1. Invitation to thank God 136:1-3Three times the psalmist called on the people to give thanks to God. The refrain here and throughout the psalm explains the reason for praising Him. The repetition of the refrain in each verse serves to cause the reader to applaud every divine act that the writer mentioned. [Note: J. F. J. van Rensburg, "History as Poetry: A Study of Psalms 136," OTWSA 29 (1986):86-87.] read more
Psalms 136This psalm is probably the last of the Great Hallel psalms (Psalms 120-136), though a few Jewish scholars viewed it as the only Great Hallel psalm. [Note: See the discussion of this issue in the introduction to Psalms 135 above.] Many scholars believe that the Israelites sang this psalm at Passover when they celebrated the Exodus. Other hallel psalms are 113-118 and 146-150. This psalm is unique because it repeats the same refrain in each verse. The Israelites probably sang this song... read more
Psalms 136:4 expresses the theme of this thanksgiving, namely: God’s wonderful acts. Then the psalmist mentioned specific acts. Psalms 136:5-9 describe aspects of God’s work in creating the world. read more
2. Subjects for thanksgiving 136:4-25 read more
God’s acts in this section of verses relate to His care for Israel. He humbled the Egyptians, brought His people out of Egypt in the Exodus, and led them through the Red Sea (Psalms 136:10-15). He then defeated the Canaanite kings and gave their land to the Israelites (Psalms 136:16-22). In summary, God remembered His people and rescued them from their adversaries (Psalms 136:23-24). Finally, He provides food for all living creatures (Psalms 136:25). read more
3. Reminder to thank God 136:26This concluding exhortation contains a title for God unique in the Psalter: the God of heaven. It highlights His sovereignty and was a favorite of the postexilic community (2 Chronicles 36:23; Ezra 2:1; Ezra 5:11-12; Ezra 6:9-10; Ezra 7:12; Ezra 7:21; Ezra 7:23 [twice]; Nehemiah 1:4-5; Nehemiah 2:4; Nehemiah 2:20; Daniel 2:18-19; Daniel 2:28; Daniel 2:37; Daniel 2:44). Its occurrence here suggests a postexilic origin of this psalm, though it does occur three times... read more
A song of praise to God ever merciful. It is sometimes known as the great Hallel, although the Talmud includes also Psalms 120-135 under this title. It differs from all other Pss. in the Psalter in that each v. closes with a refrain. 6. Cp. Psalms 24:2. 19-22. Cp. Psalms 135:11, Psalms 135:12.23. Low estate] i.e. condition of abasement, perhaps the exile or subjection to a foreign yoke. read more
CXXXVI.The recurrence in this psalm of the ancient liturgic refrain (see Notes, Psalms 106:1; Psalms 118:1), not after every verse, but after every clause, marks clearly the peculiarity of its choral use, and shows that it was composed expressly for the Temple service. It is invariably allowed to be one of the latest hymns in the collection. It has generally been known among the Jews as the Great Hallel, a designation, however, at other times given to the series Psalms 120-136 (according to... read more
(2, 3) God of gods . . . Lord of Lords.—From Deuteronomy 10:17. read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 136:26
26. God of heaven—occurs but once (Jonah 1:9) before the captivity. It is used by the later writers as specially distinguishing God from idols. read more