The Hebrew word ḥeseḏ, which is translated as steadfast love,
is also understood as God’s covenant love, constant love, or his loyal love. As it is difficult to find an adequate translation for this word, all these descriptions should be taken together. With this expression, the writer uses a key term in the theological thinking of the Old Testament. It denotes the quality of the relationship between two parties as being one of goodwill and mutual concern. In the Old Testament, it refers to God’s care for his chosen people. This is not a once-off display but an enduring bond of fidelity. As it is initiated by God, it required a reciprocal response from Israel,1 while it has the basic meaning of loyalty or faithfulness of God to those he initiated his covenant with.2 Although Israel did not keep the prescriptions and demands of it, it is a lasting covenant. While the writer and the people of God are on the brink of extermination, he acknowledged that God’s steadfast love is the reason they are still alive and not completely destroyed.3 He therefore recalls in his prayers the lasting covenant of God’s everlasting love.
22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;