In the fourth section of Psalm 136, we see the God of Protection and Provision. The children of Israel are wandering in the wilderness, facing not only the dangers of the wilderness, but also threats from enemies. God protected Israel throughout all this journey and provided all that they needed and more.
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136:1) What are some ways God showed His mercy to Israel through protection and provision in the wilderness?
1. God gave guidance to the wandering Israelites so that they would not get lost.
“To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136:16). The wilderness is a wide, barren, empty place. People wandering in it without direction might get lost. God guided His people with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. “21) And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22) He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” (Exodus 13:21,22)
God also provided food (manna) and water from the rock. The water was enough for the people and for their animals. Nehemiah 9:15a says, “And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst.”
2. God overthrew the kings and their people that withstood the Israelites in their journey.
“18) And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: 19) Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: 20) And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136:18-20)
3. God took the land of these wicked kings and gave it to the children of Israel as their heritage forever. He provided land and a dwelling place for His people.
“21) And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: 22) Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (verses 21,22)
Throughout all their journey in the wilderness, the children of Israel did not lack one thing that they needed. God provided all their needs. We serve the same God today. His mercy still endures forever, and He can still protect and provide all our needs. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Thank You, God, for being such a good and great God. “Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:20)