Psalm 136 - A Thanksgiving Psalm

[ayin jade]

As we gear up for Thanksgiving in the us, I thought it would be only appropriate to post a psalm of thanksgiving. 

 

This psalm also has no title to indicate the author, or to explain the occasion on which it was composed. It was possibly written after the captivity. It is a psalm of very special construction, and stands alone in the form of its poetry. The peculiarity consists in repeating at the close of each verse the language “for his mercy endureth forever.” This is a kind of refrains, and may have been designed, in public worship, to be a response by a choir, or by the people. That it may have been intended to be so used can be neither proved nor disproved, nor can anyone show that such a response in public worship is, itself, improper or wrong. It may have been merely a specimen of the poetic art among the Hebrews - one of the forms in which Hebrew poetry expressed itself. The general idea is, that all these acts of the divine interposition - all that God has done, even though it seemed to be a display of power or of justice, of severity or of wrath - was, in fact, an illustration of the “mercy” of God, and laid a foundation for praise. That is, All this was connected with the good of his people, with favors to mankind, with the accomplishment of great and benevolent purposes, and, therefore, was expressive of mercy - a proof that the “mercy of God endures forever.”

This psalm was possibly composed by David, and given to the Levites to sing every day, 1Ch 16:41 And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever; Solomon his son followed his example, and made use of them in singing at the dedication of the temple, 2Ch 7:3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 2Ch 7:6  And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood. as Jehoshaphat seems to have done when he went out to war against his enemies, 2Ch 20:21  And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. The composition is very singular; the half of every verse: in it is, "for his mercy endureth for ever"; this is the refrain of the song; and the design of it is to show, that all blessings of every kind flow from the grace, goodness, and mercy of God, which is constant and perpetual; and to impress a sense of it upon the minds of men.

This Psalm is little else than a repetition of the preceding, psalm 135, with the refrain “because his mercy endureth forever,” at the end of every verse. An antiphonal psalm, intended to be sung by two choirs or by a soloist and the Temple choir.

Like the preceding Psalm 135, this Psalm allies itself to the Book of Deuteronomy. Psa_136:2 and Psa_136:3 (God of gods and Lord of lords) are taken from Deu_10:17;

Psa 136:2-3 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.

Deu 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Psa_136:12 (with a strong hand and stretched-out arm) from Deu_4:34; Deu_5:15, and is similar to Jer_32:21;

Psa 136:12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Deu 4:34 Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Deu 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

Jer 32:21 And hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror;

Psa_136:16 is like Deu_8:15 and Jer_2:6.

Psa 136:16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Deu 8:15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Jer 2:6 Neither said they, Where is the LORD that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt?

With reference to the Deuteronomic coloring of Psa_136:19-22 compare to Psa_135:10-12;

Psa 136:19-22 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.

Psa 135:10-12 Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings; Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan: And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.

The expression “Israel His servant” in Psalm 136:22 recalls Deu_32:36, Psa_135:14, Psa_90:13 and still more Isa_40:1, where the comprehension of Israel under the unity of this notion has its own proper place.

Psa 136:22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Deu 32:36 For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

Psa 135:14 For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.

Psa 90:13 Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.

Isa 40:1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

In other respects, too, the Psalm is an echo of earlier model passages. Who alone doeth great wonders (Psalm 136:4) sounds like Psa_72:18 and Psa_86:10;

Psa 136:4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psa 72:18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

Psa 86:10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

Psa_136:5 is similar to Pro_3:19 and Jer_10:12.

Psa 136:5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Pro 3:19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

Jer 10:12 He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

Psa_136:6 calls to mind Isa_42:5 and Isa_44:24;

Psa 136:6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Isa 42:5 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

Isa 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

[ayin jade]

Psa 136:1  O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good – This whole verse is the same as Psa_106:1, except that that is introduced by a Hallelujah. Psa 106:1  Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto the Lord: for he is good – This sentiment often occurs: the goodness of the Divine nature, both as a ground of confidence and of thanksgiving.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good – In himself, and to all his creatures; and especially to his chosen people, who therefore should give thanks to him daily in the name of Christ, for all blessings temporal and spiritual, in faith and fervency, and in the sincerity of their souls, with their whole heart;

For his mercy endureth for ever – Literally, “For unto eternity his mercy.” That is, It is ever the same; it never changes; it is never exhausted; it is found in all his dealings - in all his acts toward his creatures, and ever will be.

