Oh give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy , etc. The phrase, "God of gods," occurs first in Deuteronomy 10:17 . It was one very familiar to the Assyrians and Babylonians. In the Bible it is used by Joshua ( Joshua 22:22 ), Nebuchadnezzar ( Daniel 2:47 ), Daniel ( Daniel 11:36 ), and this psalmist. It sanctions a secondary use of the word "God," such as is found also in Psalms 82:6 ; Psalms 96:4 ; Psalms 97:7 , Psalms 97:9 ; Psalms 138:1 . read more
God and other gods. "Oh give thanks unto the God of gods." This expression appears to recognize other gods in order to make comparison with them of the One only, living, and true God. It is necessary to keep in mind that there are gods for whom their worshippers claim that they are verily and indeed gods. True, "the gods of the nations are idols (helpless vanities), but the Lord (Jehovah) made the heavens;" but that is the view which the worshippers of Jehovah take, not the view which... read more
Oh give thanks to the Lord of lords . "Lord of lords" occurs also first in Deuteronomy 10:17 . It is used likewise by St. Paul (2 Timothy 6:15) and St. John ( Revelation 17:14 ; Revelation 19:16 ). For his mercy, etc. read more
To him who alone doeth great wonders (comp. Psalms 72:18 ). For his mercy , etc. read more
The great wonders of God. I. WHAT ARE THEY ? They are seen in nature; in providence; and especially in grace. The whole purpose, plan, and accomplishment of man's salvation is full of them. II. GOD IS EVER DOING GREAT WONDERS . It is not that he once did them and has now ceased, but he is ever doing and will continue to do them. Hence we may expect them in regard to others and to ourselves. III. No ONE ELSE DOES THEM . 1. In Nature we see this... read more
Wonders of creative power. "Who alone doeth great wonders." "Jehovah is the great Thaumaturge, the unrivalled Wonder-worker. None can be likened unto him; he is alone in wonderland, the Creator and Worker of true marvels, compared with which all other remarkable things are as child's play. None of the gods or the lords helped Jehovah in creation or in the redemption of his people." As the theme of this psalm is the Divine mercy , we must find the merciful in the wonderful. This psalm... read more
O give thanks unto the God of gods - See Deuteronomy 10:17. The supreme God; the God superior to all that is called God, or that is adored by the nations of the earth; above all to whom the name God is ever applied.For his mercy... - The ground of praise here is, that it is a characteristic of the supreme God that he is a merciful Being; that there is blended in his character eternal mercy with infinite power. Mere power might fill us with dread; power mingled with mercy, and able to carry out... read more
O give thanks to the Lord of lords - The Lord or Ruler of all in authority - all kings, princes, rulers. He is supreme over all. This is an attribute of Divinity; yet this is ascribed to the Lord Jesus, thus proving that he is divine. See the notes at Revelation 19:16.For his mercy ... - The ground of praise here, as in the previous verse, is, that this God - the Supreme Ruler over all the potentates and magistrates of earth - is a merciful Being. He is kind and benignant toward those rulers,... read more
To him who alone doeth great wonders - Miracles; marvelous things; things which spring from his direct and absolute power; things lying beyond the range of natural laws. See the notes at Psalms 72:18.For his mercy ... - For all these mighty wonders are performed in carrying out purposes of mercy. So the wonders which were done in Egypt were for the deliverance of an oppressed people; so the miracles performed by the Saviour and his apostles were to remove disease and pain, and to establish a... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 136:1-26
Does his mercy endure forever? How many voices there are that seem to deny the blessed declaration which is repeated in every verse of this psalm, and in so many other psalms and Scriptures beside! I. THE VOICE OF EARTHLY SORROW SEEMS TO DENY IT . "What!" says one, "his mercy endureth for ever? And I, once so happily placed, and to whom all life was bright, and now so utterly poor, a ruined man: how can his mercy endure forever? I cannot believe it." And here is... read more