Psalms 118:2
Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalms 118:2
This verse repeats the refrain of gratitude in a communal voice: “Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.” Israel’s identity is formed in shared memory—how God’s mercy has woven through their history. The verse asserts collective confession, not merely individual gratitude. In the Torah and prophetic literature, covenants are often sealed with public declarations. Here, the psalmist invites Israel to join in proclaiming mercy as the defining trait of Yahweh. The call to the nation (and by extension, to all faithful) functions as worship and testimony: a witness element to the surrounding nations about who God is. In context, it follows a sequence of expressions of trust and praise, reinforcing that mercy is not a one-off event but a continuous, defining attribute.
The emphasis on “Israel” speaks to particular covenantal identity, yet the message is universal: God’s mercy is his enduring, defining quality. Theologically, mercy endures because God’s covenant promise to his people is unbreakable. This verse reinforces God’s fidelity to his word, which stands behind Israel’s continued existence and protection. The communal exhortation foreshadows the church’s continued practice of confessing God’s mercy collectively (as a body, in worship, in testimony). Mercy as an enduring attribute counters any temptation to doubt God’s constancy in hardship. It also anchors the theme that worship involves shared memory of God’s gracious acts: mercy is not abstract; it’s experienced and thus proclaimed.
Encourage communal confession of God’s mercy in churches, small groups, and families. Practical steps:
- Start gatherings by reciting a line or two about God’s mercy.
- Collect testimonies of mercy experienced during the week and share them publicly.
- In crises, return to the collective memory of God’s faithfulness to sustain hope.
- Use social media or newsletters to remind the wider community that mercy endures beyond current circumstances.
This verse invites a rhythm of public praise that unites people in faith and provides a counter-narrative to fear or cynicism.
Cross-References: Psalm 106:1; Psalm 107:1; Psalm 89:1; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 2:4-5