For his mercy endureth for ever – These words, which are the refrain of every verse might be translated: “For his tender mercy is to the coming age:” meaning if the Psalm be prophetic, that peculiar display of his compassion, the redemption of the world by the Lord Jesus. These very words were prescribed by David as an acknowledgment, to be used continually in the Divine worship, 1Ch_16:41 : also by Solomon, 2Ch_7:3, 2Ch_7:6, and observed by Jehoshaphat, 2Ch_20:21; all acknowledging that, however rich in mercy God was to them, the most extensive displays of his goodness were reserved for the age to come.

for his mercy endureth for ever – it is the same with his love, which is from everlasting to everlasting; and continues notwithstanding the sins of his people, the hidings of his face from them, and his chastisements of them; the covenant which is founded on mercy, and all the blessings of it, which are the sure mercies of David, last forever.

The theme of Psalm 136:1-26 is the same as that of Psa_135:1-21. 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 Psa_106:1; Psa_118:1-4. Psa 106:1  Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psa 118:1  O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

Psa 136:2  O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.                 

O give thanks unto the God of gods – As mentioned in the introduction, this reflects the verse in Deuteronomy. Deu 10:17  For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: The supreme God; the God superior to all that is called God, or that is adored by the nations of the earth; above all to whom the name God is ever applied.

The God of gods – it may apply here, not to idols, for God is not their god; but to the priests and spiritual rulers; as Lord of lords may apply to kings and magistrates, etc. He is God and ruler over all the rulers of the earth, whether in things sacred or civil.

For his mercy endureth forever – The ground of praise here is, that it is a characteristic of the supreme God that he is a merciful Being; that there is blended in his character eternal mercy with infinite power. Mere power might fill us with dread; power mingled with mercy, and able to carry out the purposes of mercy, must lay the foundation for praise.

Psa 136:3  O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords – The Lord or Ruler of all in authority, all kings, princes, rulers. He is supreme over all. This is an attribute of Divinity; yet this is ascribed to the Lord Jesus, thus proving that he is divine.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords – Which is not only the title of the God of Israel, as the former, Deu 10:17  For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: but of the Messiah, Rev 19:16  And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. who is the Prince of the kings of the earth; under whom they are, by whom they reign, and to whom they are accountable, being higher than they; as nature, so by office, Rev 1:5  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Psa 89:27  Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

For his mercy endureth forever – The ground of praise here, as in the previous verse, is, that this God - the Supreme Ruler over all the potentates and magistrates of earth - is a merciful Being. He is kind and benignant toward those rulers, and through them to mankind.

 

[ayin jade]

Psa 136:4  To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him who alone doeth great wonders - Miracles; marvelous things; things which spring from his direct and absolute power; things lying beyond the range of natural laws.  

To him who alone doeth great wonders – As in the works of creation at first, having no help from angels or men; so in the works of providence, many of which are unsearchable, and past finding out, and in which he has no assistance from creatures; and in the works of grace, redemption, and salvation, which his own arm has wrought out; as well as what he did when here on earth in our nature; the miracles then wrought by his omnipotent arm alone; and even all the wonders which Moses and Elijah did under the Old Testament, and the apostles of Christ under the New, were done, not by their power, but by his alone; who will do still greater wonders, when he shall create all tidings new, raise the dead, and summon all nations before him, and render to everyone according to his works;

Who alone doeth great wonders – Miracles. No power but that which is almighty can work miracles, the inversion, or suspension, or destruction of the laws of nature.

For his mercy endureth forever – For all these mighty wonders are performed in carrying out purposes of mercy. So the wonders which were done in Egypt were for the deliverance of an oppressed people; so the miracles performed by the Savior and his apostles were to remove disease and pain, and to establish a religion of mercy; so the divine interpositions among the nations are to assert the principles of righteousness, to secure the reign of order and love, and to promote the welfare of mankind.

for his mercy endureth for ever – towards his people, for whose sake all these wonders are wrought.

