“Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
The designation of Israel as God's servant emphasizes Israel's function as covenant partner chosen to serve God's purposes. Servant suggests both lowliness and honor; Israel's identity is constituted by relationship to God and commitment to divine purposes. The heritage to the servant indicates that possession of land is not arbitrary reward but fulfillment of covenantal promise to the servant nation. This verse situates land-possession within the broader framework of covenant relationship.
Church Fathers on Psalms 136:22
1. “Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures for ever” Psalm 135:1. This Psalm contains the praise of God, and all its verses finish in the same way. Wherefore although many things are related here in praise of God, yet His mercy is most commended; for without this plain commendation, he, whom the Holy Spirit used to utter this Psalm, would have no verse be ended. Although after the judgment, by which at the end of the world the quick and the dead must…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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