Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. PSALM 136
Ps 136:1-26. The theme is the same as that of Psalm 135. God should be praised for His works of creation and providence, His deliverance and care of His people, and judgments on their enemies, and His goodness to all. The chorus to every verse is in terms of that of Ps 106:1; 118:1-4, and was perhaps used as the Amen by the people, in worship (compare 1Ch 16:36; Ps 105:45). 1-3. The divine titles denote supremacy. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. 4. alone—excluding all help.
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. 5, 6. by wisdom—or, "in wisdom" (Ps 104:24).
made—literally, "maker of." above the waters—or, "higher than the waters" (Ps 24:2). To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. 12. Compare similar expressions (Ex 3:20; De 4:34, &c.).
To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. 15. overthrew—literally, "shook off," as in Ex 14:27, as a contemptuous rejection of a reptile.
To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: 23. remembered us—or, "for us" (Ps 132:1).
our low estate—that is, captivity. And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever. 24. And hath redeemed us—or, literally, "snatched us"—alluding to the sudden deliverance effected by the overthrow of Babylon.
Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. 25. To the special favors to His people is added the record of God's goodness to all His creatures (compare Mt 6:30).
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever. 26. God of heaven—occurs but once (Jon 1:9) before the captivity. It is used by the later writers as specially distinguishing God from idols. |