Psa 136:5  To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

By wisdom made the heavens – In the contrivance of the celestial bodies, in their relations, connections, influences on each other, revolutions, etc., the wisdom of God particularly appears. Pro 3:19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

for his mercy endureth for ever – The making of the heavens was a manifestation of mercy and goodness as furnishing an abode for unfallen and holy beings; as a dwelling-place for redeemed sinners when they shall be removed there from the earth;

for his mercy endureth for ever – which appears in the continued influences of the heaven; the dew, rain, and snow, that descend from it on the earth to water and make it fruitful, and to produce those rich and valuable blessings called the "precious things of heaven", Deu 33:13  And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath, and which are of the utmost importance for the service of man and beast: and, besides, God has of his infinite mercy, which continues, provided an inheritance in the heavens, a house eternal in the heavens, mansions of bliss and glory there, which Christ is now preparing for his saints, that they may dwell with him in them for evermore.

Psa 136:6  To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

for his mercy endureth for ever – As an illustration of his benignity and kindness in preparing an abode for man, and for other creatures in the world.

for his mercy endureth for ever – it was in mercy he caused the waters to go off the earth which first covered it; that trees, plants, and herbs, might spring up out of it, and that it might be a fit habitation for man; and though for the sins of the old world these waters were let in upon it, which drowned it, and destroyed man and beast upon it, except a few that were in mercy preserved; yet the Lord has promised and swore to it, that these waters shall no more go over the earth to destroy it; he has set a bound for the sea that it cannot pass, by a decree of his; even the sand on the shore, which, as weak as it may seem to be, is a bound unpassable; though they may toss and rage and roar, they shall not prevail, nor pass over it, which is a perpetual miracle of mercy, Jer 5:22  Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

 

[ayin jade]

Psa 136:7  To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:                               

To him that made great lights – Gen_1:14. The sun and the moon are here particularly referred to.

To him that made great lights – For the inhabitants of the world to walk and work by, to do all the business of life in a comfortable manner; and which is an instance of mercy and goodness; 

for his mercy endureth for ever – As manifested in all that has followed from the creation and diffusion of light. These lights continuing for the benefit of mankind.

Psa 136:8  The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:

The sun to rule by day – Hebrew, “for the ruling of the day.” That is, to control, as it were, the day; to determine its length - its beginning - its ending - to make it what it is. Gen 1:16  And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

for his mercy endureth for ever – By all the blessings of day as distinguished from night and darkness - by all that the sun in his daily course does to diffuse life, joy, peace, comfort, happiness on the earth - by all that are warmed by its beams, cheered by its light, guided in labor, guarded from dangers; by all this there is laid a foundation for his praise.

for his mercy endureth for ever - this great light, so beneficial to the earth and the inhabitants of it; enlightening the world, warming the air and earth, imparting its light and heat to all creatures on it, and influencing the earth to bring forth a variety of things for the use and delight of mankind, called "the precious things brought forth by the sun", Deu 33:14  And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon, an emblem of a more beneficial light, in which the rich grace and mercy of God appear, and for which we have reason to give thanks; even the sun of righteousness, the Messiah, the light of the world, the author of the light of nature, grace, and glory; Mal 4:2  But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Psa 136:9  The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

for his mercy endureth for ever – in continuing these lights, so useful to men, as well as in making of them: the moon and stars have their benign influences upon the earth; and are of singular service to travelers, and to those that go down to the sea in ships. The moon is an emblem of the church, that receives her light from Christ

 

[ayin jade]

Psa 136:10  To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:

To him that smote Egypt in their first-born - That is, he struck them down, or destroyed them, by his own direct power. Exo 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

Smote Egypt in their first-born – This was one of the heaviest of strokes: a great part of the rising generation was cut off;

To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn – in their sons and heirs, and who were to inherit their lands and estates, and perpetuate their names; this was an act of justice for using ill the Lord's firstborn, the people of Israel, slaying their sons, and refusing to let them go, Exo 1:13 And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:

for his mercy endureth for ever – It was in mercy to his people. It was the means of their deliverance from bondage, for the Egyptians would not otherwise have allowed them to depart. By all the results of their deliverance both to themselves and to mankind, the act was seen to be an act of mercy to the world. It was better for mankind that the Hebrews should be delivered even at this sacrifice than it would have been that they should not be brought into the promised land.

for his mercy endureth for ever – the Israelites, in a very merciful manner, were distinguished by the blood sprinkled on their door posts, when the destroying angel passed through the land of Egypt to destroy their firstborn; and when they were destroyed, it was owing to the kind providence of God that the Egyptians did not rise as one man to cut off the Israelites in vengeance; and yet not a dog was suffered to move his tongue against them when the dismal cry was made; yea, this was the means of their deliverance, which could not be obtained by all the other plagues; but now they not only bid them go, but were urgent upon them to be gone, Exo 11:5-7 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more. But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Exo 12:31-33 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also. And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.

