Worthy.Bible » ASV » Psalms » Chapter 136 » Verse 17-22

Psalms 136:17-22 American Standard (ASV)

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:

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.