In Jewish tradition this psalm is known as “the Great Psalm of Praise.” We could also call it the “Great Psalm of Thanksgiving.” It begins with the words: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,” and ends with the words, “Give thanks to the God of heaven.” The command to “give thanks,” although left out of verses 4 and following, should be applied to every verse. For example, verse 4, which says, “to Him who alone does great wonders,” is to be understood as “Give thanks to Him who alone does great wonders.” Verse 16, which says, “to Him who led his people through the desert,” is to be understood as “Give thanks to Him who led His people through the desert.” It is indeed the great psalm of praise and thanksgiving.

The Psalmist calls us to express thanksgiving and appreciation to God for what we have received through Him. In so doing, we confess and acknowledge something about God and his works. What is it? His covenant love and mercy!

The song was likely designed to be sung antiphonally in the temple worship. The first line of each verse pursues the theme of the psalm: God’s covenant acts. The second line, “For His mercy endures forever,” is a refrain or response, breaking in on the song and supporting the theme. The first line would be sung by some of the Levites, the second by the choir as a body, or by the congregation together with the Levites. The insertion of this second line, again and again, may seem like a vain repetition and bring cumbersomeness to the song. However, the purpose of repetition is to drive home a point and to ensure memorization. What better thing to be repeated again and again, and to memorize, but that the goodness, mercy and love of the LORD endures forever? What better thing to recall that every act of the LORD in the history of redemption is an act of his love toward us? It is the love of the LORD that we should constantly remember and never forget! It is the love and loyalty of the LORD that compels us to show true thankfulness.

He is God of gods and Lord of lords (2-3). This means that God is “mighty and awesome” (Deuteronomy 10:17). He is supreme. It sets the tone. This is why God can be so faithful and true.

He is a God of wonders, from the least things to the greatest (4). He is the God of creation (5-9). God made the heavens, the earth, and the waters. He created the sun, moon and stars. Creation is no mere mechanism, but it is the work of God’s steadfast love. God made it and sustains it. Even though this world became subject to sin, God maintains it for Himself. His plan endures.

God also redeems a people for Himself (10-16). The Psalmist describes how God’s covenant love fell upon the family of Jacob and the people of Israel. What a glorious history, summed up here in a few words! God put forward a glorious display of power to free his people from the bondage of Egypt, leading them from death into life. He led them through the Red Sea on dry ground, while drowning the obstinate Pharaoh and all his hosts. He preserved them in the wilderness. Here then are various proofs of divine power, goodness and faithfulness. All the other miracles and blessings the reader is left to recall: the bread from heaven, the water from the rock, the care of the flocks, the lack of disease, the preservation of the clothing and the protection from the heat and cold. Later, God preserves them from harsh treatment by kings. Even though his people were sinful and subject to the evil one, God provides for them. He is faithful to his promise of salvation. He never lets go of his own. Having begun a good work in them, it remains in God to complete it to his glory.

Reading this history of the redemption of Israel, we think of our own redemption. Yes, how the covenant mercy and faithfulness of God comes to its fullest expression in our Lord Jesus Christ! He came to free us from the death grip of sin! He died on the cross for our sins! Despite our own sin, God continues to shine on us with his covenant faithfulness. He remembered us in our lowly state; He rescued us from our enemies. It is wholly undeserved. He gives purpose and hope to our lives. Indeed, what reason for our thanksgiving!

The author represents every age as proving the goodness and mercy of God. In all the deliverance that God gives to his people, there is the accompanying gift of the forgiveness of sins. It is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit! The gift of Jesus Christ as the ultimate expression of God’s unfailing loyalty to his people.

Finally, God gives food to every creature (25). He gives and sustains life. He gives us physical food and all our material needs. God, who loves us, provides for us in every way.

Here we have then a beautiful thanksgiving song of the covenant. It speaks of God’s covenant faithfulness. It speaks of his lasting love, that was not altered because of our sins. God will complete his plan of salvation for his people. We must never forget. As we confess and repeat God’s mercies that have shone on his church through the centuries, we are moved to thanksgiving. It truly is a great thanksgiving Psalm. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His love endures forever.