The hesed of the LORD endures forever! (Psalm 117:2).

Indeed, the famous refrain in Psalm 136 repeats 26 times: “His hesed endures forever.”

The word hesed in Hebrew is translated a number of ways in English:

     —Faithfulness. (Psalm 117:2 NIV).

     —Love. (Psalm 136 NIV).

     —Mercy. (Psalm 136 KJV).

     —Steadfast love. (Psalm 136 ESV; Exodus 34:6-7).

     —Lovingkindness. (Psalm 136 NASB).

     —Kindness. (Micah 6:8).

Since no one English word captures the richness of the Hebrew word hesed, I will use the word hesed in this blog.

Recently, two events have caused me to stand in awe of the hesed of the LORD.

First, my wife and I returned to the Rochester, New York area to close the sale of our house. We lived in the house for over 25 years. We lived in the area since we were born the same day at the same hospital 65 years ago. We literally slept together our first night on earth—in the hospital’s nursery!

Our extended families have lived in the area for over 100 years.

Yet now, our children have moved away. So we have moved to San Jose, California to live near our only grandchild.

As memories flood over me, I am amazed at the hesed of the LORD during those many years.

For over a century, there have been many struggles. Some tragedies.

And yet, the hesed of the LORD triumphed!

Second, we attended a Seder in which our grandson participated in the traditional ways for a young child.

For over 3,000 years, Israel has survived and thrived. There have been many struggles. Some tragedies.

And yet, the hesed of the LORD triumphed!

In the words of Psalm 117, surely I can say:

“Praise the LORD, all you nations;

   extol him all you peoples.

For great is his love toward us,

   and the hesed of the LORD endures forever.

Praise the LORD.”

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To learn more about how the hesed of the LORD triumphs despite struggles and tragedies, please read my books The Promised Land, Healing the Promised Land, Hoping in the LORD, Lighting the World, Visions of America, and Visions of the Church.