Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse calls for "Israel" to declare God's steadfast love, but this isn't just a general crowd; it specifically refers to God's chosen people, encompassing not just the nation as a whole but also future believers, both Jew and Gentile, who have experienced His mercy. This highlights that God's enduring love is meant to be publicly declared and experienced by all who belong to Him.
Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a song of national thanksgiving, likely sung during a festival after a great deliverance. The speaker recounts a time of severe danger and oppression, emphasizing how God alone brought about their rescue. The passage immediately preceding calls for thanks to God, highlighting His goodness, and then invites specific groups within Israel – the general populace, the priests, and those who fear God – to declare His enduring mercy.
Ever feel like God's favor is a fair-weather friend? This verse hits you with a powerful truth about His enduring commitment.
The phrase 'steadfast love' is a translation of a profound Hebrew concept. It's not just a fleeting emotion, but a deep, covenantal commitment. Think of it as a love that's loyal, persistent, and unwavering, even when we're not. It's the love God showed His people in calling them, in rescuing them, and in promising them a future. This isn't a love that depends on our performance; it's rooted in God's own character and His promises.
Who is 'Israel' in this verse? It's a call for a specific group to voice a specific truth. What does that mean for us today?
In this psalm, 'Israel' refers not only to the nation of physical descendants but also encompasses the 'house of Aaron' (the priests) and 'all who fear the Lord.' This shows that the declaration of God's enduring mercy is meant for the entire community of faith. It's a communal confession, not just an individual one. It calls for all who have experienced God's goodness to join together and declare His unchanging love, reinforcing their shared identity in Him.
Understand the original words
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Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
The name given to Jacob, referring to the covenant people of God chosen by Him to be a light to the nations and the recipients of His promises.
Aharon · Hebrew Proper Noun
The priestly line descended from Aaron; they were tasked with the mediation of sacrifices and the maintenance of the tabernacle/temple service.
yare' · Hebrew Verb/Noun
A reverent, awe-filled obedience and trust in God; it involves recognizing His sovereignty and holiness, leading to a life aligned with His commands.
This verse calls for a corporate declaration of God's enduring faithfulness. Its context, likely during periods of national restoration or triumph like the Feast of Tabernacles after the exile or the Maccabean victories, highlights that God's people are called to testify to His steadfast love, especially after experiencing His powerful intervention in their lives.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
After decades in exile, the Jews are permitted to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding their lives and the Temple.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Dedication
The Second Temple is completed and dedicated, a significant moment of national and religious restoration, though lacking the glory of Solomon's Temple.
c. 444 BC— this verse
Feast of Tabernacles Celebration
A major celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles occurs in Jerusalem, likely following the completion of the city walls under Nehemiah, marking a period of renewed national identity and worship.
c. 160s BC
Maccabean Revolt
Judas Maccabeus leads a revolt against Seleucid rule, eventually rededicating the Temple after its desecration. This period saw intense struggle and reliance on God's deliverance.
This verse echoes the idea of God's enduring covenant and promise, symbolized by the rainbow, which serves as a constant reminder of His faithfulness, much like Israel is called to declare God's steadfast love.
Deuteronomy 7:9This passage directly states that God is faithful to those who love Him and keep His commands, reinforcing the concept of enduring love and faithfulness that Psalm 118:2 celebrates.
Nehemiah 9:17Here, the people confess God's steadfast love and faithfulness even after their disobedience and exile, highlighting the persistent nature of God's mercy that the psalm proclaims.
Isaiah 54:8This verse speaks of God's temporary anger but everlasting kindness and covenant of peace, directly paralleling the psalm's declaration of enduring steadfast love despite any hardships.
1 Corinthians 15:20The New Testament affirms that Christ's resurrection is the ultimate proof of God's enduring love and faithfulness, demonstrating that this steadfast love has reached its pinnacle of fulfillment in Him.
pulpitPsalms 118:2: "Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever."
Verse 2. - Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth forever. (For the triple division of the people made in this and the next two verses - (1) Israel, (2) house of Aaron, (3) those who fear the Lord - see Psalm 115:9-11, and 12, 13.) The nature of the division is considered in the comment on Psalm 115:11.
calvinPsalms 118:1-4: "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever."
- Praise ye Jehovah; because he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. 2. Let Israel now [388] say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 3. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 4. Let those who fear Jehovah now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
1 Praise ye Jehovah In this passage we see that David does not merely in a private capacity render thanks to God,…
The verse calls for "Israel" to declare God's steadfast love, but this isn't just a general crowd; it specifically refers to God's chosen people, encompassing not just the nation as a whole but also future believers, both Jew and Gentile, who have experienced His mercy. This highlights that God's enduring love is meant to be publicly declared and experienced by all who belong to Him.
This psalm is a song of national thanksgiving, likely sung during a festival after a great deliverance. The speaker recounts a time of severe danger and oppression, emphasizing how God alone brought about their rescue. The passage immediately preceding calls for thanks to God, highlighting His goodness, and then invites specific groups within Israel – the general populace, the priests, and those who fear God – to declare His enduring mercy.
This psalm is a song of national thanksgiving, likely sung during a festival after a great deliverance. The speaker recounts a time of severe danger and oppression, emphasizing how God alone brought about their rescue. The passage immediately preceding calls for thanks to God, highlighting His goodness, and then invites specific groups within Israel – the general populace, the priests, and those who fear God – to declare His enduring mercy.
"Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”" — The verse calls for "Israel" to declare God's steadfast love, but this isn't just a general crowd; it specifically refers to God's chosen people, encompassing not just the nation as a whole but also…
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Last reviewed October 2026