Tehillim 136 – a segula for Rahamim

Tehillim 136 – a segula for Rahamim

Tehillim 136:2 «Odu le-Elokei ha-Elokim, ki le-olam chasdo» — (give thanks to G-d of gods (Elokei ha-Elokim), for His kindness endures forever). The meaning of this verse is that the Name Havayah is the source of all concealments brought about through the Name Elokim; therefore, it is referred to as «Elokei ha-Elokim». This explains the words at the end of the verse: «for His kindness endures forever». In other words, all the limitations associated with the Name Elokim represent kindness and goodness (to which the Name Havayah alludes), for they are intended to enable finite creations to receive life-force from the Almighty. The acts of goodness enumerated in this chapter of Tehillim 26 times, corresponding to the gematria of the Name Havayah, which equals 26, are all portions of the goodness that emanates from Him. These sparks break through the concealments associated with the Name Elokim and bring goodness into the world, in accordance with the words: «for His kindness endures forever (“le-olam” — literally, “for the world”)». The number 26 is the gematria of the ineffable Name of the Creator, which symbolizes mercy — Rahamim. The segula is to recite this psalm when we are in need of the Creator’s mercy, for Rahamim. (Tzemach Tzedek, “Derech Mitzvotecha”)