I invite you to pull up a chair and join me as I study one specific Bible passage—Psalm 136:1–9. It’s one thing to learn how to study the Bible by gathering tips and tools and following specific methods. But it’s another thing to pull up a chair beside someone who is studying a Bible passage and see those tools and methods in action.
It’s like learning how to bake bread—the value of feeling the water’s temperature and the dough’s texture alongside an experienced baker exceeds following a recipe. This real-life experience gives you confidence when you decide to bake a loaf by yourself because you know exactly what the process looks and feels like.
I can provide Bible study tips and tools, and you can read them like a recipe, and try them on your own—and I hope you do! But studying and delighting in God’s Word isn’t as formulaic as some might think. It’s not a one-recipe-works-for-every-passage process. I’ve learned that studying the Bible can become more natural and relational than that, and I want you to see it in action.
How I Choose a Bible Passage to Study
Because the context is so crucial to understanding God’s Word, I like to study one entire book of the Bible at a time. The book I decide to study depends on prayer and the Holy Spirit’s leading, my local ministry, my current schedule, and the areas of spiritual growth I want to focus on. No matter what, I’m always in the midst of studying a specific book of the Bible.
However, some days, I need something different. In times of deep struggle, I turn to the Psalms. When I’m overwhelmed, reading a short poem or prayer feels less intimidating than a longer passage within the context of a whole book. And the Psalms so eloquently express the longings, joys, and turmoil of the soul.
Whenever I decide to read a psalm for my daily Bible reading, I just pick up where I left off. And when I finish with Psalm 150, I start again at Psalm 1. During a recent season of grief, I opened my Bible to the white ribbon bookmark in Psalms and studied the next one: Psalm 136. This psalm is a good “training ground” for Bible study because its clear structure and repetition make the message easy to understand.
Why don’t you grab your Bible and study with me?
First Reading: An Overview
Before we dive deeply into Psalm 136:1–9, let’s simply read. This is the one thing I do every time I study a Bible passage—I just read it in context. If it’s only a few verses, as is the case here, I read the whole chapter. (Go ahead and read Psalm 136 now.)
The book of Psalms is a collection of poetry or songs by various authors. Its purpose was to serve as a prayer book or songbook for God’s people. The repetitive structure of Psalm 136 is impossible to miss, since every other line is exactly the same. We can easily envision a worship service opening with Psalm 136. The worship leaders—the Levites at the time—would sing a line, and the congregation would respond with “for his steadfast love endures forever.”
What can we glean from our first reading of this Bible passage? We can summarize the message of Psalm 136 as a call to worship and give thanks to the Lord because his steadfast love endures forever. Each verse declares a reason why he is worthy of our worship.
Now we have a broad overview of the psalm and a general understanding of the passage’s context.
Second Reading: Insight From Emphasis
Because of its repetition, it’s tempting to gloss over “for his steadfast love endures forever.” After all, that’s a pretty clear statement; it’s not hard to understand. But at the same time, because of its repetition, it’s clearly important, so it’s probably worth paying close attention to it.
How do we pay closer attention to this repeated phrase? One simple way is to read it in different translations. You can read any verse in over 20 translations, at a glance, at Bible Hub. The exact words vary among translations:
NASB: “For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
NIV: “His love endures forever.”
NKJV: “For His mercy endures forever.”
CSB: “His faithful love endures forever.”
HCSB: “His love is eternal.”
ESV: “for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Reading in multiple translations can give us a clearer understanding of the original text’s meaning. Feel free to pause here and read Psalm 136 in another translation. (Other translations are available at Blue Letter Bible.) The language variation can provide helpful insight.
From the six translations I referenced here, we see that God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness never end. Nothing can stop him from faithfully loving and extending mercy to his people.
Third Reading: Slowing Down
Now let’s read Psalm 136:1–9 again, more slowly this time, and look for themes and connections to other parts of the Bible and the gospel.
Verses 1–3 open the psalm with an enthusiastic call to thank the Lord—the God of gods and the Lord of lords—because he’s good and his mercy (or love) endures forever.
The day I turned to Psalm 136 in my grief, my head knew God is good and merciful and loving, but my heart ached over a tragic loss. I did not feel thankful. But I kept reading and noticed three themes—evidence of God’s love—in verses 4–9: his wonders, wisdom, and works.
God’s Wonders (v. 4)
What do you consider a “wonder”? The NLT translates “great wonders” in verse 4 as “mighty miracles.” From Genesis through Revelation, we see God performing miracles (or “great wonders”), but it’s sometimes hard for us to consider the miracles or wonders of today because we’re looking for something extraordinary—like the Great Pyramid of Giza or other “Wonders of the World.” I decided to slow down here and reflect on God’s wonders.
