Even when facing deep troubles, the call is to give thanks because God's goodness and steadfast love are the constant realities, far outweighing any temporary suffering caused by our own sin. This phrase, "his steadfast love endures forever," is actually a powerful, recurring liturgical statement, reminding us that God's faithful love is the bedrock of all things, even when we falter.
Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD, or declare all his praise? Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm begins with a powerful call to praise God, setting the tone for a deep reflection on Israel's history. Even amidst their struggles and failures, the people are reminded of God's goodness and unfailing love, which are the reasons for constant thanksgiving. This opening frames the entire psalm as a communal confession of sin and a testament to God's enduring faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness.
Even when life feels heavy, the call to praise doesn't stop. Why is this so central to our faith?
This verse bursts forth with an imperative: "Praise the LORD!" and "Give thanks to the LORD!" This isn't just a polite suggestion; it's a command, a foundational act of worship.
The Heart of Worship
This opening isn't just a poetic flourish. It's a deliberate call to acknowledge God's character and actions, no matter the circumstances. The ancient Israelites, who faced immense challenges, were constantly reminded that praise was not to be reserved for good times, but was a duty to be expressed even in their suffering. It's a recognition that God's goodness and mercy transcend our immediate experiences.
A Familiar Refrain
This powerful phrase, "his steadfast love endures forever," wasn't new. It was a well-known declaration, a refrain echoing through Israel's worship, connecting their present to God's faithfulness throughout history.
We're told to give thanks because God is 'good' and His 'steadfast love endures forever.' What does this really mean for us?
The reason for our praise is twofold, and it’s profound:
God is Good: This isn't just about God being nice. It points to His inherent nature – He is goodness itself. Everything He is and does flows from this perfect goodness. He is the ultimate source of all that is truly good.
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His Steadfast Love Endures Forever: This is the bedrock of our confidence. The original language speaks of a powerful, covenantal love – a loyal, persistent kindness that doesn't give up. It’s not based on our performance but on His unchanging character. This love is not a fleeting emotion; it's a deliberate, enduring commitment that lasts eternally.
A Love That Never Fails
This steadfast love is what allows us to trust God even when our circumstances are difficult or when we face the consequences of our own failings. It's the promise that His mercy and grace are always available, always reaching out to us.
Understand the original words
hălûyāh · Hebrew Verb/Interjection
An imperative command to express adoration, commendation, or exaltation toward God. It acknowledges His worthiness and greatness.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, emphasizing His self-existence, faithfulness, and relationship with His people.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term denoting covenantal faithfulness, loyal love, mercy, and devotion. It describes God’s persistent, unfailing commitment to His covenant with His people.
malal · Hebrew Verb
To speak out, narrate, or recount. It implies making known something that is otherwise hidden or requiring proclamation.
geburah · Hebrew Noun
Actions or acts of power performed by God, often referring to His redemptive history, creation, or intervention on behalf of His people.
ashrei · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
The state of being favored by God; often implies happiness, spiritual well-being, and being in a right relationship with the Creator, resulting in divine favor.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The application of God's moral standards to human affairs; giving everyone their due and upholding the right, particularly for the vulnerable.
tsedaqah · Hebrew Noun
Conformity to God’s moral law and character; acting in a way that is upright, honest, and pleasing to the Lord in every situation.
This psalm opens with a timeless liturgical phrase, but its resonance is amplified by the historical context of Israel's repeated cycles of rebellion and God's enduring faithfulness, a pattern deeply understood by post-exilic or even Maccabean-era worshippers.
c. 1440 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a foundational event of miraculous deliverance and covenant faithfulness.
c. 1440-1400 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites journey through the desert, marked by rebellion, divine discipline, and God's persistent provision and guidance.
c. 1040 BC
Ark Brought to Zion
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a significant moment where the refrain 'Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever' is used liturgically.
c. 960 BC
Temple Dedication
Solomon dedicates the First Temple in Jerusalem, and the people sing 'Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever' as a congregational response.
c. 730-600 BC
Prophetic Refrain
Prophets like Jeremiah reference the familiar liturgical phrase 'Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for he is good; his love endures forever,' indicating its common use.
538 BC
Temple Rededication
After the Babylonian exile, the Second Temple is dedicated, and the people again use the refrain 'Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.'
c. 100 BC
Maccabean Period Liturgy
The phrase 'Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever' is used in the rededication of the Temple during the Maccabean revolt.
This verse echoes the same refrain of giving thanks to the Lord because He is good and His steadfast love endures forever, highlighting its ancient liturgical significance.
Jeremiah 33:11The prophet Jeremiah references this same phrase, 'for his steadfast love endures forever,' in a context of future restoration, showing its enduring hopefulness through Israel's history.
Nehemiah 12:24This passage includes the same declaration of God's goodness and everlasting mercy during the dedication of Jerusalem's walls, underscoring its use in times of communal thanksgiving and rededication.
Psalm 136:1This psalm is built around the theme that God's steadfast love endures forever, repeating it as a refrain after each act of salvation and creation, emphasizing the profound depth of His mercy.
pulpitPsalms 106:1: "Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
Verse 1. - Praise ye the Lord (comp. Psalm 104:35; Psalm 105:45). O give thanks unto the Lord (so in Psalm 105:1). Even in their greatest afflictions, the Israelites were bound to give God thanks. His mercies always exceeded his punishments. For he is good (see the comment on Psalm 100:5). For his mercy eudureth forever. According to Chronicles, this phrase was used at the dedicatio…
bensonPsalms 106:1: "Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
Psalm 106:1-3 . Praise ye the Lord, &c. — He deserves our praises, notwithstanding all our sufferings, which are not to be imputed to him, for he is gracious and merciful, but only to our own sins. Who can show forth all his praise? — That is, his praiseworthy actions: “who is sufficient for a work which demands the tongues and harps of angels?” Blessed are they that keep judgment —…
Even when facing deep troubles, the call is to give thanks because God's goodness and steadfast love are the constant realities, far outweighing any temporary suffering caused by our own sin. This phrase, "his steadfast love endures forever," is actually a powerful, recurring liturgical statement, reminding us that God's faithful love is the bedrock of all things, even when we falter.
This psalm begins with a powerful call to praise God, setting the tone for a deep reflection on Israel's history. Even amidst their struggles and failures, the people are reminded of God's goodness and unfailing love, which are the reasons for constant thanksgiving. This opening frames the entire psalm as a communal confession of sin and a testament to God's enduring faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness.
This psalm begins with a powerful call to praise God, setting the tone for a deep reflection on Israel's history. Even amidst their struggles and failures, the people are reminded of God's goodness and unfailing love, which are the reasons for constant thanksgiving. This opening frames the entire psalm as a communal confession of sin and a testament to God's enduring faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness.
"Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD, or declare all his praise? Blessed are they who observe justice, w…" — Even when facing deep troubles, the call is to give thanks because God's goodness and steadfast love are the constant realities, far outweighing any temporary suffering caused by our own sin. This ph…
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Last reviewed October 2026
