TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 136:1–9.
The duty we are here again and again called to is to give thanks, to offer the sacrifice of praise continually, not the fruits of our ground or cattle, but the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name, Heb 13:15. We are never so earnestly called upon to pray and repent as to give thanks; for it is the will of God that we should abound most in the most pleasant exercises of religion, in that which is the work of heaven. Now here observe, 1. Whom we must give thanks to - to him that we receive all good from, to the Lord, Jehovah, Israel's God (Psa 136:1), the God of gods, the God whom angels adore, from whom magistrates derive their power, and by whom all pretended deities are and shall be conquered (Psa 136:2), to the Lord of lords, the Sovereign of all sovereigns, the stay and supporter of all supports; Psa 136:3. In all our adorations we must have an eye to God's excellency as transcendent, and to his power and dominion as incontestably and uncontrollably supreme. 2. What we must give thanks for, not as the Pharisee that made all his thanksgivings terminate in his own praise (God, I thank thee, that I am so and so), but directing them all to God's glory. (1.) We must give thanks to God for his goodness and mercy (Psa 136:1): Give thanks to the Lord, not only because he does good, but because he is good (all the streams must be traced up to the fountain), not only because he is merciful to us, but because his mercy endures for ever, and will be drawn out to those that shall come after us. We must give thanks to God, not only for that mercy which is now handed out to us here on earth, but for that which shall endure for ever in the glories and joys of heaven. (2.) We must give God thanks for the instances of his power and wisdom. In general (Psa 136:4), he along does great wonders. The contrivance is wonderful, the design being laid by infinite wisdom; the performance is wonderful, being put in execution by infinite power. He alone does marvellous things; none besides can do such things, and he does them without the assistance or advice of any other. More particularly, [1.] He made the heavens, and stretched them out, and in them we not only see his wisdom and power, but we taste his mercy in their benign influences; as long as the heavens endure the mercy of God endures in them, Psa 136:5. [2.] He raised the earth out of the waters when he caused the dry land to appear, that it might be fit to be a habitation for man, and therein also his mercy to man still endures (Psa 136:6); for the earth hath he given to the children of men, and all its products. [3.] Having made both heaven and earth, he settled a correspondence between them, notwithstanding their distance, by making the sun, moon, and stars, which he placed in the firmament of heaven, to shed their light and influences upon this earth, Psa 136:7-9. These are called the great lights because they appear so to us, for otherwise astronomers could tell us that the moon is less than many of the stars, but, being nearer to the earth, it seems much greater. They are said to rule, not only because they govern the seasons of the year, but because they are useful to the world, and benefactors are the best rulers, Luk 22:25. But the empire is divided, one rules by day, the other by night (at least, the stars), and yet all are subject to God's direction and disposal. Those rulers, therefore, which the Gentiles idolized, are the world's servants and God's subjects. Sun, stand thou still, and thou moon.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Let us therefore "give thanks to the God of gods, and the Lord of lords, for His mercy," etc. "Who alone did wonderful things" [Psalm 136:4]. As at the last part of every verse, it is written, "For His mercy endures for ever," so we must understand at the beginning of each, though it be not written, "Give thanks." Which indeed in the Greek is very plain. It would be so in Latin, if our translators had been able to make use of that expression. Which indeed they could have done in this verse, if they had said, "To Him who does wonderful things." For where we have, "who did wonderful things," the Greek has τῷ ποιήσαντι, where we must necessarily understand, "give thanks." And I would they had added the pronoun, and said to Him, "who did," or to Him "who does," or to Him "who made sure;" because then one might easily understand, "let us give thanks." For now it is so obscurely rendered, that he who either knows not or cares not to examine a Greek manuscript may think, "who made the heavens, who made sure the earth, who made the luminaries, for His mercy endures for ever," has been so said, because He did these things for this reason, "because His mercy endures for ever:" whereas they, whom He has freed from misery, belong to His Mercy: but not that we should believe that He makes sky, earth, and luminaries, of His Mercy; since they are marks of His Goodness, who created all things very good. [Genesis 1:31] For He created all things, that they might have their being; [Wisdom 1:14] but it is the work of His Mercy, to cleanse us from our sins, and deliver us from everlasting misery. And so the Psalm thus addresses us, "Give thanks unto the God of gods, give thanks unto the Lord of lords." Give thanks to Him, "who alone does great wonders;" give thanks to Him, "who by His wisdom made the heavens;" give thanks to Him, "who stretched out the earth above the waters;" give thanks to Him, "who alone made great lights." But why we are to praise, he sets down at the end of all the verses, "for His mercy endures for ever."
