Psalms Chapter 136
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods; for his loving kindness endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords; for his loving kindness endures forever:
4 to him who alone does great wonders; for his loving kindness endures forever:
5 to him who by understanding made the heavens; for his loving kindness endures forever:
6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters; for his loving kindness endures forever:
7 to him who made the great lights; for his loving kindness endures forever:
8 the sun to rule by day; for his loving kindness endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule by night; for his loving kindness endures forever:
10 to him who struck down the Egyptian firstborn; for his loving kindness endures forever;
11 and brought out Israel from amongst them; for his loving kindness endures forever;
12 with a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm; for his loving kindness endures forever:
13 to him who divided the Red Sea apart; for his loving kindness endures forever;
14 and made Israel to pass through the middle of it; for his loving kindness endures forever;
15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea; for his loving kindness endures forever:
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness; for his loving kindness endures forever:
17 to him who struck great kings; for his loving kindness endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings; for his loving kindness endures forever:
19 Sihon king of the Amorites; for his loving kindness endures forever;
20 Og king of Bashan; for his loving kindness endures forever;
21 and gave their land as an inheritance; for his loving kindness endures forever;
22 even a heritage to Israel his servant; for his loving kindness endures forever:
23 who remembered us in our low estate; for his loving kindness endures forever;
24 and has delivered us from our adversaries; for his loving kindness endures forever:
25 who gives food to every creature; for his loving kindness endures forever.
26 Oh give thanks to the God of heaven; for his loving kindness endures forever.
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Psalms Chapter 136 Guide
This is a song of the age-abiding mercy of Jehovah. It opens and closes with a call to praise, and in its main movements sets forth the reason for such praise. In the opening call the three great names or titles of God are made use of, viz., Jehovah, Elohim, Adonahy. The first is mentioned in its lonely splendour, as it always is. There is no attempt at qualification of comparison. The second is used in comparison. He is the God of gods. All other mighty beings, false or true, are less than He; and subservient to Him. In the same way He is Lord of lords.
The reasons for praise are found in the manifestations of His power and interest in His people. His power as seen in creation is first sung (vv. Psalms 136:1-9). Then His delivering power manifest behalf of His people (vv. Psalms 136:10-15). This naturally merges into the song of His guidance and government of them, as He brought them into possession (vv. Psalms 136:16-22). And finally His goodness in restoring His people after declension and wandering (vv. Psalms 136:23-25). The dominant note is mercy as manifest in all the activities of God. To see the love and compassion of God in creation, in deliverance, in government, in restoration, is ever to be constrained to praise.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Psalms Chapter 136 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- God to be praised as the Creator of the world. -- (1-9)
- As Israel's God and Saviour. -- (10-22)
- For his blessings to all. -- (23-26)
Verses 1-9
Forgetful as we are, things must be often repeated to us. By "mercy" we understand the Lord's disposition to save those whom sin has rendered miserable and vile, and all the provision he has made for the redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ. The counsels of this mercy have been from everlasting, and the effects of it will endure for ever, to all who are interested in it. The Lord continues equally ready to show mercy to all who seek for it, and this is the source of all our hope and comfort.
Verses 10-22
The great things God did for Israel, when he brought them out of Egypt, were mercies which endured long to them; and our redemption by Christ, which was typified thereby, endures for ever. It is good to enter into the history of God's favours, and in each to observe, and own, that his mercy endureth for ever. He put them in possession of a good land; it was a figure of the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verses 23-26
God's everlasting mercy is here praised for the redemption of his church; in all his glories, and all his gifts. Blessed be God, who has provided and made known to us salvation through his Son. May we know and feel his redeeming power, that we may serve him in righteousness all our days. May He who giveth food to all flesh, feed our souls unto eternal life, and enliven our affections by his grace, that we may give thanks and praise to his holy name, for his mercy endureth for ever. Let us trace up all the favours we receive to this true source, and offer praise continually.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.