To him that made great lights ,.... For the inhabitants of the world to walk and work by, to do all the business of life in a comfortable manner; and which is an instance of mercy and goodness; see Genesis 1:14 ; for his mercy endureth for ever ; these lights continuing for the benefit of mankind. read more
The sun to rule by day ,.... Which is the greater light, Genesis 1:16 ; for his mercy endureth for ever : this great light, so beneficial to the earth and the inhabitants of it, which was made near six thousand years ago, still continues, and will to the end of time; enlightening the world, warming the air and earth, imparting its light and heat to all creatures on it, and influencing the earth to bring forth a variety of things for the use and delight of mankind, called "the... read more
The moon and stars to rule by night ,.... The lesser lights, and which indeed receive all their light Front the sun, Genesis 1:16 ; for his mercy endureth for ever ; in continuing these lights, so useful to men, as well as in making of them: the moon and stars have their benign influences upon the earth, to produce things out of it useful to men; see Deuteronomy 33:14 ; and are of singular service to benighted travellers, and to those that go down to the sea in ships; see Acts... read more
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn ,.... In a tender part, in the dear part of themselves, in their sons and heirs, and who were to inherit their lands and estates, and perpetuate their names; this was an act of justice for using ill the Lord's firstborn, the people of Israel, slaying their sons, and refusing to let them go, Exodus 1:13 ; and yet there was mercy in it, for which thanks were to be given to God; for his mercy endureth for ever ; the Israelites, in a very... read more
And brought out Israel from among them ,.... A wicked and idolatrous people, among whom they suffered great hardships; and this was done by means of God's judgments on them, and especially that before related; and was an instance of the mercy of God, as follows, for which thanks should be given; for his mercy endureth for ever ; and this is a proof of it, bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt, the house of bondage; when they cried unto him by reason of it, and he sent them a... read more
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm ,.... Exerting his power in a very open manner, and continuing it till he had effected the work; bringing his people out of Egypt, which is always ascribed to his great strength and mighty power, Exodus 13:3 . The redemption of the mystical Israel of God is by a mighty Redeemer, the Lord of hosts; who has redeemed them out of the hands of their enemies, that were stronger than they, and too strong for them: the conversion of them is by the... read more
To him which divided the Red sea into parts ,.... Into two parts, so that the waters of it stood as a wall on the right and left hand of the Israelites, as they passed through; this was done by means of a strong east wind, Exodus 14:21 . The Jews have a tradition, which Jarchi, Kimchi, and Arama, make mention of, that the sea was divided into twelve parts, according to the twelve tribes of Israel, and every tribe had a path by itself to walk in; but for this there is no foundation:... read more
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it ,.... Willingly, without reluctance; with great spirit and courage, fearless of danger, and with the utmost safety, so that not one was lost in the passage; see Psalm 78:53 ; and thus the Lord makes his people willing to pass through afflictions, he being with them; and able to bear them, he putting underneath the everlasting arms, even when in the valley of the shadow of death; and carries safely through them, so that they are not hurt by... read more
But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea ,.... In the same sea which was parted for the Israelites, and through which they passed safely as on dry land; into which Pharaoh and his army entering in pursuit of them in their chariots, the Lord "shook" F21 נער "excussit", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, &c.; him and them out of them, as the word signifies; and causing the waters to return and cover them; they were drowned in them, Exodus 14:28 ... read more
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John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 136:6
To him that stretcheth out the earth above the waters ,.... Or, "besides the waters" F20 על המים "juxta aquas", Tirinus, Gejerus, Michaelis. , close by them, and yet secures the earth from being covered with them; see Psalm 24:2 ; for his mercy endureth for ever ; it was in mercy he caused the waters to go off the earth which first covered it; that trees, plants, and herbs, might spring up out of it, and that it might be a fit habitation for man; and though for the sins of... read more