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Summary
Psalms 136:4 powerfully declares the unique and unparalleled might of God, who alone orchestrates magnificent wonders, emphasizing that these awe-inspiring acts are perpetually rooted in His steadfast, eternal mercy. This verse, a pivotal declaration within a psalm of thanksgiving, serves as a foundational affirmation of divine omnipotence and enduring covenantal love, setting the stage for a historical recounting of God's mighty deeds throughout salvation history.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 136 is a distinctive hymn of praise, often referred to as the "Great Hallel" (though typically Psalms 113-118 are the Hallel, Psalm 136 is sometimes included in broader Hallel traditions), frequently recited during Passover and other Jewish festivals. Its most striking feature is its antiphonal structure, where each declaration of God's mighty acts is met with the congregational refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." Verse 4 transitions from the opening general call to praise the "God of gods" and "Lord of lords" (Psalms 136:2-3) to a specific attribute of God: His exclusive ability to perform great wonders. This verse acts as a bridge, moving from the universal praise of God's supremacy to the subsequent enumeration of His specific acts in creation (Psalms 136:5-9) and salvation history, particularly the Exodus (Psalms 136:10-24), culminating in His provision for all living things.
Historical & Cultural Context
Composed likely for public worship, Psalm 136 would have been used in temple services, fostering corporate remembrance and praise. The antiphonal nature suggests a responsive liturgy, deeply embedding the truths of God's character and history into the collective memory of the Israelite community. In a polytheistic ancient Near Eastern world, the declaration that God "alone doeth great wonders" was a radical assertion of monotheism, directly challenging the claims of surrounding pagan deities. The "wonders" (Hebrew: nifla'ot) would have evoked specific memories of the miraculous signs and judgments God performed in Egypt and during the Exodus, demonstrating His power over all natural and supernatural forces, as recounted in texts like Exodus 7-12. This historical recounting served not only as a reminder of past deliverance but also as a basis for present trust and future hope in God's unchanging character and His continued faithfulness to His covenant people.
Key Themes
The verse encapsulates several profound theological themes. Firstly, it highlights God's Exclusive Sovereignty and Omnipotence. The phrase "who alone doeth great wonders" underscores that truly miraculous, awe-inspiring acts are solely within God's domain, setting Him apart from all creation and any false gods. This emphasizes His unique divine nature and absolute power over all things, a theme echoed in Isaiah 44:24. Secondly, the enduring refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," introduces the theme of Divine Mercy and Faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "mercy" (hesed) denotes a loyal, steadfast, and covenantal love that is unfailing and eternal. This signifies that God's immense power is always exercised within the framework of His unchanging compassion and commitment to His people, providing a secure foundation for their trust, as celebrated in Psalms 100:5. Finally, the psalm as a whole, and this verse within it, serves as a Call to Worship and Remembrance, urging the community to recall God's past interventions and mighty deeds, fostering gratitude and strengthening faith in His trustworthiness.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies to "do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In the context of God performing "wonders," it denotes active, intentional, and effective execution of His will. It implies not merely passive existence but dynamic action, bringing about extraordinary events that transcend natural capabilities and human limitations.
This primitive root means to "separate, i.e., distinguish," and by implication, "to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful." It refers to acts that are extraordinary, miraculous, or astonishing, often evoking awe and reverence. These are not coincidences or mere impressive feats, but divine interventions that reveal God's supernatural power and unique character.
This profound term denotes "kindness," "loving-kindness," or "steadfast love." It is a covenantal term, signifying God's loyal, unfailing, and compassionate commitment to His people, rooted in His covenant promises. It implies a deep, enduring, and active benevolence that motivates His actions, ensuring His power is always exercised with benevolent intent.
Verse Breakdown
"To him who alone doeth great wonders"
This opening clause directs praise and adoration specifically to God, highlighting His exclusive capacity to perform acts that are truly miraculous and awe-inspiring. The word "alone" (Hebrew: levaddoh) profoundly emphasizes God's singularity and uniqueness, asserting that He is the sole source of such extraordinary power and intervention, setting Him apart from all created beings and false deities. His "great wonders" are not mere impressive feats but supernatural manifestations of His omnipotence that evoke profound reverence and acknowledge His unparalleled nature.
"for his mercy endureth for ever"
This refrain, repeated throughout the psalm, provides the theological rationale and the enduring context for God's mighty acts. It declares that God's power is not arbitrary or capricious but is always exercised through the lens of His unchanging, steadfast, and covenantal love (hesed). This "mercy" is eternal, meaning it is perpetual, unfailing, and without end (ʻôwlâm), assuring the worshiper that God's mighty deeds are consistently rooted in His unwavering commitment to His people and His promises.
