Psalms136

Psalm 136 is a hymn of thanksgiving, repeatedly declaring that the LORD's mercy "endureth for ever." It enumerates God's goodness as the Creator of the heavens and earth, and the provider of great lights. The psalm also recounts His mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, from the Exodus out of Egypt to the conquest of kings and the granting of their land as an inheritance. It concludes by praising God for remembering His people and providing for all flesh.
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Call to Thank the Supreme Lord

1
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. ​
2
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. ​
3
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

God's Wonders in Creation

4
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. ​
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To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. ​
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To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
9
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

God's Mighty Acts in the Exodus

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To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: ​
11
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
12
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. ​
13
To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. ​

Defeating Kings and Giving the Land

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To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: ​
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And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: ​
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And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever. ​

Universal Provision and Enduring Mercy

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Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: ​
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And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. ​
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O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Study Notes for Psalms 136

Verse 1

This psalm is a liturgical hymn (a responsory) where the refrain, 'for his mercy endureth forever,' emphasizes God's *hesed*—steadfast, covenant loyalty and lovingkindness—as the enduring basis for all creation and redemption.

Verse 2

The titles 'God of gods' and 'Lord of lords' assert Yahweh's absolute sovereignty, transcending all other deities or earthly rulers falsely claimed by surrounding nations.

Verse 5

The creation account here highlights that the heavens were made not by chance or mere power, but by God’s wisdom and intelligent design, reflecting divine purpose.

Verse 6

This reflects an ancient Hebrew cosmological understanding where the earth was established upon the primordial waters, kept stable by God’s power (cf. Gen 1:9, Ps 24:2).

Verse 10

The smiting of the firstborn was the culminating tenth plague, which broke Pharaoh’s will and forced the release of Israel, demonstrating God’s power over the gods of Egypt.

Verse 12

The phrase 'strong hand, and with a stretched out arm' is a common biblical idiom emphasizing God's irresistible power utilized specifically for Israel's deliverance (Deut 4:34).

Verse 15

The contrast between Israel passing through safely and the destruction of Pharaoh and his army underscores the selective nature of God's *hesed*—it is saving for his people but judgmental toward their oppressors.

Verse 17

The focus shifts from the dramatic events of the Exodus to the necessary, often violent, conquest required to secure the promised inheritance (Num 21).

Verse 19

Sihon and Og were key enemies defeated east of the Jordan, whose lands were the first territories settled by Israelite tribes (Deut 3:1-11).

Verse 22

Giving the land as an heritage fulfills the foundational promise made to Abraham, establishing Israel not only as a rescued people but as a recognized nation with a permanent dwelling place.

Verse 23

“Low estate” (or humiliation) likely refers to a period of national distress, perhaps the later Babylonian exile, demonstrating that God's covenant loyalty extends beyond the initial Exodus to all subsequent crises.

Verse 25

This verse expands the scope of God’s *hesed* from specific historical acts for Israel to universal, ongoing provision for all living things, showing his goodness to creation generally.

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