A Psalm for Passover
Read Pamela Greenberg’s translation of Psalm 136 from her book “The Complete Psalms: The Book of Prayer Songs in a New Translation” (Bloomsbury, 2010). Sometimes called “the Great Hallel,” Psalm 136 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving recited on joyous occasions, including Passover.
Psalm 136
Give thanks to the Creator for all that is good—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
Give thanks to the Judge of all judges—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
Give thanks to the Foundation of foundations—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
To the one who performs great miracles alone—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
To the one who makes the sky with great wisdom—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
To the one who spreads the earth over the sea—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
To the one who makes great lights—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
The sun to govern by day—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
The moon and stars to govern by night—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
The one who struck Egypt through their firstborn—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
The one who brought out Israel from their midst—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
With a strong hand and outstretched arm—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
To the one who split the Sea of Reeds into parts—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
Who helped Israel cross through its midst—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
The one who struck down powerful kings—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
And slew kings who seemed invincible—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
Sichon, king of the Emorites—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
Og, king of Bashan—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
And gave their land as a portion—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
A portion to Israel, your servant—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
Who when we were low in spirit remembered us—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
And broke us away from our oppressors—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
Who gives food to all flesh—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
Give thanks to the Power of the heavens—
for God’s kindness is toward the world.
