King James Version

What Does Psalms 136:7 Mean?

Psalms 136:7 in the King James Version says “To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 136 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:”

Psalms 136:7 · KJV

Context

5

To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

6

To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

7

To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:

8

The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: to rule: Heb. for the rulings by day

9

The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Read Psalms 136 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: The creation account continues with celestial luminaries, sun and moon, serving humanity. "Made great lights" (לְעֹשֵׂה אוֹרִים גְּדֹלִים/le'oseh orim gedolim) celebrates God's formation of sun and moon (Genesis 1:14-18). These "great lights" (אוֹרִים גְּדֹלִים/orim gedolim) governed day and night, regulated seasons, and enabled life on earth.

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sun and moon were deified—Egyptian Ra, Mesopotamian Shamash and Sin. Israel's neighbors worshiped these luminaries as gods. Against this idolatry, the psalmist declares: Yahweh "made" (עָשָׂה/asah) them. They aren't deities but created objects, tools fashioned by the true God for humanity's benefit. Genesis 1:16 similarly de-divinizes sun and moon, calling them "lights" rather than by name, refusing to honor pagan designations.

The refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" connects even celestial mechanics to covenant love. Sun rising daily, moon cycling monthly—these reliable patterns reflect God's unwavering chesed. Jeremiah 31:35-36 uses sun and moon's faithfulness as guarantee of God's covenant loyalty to Israel. As long as sun gives light by day, God's promises stand firm.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solar and lunar worship pervaded ancient Near Eastern religion. Temples oriented toward sunrise, festivals timed to solstices and equinoxes, and priests calculated calendars by celestial movements. Israel, surrounded by these practices, constantly faced temptation toward astral worship (2 Kings 23:5, Jeremiah 8:2). Psalm 136's assertion that Yahweh made the great lights combated this idolatry, reminding Israel that creation serves Creator's purposes. The lights that pagans worshiped are merely lamps God hung to illuminate His world and regulate time for His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'great lights'—created things that people worship or prioritize above God—might you need to dethrone in your life?
  2. How does the regularity of sun and moon (daily sunrise, lunar cycles) witness to God's enduring mercy and faithfulness?
  3. In what ways can observing the natural order cultivate gratitude for God's provision and awareness of His sustaining love?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
לְ֭עֹשֵׂה1 of 6

“To him that made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אוֹרִ֣ים2 of 6

“lights”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

גְּדֹלִ֑ים3 of 6

“great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

כִּ֖י4 of 6
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְעוֹלָ֣ם5 of 6

“endureth for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

חַסְדּֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“for his mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 136:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 136:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 1:14-19Deuteronomy 4:19Psalms 74:16-17Psalms 104:19

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 136 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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