Up to this point it is God the absolute in general, the Creator of all things, to the celebration of whose praise they are summoned; and from this point onwards the God of the history of salvation.

 

 

[ayin jade]

Psa 136:11  And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

And brought Israel out from among them – From the land of Egypt. By all the wonders manifested in their deliverance, and in conducting them out of the land so that they should escape from their pursuers.

And brought out Israel from among them – A wicked and idolatrous people, among whom they suffered great hardships; and this was done by means of God's judgments on them, and especially that before related; and was an instance of the mercy of God, as follows, for which thanks should be given;

for his mercy endureth for ever - His mercy in this respect was to be measured by all that there was of power in conducting them forth in safety, and by the results of it.

for his mercy endureth for ever - and this is a proof of it, bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt, the house of bondage; when they cried unto him by reason of it, and he sent them a Savior to deliver them out of their distress, Exo_2:23; an emblem of the grace and mercy of God, in delivering his people from a worse than Egyptian bondage; from the bondage of sin, Satan, the law, and through fear of death, into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Psa 136:12  With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

With a strong hand - A powerful hand; as by a hand that could grasp and subdue all that opposed.

And with a stretched-out arm - As if the arm were stretched out to strike with the utmost force, or to exert its utmost power. This expression is used throughout Scripture in referring to this event in bible history.

Exo 3:20  And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

Exo 6:6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

Deu 4:34 Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Deu 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

Deu 7:19 The great temptations which thine eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm, whereby the LORD thy God brought thee out: so shall the LORD thy God do unto all the people of whom thou art afraid.

Deu 26:8 And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:

Jer 32:21 And hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror;

With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm – Exerting his power in a very open manner, and continuing it till he had effected the work; bringing his people out of Egypt, which is always ascribed to his great strength and mighty power, Exo_13:3. The redemption of Israel is by a mighty Redeemer, the Lord of hosts; who has redeemed them out of the hands of their enemies, that were stronger than they, and too strong for them: the conversion of them is by the power of the grace of God, even by the exceeding greatness of his power, and yet both acts of grace and mercy;

for his mercy endureth for ever – The exertion of his power in delivering his people was the expression of a mercy, the consequences of which are to endure forever, for the results of that deliverance will never cease in the history of the world. This is also meant to be a sign to the world.

 

[ayin jade]

Psa 136:13  To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:           

To him which divided the Red sea into parts - More literally, “Parted it into parts;” made parts of that which before was unbroken and a whole. It was actually divided into two parts, so that the Hebrews passed between them: Exo_14:21-22.

To him which divided the Red sea into parts – Into two parts, so that the waters of it stood as a wall on the right and left hand of the Israelites, as they passed through; this was done by means of a strong east wind, Exo_14:21. The dividing it into parts was a wonderful work, and a rich display of mercy to Israel;

for his mercy endureth for ever – This, too, was an exercise of mercy, or a manifestation of benevolence toward them and toward the world, to be measured by all the good which would result from it in itself, and by all the power which was put forth to effect it.

for his mercy endureth for ever – the children of Israel were encompassed about, and in the utmost distress: the rocks were on each side, Pharaoh and his host behind them, the Red sea before them; and so no visible way of escape; but the Lord cut a way for them through the sea, and saved them. 

Psa 136:14  And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:

And made Israel to pass through the midst of it - Willingly, without reluctance; with great spirit and courage, fearless of danger, and with the utmost safety, so that not one was lost in the passage; Psa 78:53 And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies. and thus the Lord makes his people willing to pass through afflictions, he being with them; and able to bear them, he putting underneath the everlasting arms, even when in the valley of the shadow of death; and carries safely through them, so that they are not hurt by them; the waters do not overflow them, nor the fire kindle upon them; nor are any suffered to be lost, but all come safe to land;

for his mercy endureth for ever – The mercy manifested in keeping the waves from returning on them and overwhelming them. To his never failing compassion, it is owing that they are not consumed, Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Psa 136:15  But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea – Hebrew, shaked off. The word is applicable to a tree shaking off its foliage. Isa 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits. The same word is used in Exo 14:27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.  “And the Lord overthrew (shook off) the Egyptians in the midst of the sea,” He shook them off as if he would no longer protect them. He left them to perish.

