Psalm 136:10-12
In verses 1-9 of this Psalm, the concentration was on the positive blessings God has given us in His creation of our earth and His goodness to us. Now, as we continue this Psalm of praise, we explore how God’s judgement on sin, towards those who persecute His children, is merciful and good.
Consider the things people seek for protection and shelter. Buildings, alarms, finances, weapons, armed guards and even underground shelters. The mightiest of buildings fail– consider the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon in 2001. Alarms, weapons and shelters all have limits to their protection and strength. The security of money is at best temporary, dependent on the economy. Guards cannot be everywhere at all times. What does the Bible say about seeking protection aside from God?
Ps 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain.
Ps 121:3-7 He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
God’s protection has no limits. His protection for His children reaches far beyond anything we might seek elsewhere. To set the stage for our understanding, we have to back up and look at some history. The Israelites were under bondage to the Egyptians under Pharaoh’s rule. Their persecution was heavy and their ability to worship and obey God’s law was under constant attack. God chose to show His power and might in sending plagues upon the Egyptians so that His people would be freed. Pharaoh refused to bow to the almighty God of Israel.
Ex 11:5-7 and all the first-born in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first-born of the Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the first-born of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the first-born of the cattle as well. 6 'Moreover, there shall be a great cry in all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been [before] and such as shall never be again. 7 'But against any of the sons of Israel a dog shall not [even] bark, whether against man or beast, that you may understand how the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.'
Ex 12:12 'For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments--I am the LORD.
God had delivered the nation of Israel out of Egypt and the bondage of Pharaoh. His power and favor upon His chosen people exemplifies His great mercy. The Israelites had been oppressed and held captive until that perfect time when God in His lovingkindness reached out to their rescue.
Ps 136:10-12 To Him who smote the Egyptians in their first-born, For His lovingkindness is everlasting, 11 And brought Israel out from their midst, For His lovingkindness is everlasting, 12 With a strong hand and an outstretched arm, For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
God chooses to love us – we do not deserve His favor yet His mercy is all around us. Consider His creation. We have air to breathe, light to guide us, sunshine to keep us strong, color to enjoy, and on and on. God’s mercy is also constantly displayed in His power and protection of His children. Even in Israel’s repeated sin, God continued to care for them. How have you seen His power in your life? In what ways has He protected you? How is His faithfulness displayed to you even in your weakness and disobedience?
If you are God’s child, claiming His salvation through His Son Jesus Christ alone, then you have been delivered from death just as the Israelites were delivered from Egypt. Without Christ, all of us are in bondage to sin and evil. Because of Christ, we have been freed from the control of Satan. These are strong thoughts but true.
Ro 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Isa 53:5-6 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being [fell] upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.
Ro 6:22-23 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isa 63:7 I shall make mention of the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, According to all that the LORD has granted us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which He has granted them according to His compassion, And according to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses.
Because of God’s great mercy, Israel was delivered from its enemy. Imagine the dire straits of the Jewish nation as they were held captive. Yet, God always had a plan for their care because of His kindness. Even in our most trying circumstances, we can choose to trust in God’s enduring love.
Psalm 136:12 speaks of God’s “strong hand and an outstretched arm”. God’s power is limitless. Ex 15:6 "Thy right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power, Thy right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.
The truths of God’s power and protection should lead us to praise Him! God has reached out to each of us. Have you responded?
Jude 1:24-25 says, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, [be] glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
2Th 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil [one.]
We can claim God’s protection and mercy. He will uphold us, He will defend us, and He will keep us until that day He calls us home. When we truly believe His word as absolute truth, we will respond in gratitude for His amazing love.
Picture His outstretched arm reaching towards His children in love. There is no problem beyond His reach or understanding. Praise Him – for His lovingkindness is everlasting!
Isa 41:10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
