16 To him who took his people through the waste land: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.
17 To him who overcame great kings: for his mercy is unchanging for ever:
18 And put noble kings to death: for his mercy is unchanging for ever:
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites: for his mercy is unchanging for ever:
20 And Og, king of Bashan: for his mercy is unchanging for ever:
21 And gave their land to his people for a heritage: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.
22 Even a heritage for his servant Israel: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.
23 Who kept us in mind when we were in trouble: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.
24 And has taken us out of the hands of our haters: for his mercy is unchanging 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.