Literary Devices
Psalm 136:4, like the entire psalm, prominently features Antiphonal Structure, designed for responsive worship where a leader declares a truth about God and the congregation responds with the Refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This repetitive structure serves to deeply embed the message of God's enduring hesed into the hearts and minds of the worshipers, fostering communal memory and affirmation. The phrase "who alone doeth great wonders" employs Exclusivity and a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing God's unparalleled and singular power, setting Him apart from all other beings or claimed deities. This is not merely a statement of fact but a declaration of divine uniqueness, designed to evoke awe and undivided allegiance. The entire verse also exhibits Parallelism between God's mighty acts and His eternal mercy, suggesting that His power is always tempered and motivated by His compassion, creating a balanced and profound theological statement that highlights both God's transcendence and His immanent care.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 136:4 profoundly connects God's sovereign power to His unchanging character of mercy. It teaches that the God who performs extraordinary, supernatural "wonders" is not a distant, arbitrary force, but a personal, covenant-keeping God whose every action, however mighty, is undergirded by an eternal, steadfast love (hesed). This fusion of omnipotence and unwavering compassion provides immense comfort and a solid foundation for faith, assuring believers that God's power is always wielded for their ultimate good, in accordance with His eternal promises. This truth invites a response of deep trust and continuous praise, recognizing that His greatness is always tied to His goodness and His commitment to His people.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 136:4 serves as a powerful anchor for our faith in a world often marked by uncertainty, chaos, and the apparent absence of divine intervention. It reminds us that behind every miraculous intervention and every consistent blessing lies the hand of a God whose power is limitless and whose love is eternal. This truth calls us to cultivate a posture of constant awe and gratitude, recognizing that the same God who parted the Red Sea and created the cosmos is intimately involved in our lives, always acting out of His unfailing mercy. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and perceive the "great wonders" He performs, both in the grand tapestry of salvation history and in the quiet, personal moments of our daily existence. Resting in His enduring mercy empowers us to face trials with hope, knowing that His commitment to us is as eternal as His power is vast, providing a secure foundation for our trust and worship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "alone doeth great wonders" signify about God?
The phrase "alone doeth great wonders" is a profound declaration of God's unique and exclusive omnipotence. It signifies that only the God of Israel possesses the inherent power and authority to perform truly miraculous, supernatural acts that transcend natural laws and human capabilities. In a polytheistic ancient world, this statement asserted His singular supremacy, distinguishing Him from all false deities and emphasizing His absolute sovereignty over creation and history. It means that His wonders are not merely impressive feats but divine interventions that reveal His incomparable nature and His absolute control over all things, as seen in passages like Isaiah 45:5-7.
What is the significance of the repeated phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever"?
The repeated refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" is the theological cornerstone of Psalm 136. The Hebrew word for "mercy" is hesed, which denotes a steadfast, loyal, and covenantal love that is both deep and active. Its enduring nature ("for ever" or ʻôwlâm) signifies that God's love is perpetual, unchanging, and without end. This refrain assures the worshiper that all of God's mighty acts, including His "great wonders," are motivated and sustained by His eternal compassion and faithfulness to His covenant promises. It provides a constant source of comfort and security, affirming that God's character is immutably good and His commitment to His people is unwavering, as celebrated in Lamentations 3:22-23.
How does this verse encourage remembrance and worship?
Psalms 136:4, by highlighting God's unique ability to perform "great wonders" and His unending "mercy," actively encourages remembrance and worship. The psalm's structure, which recounts God's historical acts, prompts the worshiper to recall specific instances of divine intervention and provision. This act of remembering God's past faithfulness and power fosters a spirit of gratitude and strengthens trust in His continued care. The constant repetition of the refrain then transforms this remembrance into an act of worship, as the community collectively affirms God's unchanging character and responds with praise for His enduring love, echoing the call to worship found in Psalms 95:6. It moves believers from mere intellectual assent to heartfelt adoration.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 136:4, with its declaration of God's exclusive ability to perform "great wonders" and His mercy enduring "for ever," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament recounts God's wonders in creation and the Exodus, the New Testament reveals the greatest wonders performed by God through His Son. Jesus Himself performed "great wonders" (Greek: dynameis, often translated as miracles or mighty works) that revealed His divine authority and power over sickness, nature, demons, and even death, as recorded throughout the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 8:23-27 and John 11:43-44). The ultimate wonder, however, is not merely His miracles but His incarnation—God becoming flesh (John 1:14), His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4). These acts are the supreme demonstrations of God's power and His eternal hesed, His steadfast love, which is poured out for humanity. Through Christ, God's mercy is not just enduring but is actively extended to all who believe, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life (Ephesians 2:4-5). The New Covenant, established through Christ's blood, is the ultimate expression of God's mercy enduring forever, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to the God who "alone doeth great wonders" and whose love never fails (Hebrews 8:6).