increase faith, and to praise Him for His goodness. Its words are to be treasured and spoken in thanksgiving, grounding confidence in God and heavenly joy even amid uncertainty about the future.
His goodness and lasting mercy are experienced in affliction, when He comes near to His children, offers refuge in danger, and gives joy and consolation in sorrow. Singing this thanksgiving by faith, especially when tempted or discouraged, opens the heart to the Saviour's presence and brings health and blessing.