4 To him who alone doeth great wonders; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever:
5 To him that by understanding made the heavens; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever:
6 To him that spread forth the earth above the waters; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever:
7 To him that made great lights; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever:
8 The sun to rule by day; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever;
9 The moon and stars to rule by night; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever:
10 To him that smote Egypt in their first-born; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever;
11 And brought out Israel from among them; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever;
12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever:
13 To him that divided the Red Sea in sunder; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever;
14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever;
15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever:
16 To him that led his people through the wilderness; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever:
17 To him that smote great kings; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever;
18 And slew famous kings; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever:
19 Sihon king of the Amorites; For his lovingkindness `endureth' forever;
20 And Og king of Bashan; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever;
21 And gave their land for a heritage; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever;
22 Even a heritage unto Israel his servant; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever:
23 Who remembered us in our low estate; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever;
24 And hath delivered us from our adversaries; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever:
25 Who giveth food to all flesh; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever.
26 Oh give thanks unto the God of heaven; For his lovingkindness `endureth' for ever.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 136
Commentary on Psalms 136 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
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.
4. alone—excluding all help.
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).
12. Compare similar expressions (Ex 3:20; De 4:34, &c.).
15. overthrew—literally, "shook off," as in Ex 14:27, as a contemptuous rejection of a reptile.
23. remembered us—or, "for us" (Ps 132:1).
our low estate—that is, captivity.
24. And hath redeemed us—or, literally, "snatched us"—alluding to the sudden deliverance effected by the overthrow of Babylon.
25. To the special favors to His people is added the record of God's goodness to all His creatures (compare Mt 6:30).
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.