But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea – In the same sea which was parted for the Israelites, and through which they passed safely as on dry land; into which Pharaoh and his army entering in pursuit of them in their chariots, the Lord "shook" him and them out of them, as the word signifies; and causing the waters to return and cover them; they were drowned in them, Exo_14:28. 

for his mercy endureth for ever –  Their destruction was done in mercy to his people and to the world, for it was the means of deliverance to Israel. 

for his mercy endureth for ever –  it was in mercy to Israel that Pharaoh and his host were destroyed, who threatened them with ruin; and therefore they sung of judgment and of mercy, and gave thanks to God for this instance of his vengeance on their enemies, and of goodness to them, Exo 15:1  Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

 

[ayin jade]

Psa 136:16  To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Which led his people through the wilderness – For all the manifestations of his care during a period of forty years. It was an astonishing miracle of God to support so many hundreds of thousands of people in a wilderness totally deprived of all necessaries for the life of man, and that for the space of forty years.

To him which led his people through the wilderness - Where there was no path. This the Lord did by going before them in a pillar of cloud by day, and in a pillar of fire by night, to show them the way in which they should go, Exo 13:21  And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

For his mercy endureth forever - That is, his mercy was to be measured by all the protection extended over them; by all the provision made for their needs; by all that God did to defend them; by all his interposition when attacked by their enemies; by safely bringing them to the land to which he had promised to conduct them.

for his mercy endureth for ever - among the manifold mercies of God, shown to Israel in the wilderness, this is one taken notice of by Nehemiah, Neh 9:19  Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go. that the pillar of cloud and fire, to direct them, never departed from them while in it: and this act of "leading" them not only includes the guidance of them in the way, but the provision made for them; of water out of the rock, and of manna that fell about their tents every day; and of flesh and feathered fowl, like dust, so that they wanted for nothing; and also the protection of them from their enemies: all which were proofs of his constant care over them, and continual mercy to them.

Psa 136:17  To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

To him which smote great kings – There is little difference between the corresponding passage in Psa_135:10-12 and here except that here the statement is divided by the refrain, “For his mercy endureth forever.” The idea in the whole passage, in view of the divine interposition in slaying the mighty kings, and in giving their land for a possession to the Hebrew people, is, that it was a proof of mercy and benevolence. It is benevolence to mankind and to the church of God. 

for his mercy endureth for ever – the smiting of those kings were in mercy to Israel; both to preserve them from falling into their hands, and that they might possess their countries, as is later declared.

Psa 136:18  And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

And slew famous kings – Famous for their power and strength, their courage and valor who were not only smitten and discomfited, but slain in battle;

Psa 136:19  Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Sihon king of the Amorites - A strong and warlike people, and their king a great and mighty one;

for his mercy endureth for ever – since this king would not suffer Israel to go through his borders, but came out and fought against them; and had not the Lord smote him, they must have fallen a prey into his hands, Num 21:23 And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

Deu 2:32-33  Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz. And the LORD our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people.

Psa 136:20  And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

And Og the king of Bashan - A country large and fruitful, and the king of it of a gigantic stature, Deu 3:11  For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

for his mercy endureth for ever - for this mighty king came out against Israel, and threatened their destruction, and it was of the Lord's mercies they were not consumed by him. Deu 3:1-3 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.

 

[ayin jade]

Psa 136:21  And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:

And gave their land for an heritage - This was taken away from them and their subjects by the Lord, who has the disposing of kingdoms, and given to another people, for an inheritance;

for his mercy endureth for ever - while his justice is exercised on some, in a strict manner, with severity and rigour, his mercy is shown to others.

Psa 136:22  Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Even an heritage unto Israel his servant - The land of those that served idols, the Lord took and gave to Israel for an inheritance, who served him, the true God. Thus the Lord rewards his servants in a way of grace and mercy.

for his mercy endureth for ever - the lands of these kings were not in the covenant with Abraham; but the Amorites were given in the covenant, Gen_15:21 Gen 15:18-21 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,  And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites. and the one as the other were given as an inheritance to Israel, and equally owing to the mercy of God. And thus the heavenly glory, of which Canaan was a type, is an inheritance owing to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, Jud_1:21.

