The phrase “give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever” appears exactly like this 10 times in the Old Testament. It also appears in part and in spirit throughout all of Scripture. The eternally enduring love of God should inspire thanksgiving in everyone.
God’s Nature Revealed to Moses
In Exodus 34, Moses descended Mount Sinai carrying the Ten Commandments. He broke the tablets in anger when he saw the people worshiping idols, disobeying the very command they had just heard from God’s thundering voice.
After Moses made new stone tablets, God allowed him to witness His glory passing by. God declared His merciful and just nature, which flows directly from His steadfast love and faithfulness:
The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness… — Exodus 34:5-8
What Does “Steadfast” Mean?
“Steadfast” means something that is firmly fixed in place, standing fast, and immovable. When we consider God’s eternal nature, we realize that His love outlives our short human lives. Our children and future generations will experience it, just as our parents and ancestors did.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines it this way:
“Throughout the OT the Hebrews [word] is used most often to convey the idea of something being established…or standing firm. This quality of steadfastness or firmness often has a moral character to it; a heart that is steadfast towards God is a faithful heart that trusts Him under all circumstances.”
His steadfast love for us should produce a steadfast love for Him in our hearts.
The Ark and the Tabernacle
In 1 Chronicles 16, the Ark of the Covenant was placed in the tabernacle. King David fed the people, the priests offered sacrifices, and the Levites (priests from the tribe of Levi) praised God. The steadfast love of God was the primary theme of their daily worship.
David offered a beautiful song of thanksgiving in 1 Chronicles 16:8-34. As we review this song, we can see how to build our own prayers around these themes:
- Give thanks to God for His wondrous works and mighty power.
- Seek the Lord and ask for His strength.
- Remember that God is the judge of all the earth.
- Celebrate the covenant (solemn promise) God made with His people.
- Trust His protection, remembering how He kept His people safe when they were few and vulnerable.
- Praise God together, for splendor, majesty, strength, and joy are in His presence.
- Call on all creation to give God the honor and thanksgiving He is due.
The song concludes with this powerful call to praise:
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!”
Jehoshaphat’s Battle Song
This phrase appears again during a dark period in history, when the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. The people of Judah had drifted into unfaithfulness.
Shortly after King Jehoshaphat began reforming the nation, powerful enemies gathered against them. Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and called the assembly to seek God.
Jehoshaphat appealed to God’s steadfastness, listing the great deeds God had done in the past and placing Judah’s trust in Him (1 Chronicles 20). God promised to deliver them if they would stand firm and trust Him (1 Chronicles 20:15-17). Judah defeated the enemy by sending singers ahead of the army to praise God’s steadfast love (1 Chronicles 20:20-22).
The Theme of the Psalms
1. Psalm 106
This psalm begins with praise for God’s steadfast love and salvation. However, it quickly confesses the sins and lack of faith among God’s people, contrasted with His merciful deliverance.
The people repeatedly forgot what God had done and refused to trust Him. Despite constant rebellion, the psalm concludes by highlighting God’s mercy:
He remembered for their sake his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. — Psalm 106:44-48
God’s steadfast love endures even when His people fail to remain faithful. It is always waiting when they humbly return to Him.
2. Psalm 107
This psalm exhorts, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” It praises God for gathering His people from trials and exile:
- God guided them from dry deserts back to their own cities.
- He delivered prisoners who had rebelled against Him but cried out for help.
- He healed those who had fallen into foolish, sinful ways and repented.
- He calmed the stormy seas for sailors who recognized His power.
When Israel was wicked, God turned their fertile land into a desert. When they repented, He brought water and blessings back to the land. God disciplines His people out of love to bring them back to righteousness:
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” — Proverbs 3:11-12
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” — Hebrews 12:6
3. Psalm 118
The psalmist praises God’s steadfast love and salvation. He describes a hopeless situation where enemies surrounded him and pushed him to the brink of collapse, but God helped him.
Deliverance is not always immediate. We must endure trials to prove our trust. Jesus taught His followers to pray always and not lose heart, even when it feels like God is not answering. The psalm ends in victory because the writer trusted God when all hope seemed lost.
4. Psalm 136
This psalm was likely written for responsive worship. The congregation would reply to each line, “for His steadfast love endures forever.” The psalm praises God for His creation, His rescue of Israel from Egypt, and His help in conquering their enemies.
The Darkness of Exile
In the darkness of Judah’s exile, after Jerusalem was destroyed due to the people’s wickedness, the praise of God’s enduring love appeared as a bright light. Jeremiah 33 records the promise that Judah would return from exile.
They would rebuild Jerusalem and fill the temple with praise because His steadfast love endures forever. This promise comforted Jeremiah during his deepest grief:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:19-26
When Should We Give Thanks?
Considering all these examples, when should we give thanks to the Lord?
- In good times, when we are healthy and food is plentiful.
- In hard times, when we are sick, in pain, or facing scarcity.
- When our leaders are good and justice fills the land.
- When our leaders are corrupt and wickedness prevails.
- When our faith is strong and we are active in His service.
- When our faith is weak, we struggle to pray, and doubts arise.
- When we enjoy the blessings of a faithful life.
- When we are humbled by God’s discipline and must deal with the consequences of our sins.
- When enemies surround us and it feels like evil is winning, we can stand our ground with confidence.
- When we are at death’s door and eternity awaits.
Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever.
Private Reflection Journal
What is one thing from this study that you can apply to your life today? Jot down your thoughts below.