The phrase “His mercy endures forever” is a refrain that appears numerous times throughout the Bible, especially in the book of Psalms. It speaks to the eternal, unfailing love and compassion that God has for His people. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning and significance of this phrase.
The phrase in Jeremiah 33:11
In Jeremiah 33:11, we read: “The voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voices of those who sing, as they bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord: ‘Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!’ For I will restore the fortunes of the land as at first, says the Lord.”
This verse comes in the context of Jeremiah prophesying the restoration of Israel after the destruction and exile they experienced because of their disobedience. Even though they were facing God’s judgment, He still promised to have mercy on them, restore them, and be their God (Jeremiah 33:7). The people are rejoicing, giving thanks, and proclaiming the endurance of God’s love even in the midst of their circumstances.
Though they were unfaithful, God remained faithful. His merciful covenant love for His people prevails forever. His restoration of Israel displays His unwavering commitment to His promises. So the phrase “his steadfast love endures forever” is a joyful declaration of God’s eternal mercy and forgiveness.
The refrain in Psalm 136
Psalm 136 is a call and response psalm, with each verse ending in the refrain “his steadfast love endures forever.” The psalm recounts God’s mighty acts on behalf of Israel – creation, deliverance from Egypt, victory over their enemies, etc. After each act, we are reminded that God’s faithful love and mercy is everlasting.
A few examples:
– “to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever” (v.4)
– “to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever” (v.10)
– “to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever” (v.13)
– “to him who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever” (v.23)
Though Israel frequently neglected and rejected God, His love for them persevered. His compassion never ceased. His mercies were new every morning. No matter what they did, His steadfast love remained unchanged.
The steadfast love of the Lord
So what does it mean when the Bible highlights God’s steadfast, enduring love? A few key things:
- God’s love is undeserved. We do nothing to earn God’s love. His choice to set His affection on us stems from His own nature and will, not our merit.
- God’s love is eternal. It has no beginning or end. His love for us will never fade or falter. It persists forever.
- God’s love is resilient. No sin, failure, or circumstance can separate us from God’s steadfast love. His love remains steadfast even when we are faithless.
- God’s love is merciful. He delights in showing compassion. His enduring love moves Him to forgive our sins over and over.
- God’s love is loyal. He keeps all His loving promises. He remains true to His covenant with His people.
In short, the endurance of God’s merciful love points to His unwavering faithfulness, His gracious and forgiving disposition, and His resolute commitment to His covenant relationship with His people, even in the face of their weakness and unfaithfulness. This steadfast love of the Lord should give us great hope and comfort!
Examples of God’s steadfast love in Scripture
Here are some verses throughout Scripture that highlight the eternal endurance of God’s merciful covenant love:
Exodus 34:6-7 – “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.”
Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.”
Psalm 103:17 – “But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him.”
Psalm 118:1-4 – “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 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.”
Isaiah 54:10 – “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
1 Corinthians 13:7 – “[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
How the refrain points to Christ
Ultimately, the supreme demonstration of God’s steadfast, merciful love is found in Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to die for sinners “while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:6-8). Though we were His enemies, He reconciled us through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. This is the pinnacle of grace and enduring love.
Ephesians 3:17-19 describes the breadth, length and height of Christ’s love, which “surpasses knowledge.” And in Romans 8:38-39, the apostle Paul declares nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The endurance of Christ’s love brings salvation and life everlasting.
So this refrain in the Psalms and Prophets finds its ultimate fulfillment in the gospel. The steadfast love of the Lord endures from generation to generation, culminating in the sending of His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for sins. God’s mercy truly endures forever because of Christ’s finished work on the cross.
How we should respond
Since God’s merciful love remains steadfast despite our failures, here are some ways we can respond:
- Repentance and faith – Turn from sin and trust in God’s grace shown through Christ.
- Gratitude – Give thanks for His unending compassion and mercy.
- Hope – Find comfort that His love will never leave or forsake us.
- Obedience – Seek to obey and honor God out of love, not duty.
- Worship – Praise God for His steadfast love and proclaim it to others.
- Perseverance – Endure hardship knowing God remains faithful.
May the refrain “his steadfast love endures forever” lead us to worship the God of all grace, who has demonstrated His eternal mercy supremely through Jesus!