Psa 136:23  Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Who remembered us in our low estate – When we were few in number; when we were a feeble people; when we were a people unable to contend with such mighty foes.

Who remembered us in our low estate – He has done much for our forefathers; and he has done much for us, in delivering us, when we had no helper, from our long captivity in Babylon.

Who remembered us in our low estate – This may be applied to the people of God in a spiritual sense; who, before conversion, are in a low estate through sin, which has brought them into deep poverty, into a debt they are not able to discharge, but are liable to a prison; it has stripped them of their original righteousness, instead of which at best they are clothed with filthy rags; Man, that was lord of all, is by sin reduced to the utmost slavery to it, and quite lost and undone, helpless, and hopeless, and under the sentence of condemnation and death: but the Lord has remembered his chosen people, and provided a Savior for them; who has paid all their debts; brought in an everlasting righteousness to clothe them; given his flesh for the life of them; delivered them from slavery and bondage; saved them from condemnation and death, and raised them to sit in heavenly places with him: and not only so, but he sends down his Spirit to convince and convert them, renew and sanctify them; to bring them from death to life; out of darkness into marvelous light; from bondage to liberty; from fellowship with wicked men, into communion with Christ and his people; They are sometimes in a low estate after conversion; when corruptions prevail, and the temptations are strong; when grace is weak; or God hides his face; or they are grown carnal and secure, lukewarm and indifferent to spiritual things; yet the Lord remembers them again, his lovingkindness, his covenant and promises; and with everlasting kindness has mercy on them, heals their backslidings, and loves them freely Hos 14:4  I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

For his mercy endureth forever - By all that he did for us when thus feeble; by all his power put forth to defend us from our enemies, he has showed his mercy and kindness to us and to the world.

for his mercy endureth for ever - which appears in the mission of his Son to save; in giving his Spirit to regenerate and quicken when dead in sin, and to revive and restore when backslidden.

 

[ayin jade]

Psa 136:24  And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

And hath redeemed us from our enemies - Has rescued or delivered us from all our foes; has given to us freedom and peace.

And hath redeemed us from our enemies - Temporal enemies, tyrants, and oppressors: and spiritual ones, sin, satan, the world, the law, death, and hell;

for his mercy endureth for ever - as is clearly seen in redemption by Jesus Christ, where mercy and truth have met together; and which is a distinguishing mercy to the sons of men, not granted to angels.

Psa 136:25  Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Who giveth food to all flesh - To all living things: all in the air, on the earth, in the waters. To all men their daily food; and spiritual food to all that belong to Christ, who are flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone; even himself, the bread of life, the wholesome truths of the Gospel.

Joh 6:32-35  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

for his mercy endureth for ever - he continues to have compassion on his creatures, and opens his hand of providence, and supplies their wants; he is ever mindful of his covenant of grace and mercy, and therefore gives meat to them that fear him, Psa 111:5  He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

for his mercy endureth for ever - To the special favors to His people is added the record of God’s goodness to all His creatures. All this is a proof of his benignity and kindness. To see this, it would be necessary to have a view of what is done every day in the providence of God to meet the needs of the countless multitudes thus dependent on him. Let it be remembered, also, that the needs of each insect, fowl, animal; fish, is to be provided for as an individual - and who can take in a full view of the care, the wisdom, the benevolence of what is done every day by the Father of all in providing for their needs?  

Psa 136:26  O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto the God of heaven – The God who reigns in heaven; whose home is heaven. The Maker of it, in which the glory of his wisdom and power is displayed; the possessor of it, where he dwells, has his throne from whence all blessings, temporal and spiritual, come and where he has prepared glory and happiness for his people hereafter, a house eternal in the heavens, an inheritance reserved there, a better and a more enduring substance;

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.

for his mercy endureth for ever – In view of all this - of all that he does in heaven and on earth - let praise be ascribed to him. For though the above character is expressive of his sovereignty and dominion, yet he exercises it in a way of grace and mercy to the sons of men; and therefore they have reason to give thanks unto him and praise him for his kindness and favors shown to them on earth.