God didn’t have to create wonders like the gleaming sun or sparkling stars. He didn’t have to create such a broad spectrum of color—crimson or candy apple reds, saffron or daffodil yellows, sage or emerald greens, and on it goes. He could’ve made the earth without the heady perfume of hyacinths, the cheery song of a robin, the warmth of the sand between my toes, or the sweet, tart taste of a ripe raspberry. Imagine a world without these wonders!
God’s wonderful creation is evidence of his lovingkindness toward us. So, even when we feel like we have nothing to be thankful for, surely we can be thankful for the beauty and intricacy of his design.
I looked up one of the cross-references in the margin of my Bible—Psalm 139:14, which describes us as “wonderfully made”. Consider this: When you look in the mirror, you’re looking at one of God’s great wonders! (To learn more cross-references, read How to Use Cross-References in the Bible.)
What wonders do you see today?
God’s Wisdom (vv. 5–6)
Verse 5, in some translations, says that God made the heavens “skillfully” or “by wisdom.” Have you ever watched a potter slap a shapeless lump of clay on his wheel and form it into something beautiful? It’s a unique craft few of us will ever master, and it requires tremendous skill.
Similarly, have you ever gazed at the ocean and marveled at the incredible brilliance of God’s creation of the earth’s ecosystem? Psalm 104 vividly describes dozens of God’s wise works—water to quench thirst, trees for birds to live in, rocks to protect animals, food for us to eat, and so on. Reading through this incredible list, I can’t help but declare along with the psalmist, ”O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all… (Psalm 104:24).”
You don’t need to be a scientist to appreciate God’s wisdom. I recalled James 1:5—”If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (I call this creating my own cross-reference.) God knows the answer to every question. Yet, despite his majesty and omniscience, the Source of all wisdom generously offers it to us. Again, this demonstrates his lovingkindness toward us.
Do you need wisdom today? Ask God for it and expect him to deliver on his promise.
God’s Works (vv. 7–9)
Smartphones are no longer new, so we may have lost our sense of wonder about them. But think about all we hold in the palm of our hand. More than just a phone, it’s a camera, TV, even an entire shopping mall. This wonderful technology is amazing—but only if it works. God’s wonders always work. The sun, moon, and stars are God’s wonders, but the fact that they shine every day and night without fail is God’s work. This work is his provision and protection for us. Again, his lovingkindness.
What about the work of Jesus Christ on the cross? We were lost, destined to die as punishment for our sins, and he offered his own life in our place. Not only did he redeem us, making it possible for all who believe in him to enjoy eternal life, but he also became a bridge to the throne room of God Most High. Jesus’s work on the cross enables us to draw near to the Creator of the Universe, to know the King of kings and Lord of lords as our Father and Friend! Now that’s a work worthy of our thanks! (This is what I call making the gospel connection. Read more about it in How to Read the Whole Bible as God’s Good News.)
When was the last time you thanked God for his gift of grace through the work of Jesus Christ?
From Information to Transformation
We study the Bible not merely to gain information but to experience transformation—to know God and to become more like him. One way we ensure that God’s Word penetrates our hearts, not just our minds, is by responding to what we’ve read.
After meditating on these nine verses, reading them in various translations, recognizing some themes, and identifying a connection to the gospel of Jesus Christ, my burdened heart was stirred to worship.
Though I had experienced a devastating loss, God was—and still is—good, loving, faithful, and merciful. I realized that I’m surrounded by evidence of this fact every moment of every day. I see his miracles in the faces at the dinner table, his wisdom in the melting snowflakes and budding tulips, and his works in each new day.
I closed my Bible and gave thanks to God, because he is good and his lovingkindness endures forever.
How will you respond to your study of Psalm 136 today?
Your Turn to Study a Bible Passage
I hope you can see how Bible study tips and tools can become a natural part of your Bible reading every time you open God’s Word. Confident Bible study is not a strict formula or a checklist to follow from top to bottom. It will likely look different for every passage. As you practice Bible study skills like discovering context, following cross-references, or doing a word study, they’ll become like second nature and simply enhance your delight in Scripture.
Remember: Learning how to study the Bible for yourself is a process that takes practice, patience, and prayer. Our goal is not perfection; it’s knowing a Person—Jesus Christ. (Read How to Study the Bible With Confidence and Delight for encouragement about the heart behind our study of God’s Word.)
I invite you to steep another cup of tea, pull up your chair, and join me for more refreshment from God’s Word as we explore other Bible passages. Grab your Bible and get comfortable. Then, browse the Study With Me posts on my blog, or sign up for my free 7-day study of Psalm 91.
Experience the life-changing peace of God’s presence. Sign up for this 7-day journey to learn how to study the Word for yourself while finding rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
