Psalms 136:9

9 the moon and stars to rule by night. His love is eternal.

Psalms 136:9 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 136:9

The moon and stars to rule by night
The lesser lights, and which indeed receive all their light Front the sun, ( Genesis 1:16 ) ;

for his mercy [endureth] for ever;
in continuing these lights, so useful to men, as well as in making of them: the moon and stars have their benign influences upon the earth, to produce things out of it useful to men; see ( Deuteronomy 33:14 ) ( Job 38:31 ) ; and are of singular service to benighted travellers, and to those that go down to the sea in ships; see ( Acts 27:20 ) . The moon is an emblem of the church, that receives her light from Christ, the sun, and which will continue for ever; and, stars are emblems of Gospel ministers, who are the means of enlightening dark souls, and of refreshing disconsolate saints; and are a continued mercy to an ignorant world, as well as to the church, and will be continued as long as it stands; see ( Song of Solomon 6:10 ) ( Revelation 1:20 ) ( 2:1 ) ( Matthew 5:14 ) ( 28:20 ) .

Psalms 136:9 In-Context

7 He made the great lights: His love is eternal.
8 the sun to rule by day, His love is eternal.
9 the moon and stars to rule by night. His love is eternal.
10 He struck the firstborn of the Egyptians His love is eternal.
11 and brought Israel out from among them His love is eternal.
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.