Psalms 136

The matter of this Psalm is the same with the former, only it is a little more fitted to the use and service of the Temple, by the continued repetition of that solemn clause, for thy mercy endures for ever, which was much used by the sacred Singers. See 2 Chron. 7. 3. & 20. 21.

O Give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto the God of gods Who is infinitely superiour to all that are called gods, whether Angels, or Princes, or Idols.: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him who alone He and none else. Or, he without the help of any other person or thing, whereas no other being can do any thing alone or without his help. does great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him that by wisdom To wit, by eminent and admirable wisdom, far exceeding the capacity of all humane or Angelical creatures. made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him that stretched out the earth above the waters Of which see on Gen. 1. 9. Psal. 24. 2.: for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever.

The sun to rule by day Of which phrase and the like in the next verse, see my Notes on Gen. 1. 16.: 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.

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 To wit, without fear or danger, by comparing this with the next verse.: for his mercy endureth for ever.

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

To him which led his people through the wilderness Through that vast howling wilderness where there was neither way nor provision; through which none but the Almighty God could have safely conducted them.: for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever.

And slew mighty kings: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Sihon king of the Amorite: 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 He speaks of all that people as of one man, because they were united together in one body in the worship of one and the same God. Thus God calleth them all his first-born, Exod. 4. 22.: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Who remembred us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever.

And has redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Who giveth food to all flesh Either to all mankind: or to all living creatures. For which God deserves great praises, which the Psalmist by his example teacheth us to render to God for them, because those who are most concerned either cannot or do not perform this duty.: for his mercy endureth for ever.

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