I am sure you have been taught, as I have, that whenever the Bible repeats something, it must be particularly important. Like Paul exhorting the Philippian church to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4: 4).

Or… in Isaiah’s vision in chapter 6, he is somehow permitted to see with his own eyes the magnificent splendour of the Lord on His throne. One seraph calls out to another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;

the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3)

Not just one “holy” but three. The Lord is Holy. Holy. Holy. In other words, let that truth be underlined and highlighted, meditated on, etched into our consciousness. Our God is a Holy God.

However, when we reach Psalm 136 and what looks like a history lesson for young Israelite students, we find a phrase being spoken, not twice, not even three times.

Twenty-six times, in fact.

His steadfast love endures forever.

Our psalmist takes us on a sweeping tour of the Pentateuch from Creation to the edge of the Promised Land and at every turn, he is compelled to remind us, “His steadfast love endures forever”.

From the outset we are called to give thanks. Why? For (or because) His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks “to him who by understanding made the heavens…

for his steadfast love endures forever” (Ps 136:5).

Gives thanks “to him who divided the Red Sea in two,

for his steadfast love endures forever” in verse 13.

“and gave their land as a heritage,

for his steadfast love endures forever in verse 21.

Twenty-six times.

If there was one truth the Lord wanted to impart, branded into the conscience of every Israelite soul, it was that His love is steadfast, unwavering and unchanging. And that this love is not fleeting but continues for all time.

It turns out this is a truth permeating every book of Scripture. Every poem and prophecy, every song and story, every letter and law, over and over and over: His steadfast love endures forever.

It will not fade away. It will not give up. It will not grow weary. The Lord’s steadfast love endures forever.

It radiates with the morning sun and stays close through the darkest night. It keeps the line open for our prayers and forgives us when we fall short of His best. It disciplines us for our good and welcomes us into the Lord’s presence - 24/7. The Lord’s steadfast love endures forever.

We can rely on it, plant our faith in it, stand on it in the battle and rest in it on our beds. The Lord’s steadfast love endures forever.

It is precious beyond price. “Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Ps 136: 26).