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
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
(2, 3) God of gods . . . Lord of Lords.—From Deuteronomy 10:17. read more
Psalms 136:1-26THIS psalm is evidently intended for liturgic use. It contains reminiscences of many parts, of Scripture, and is especially based on the previous psalm, which it follows closely in Psalms 136:10-18, and quotes directly in Psalms 136:19-22. Delitzsch points out that if these quoted verses are omitted, the psalm falls into triplets. It would then also contain twenty-two verses, corresponding to the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. The general trend of thought is like that... read more
Psalms 136:0 His Mercy Endureth Forever This is a historical Psalm of praise, as His grateful people Israel think of all He has done. Twenty-six times we read “His mercy endureth forever.” The Psalm begins with a threefold call to give thanks unto the Lord, the God of gods, and the Lord of lords; the triune God is thus adored. And after this the brief sentences which rehearse His mighty deeds of the past as Creator and as the God of Israel, are followed by the praise of His mercy. This Psalm... read more
Psalms 135:0 Praises God for choosing Jacob (Psalms 135:1-4 ), extols His power in the natural world (Psalms 135:5-7 ), and in the deliverance of His people from Egypt (Psalms 135:8-9 ) and bringing them into the promised land (Psalms 135:10-12 ). All this is in contrast to the vanity of idols (Psalms 135:13-18 ). Psalms 136:0 Is of the same character as the preceding, but is notable for the chorus attached to each verse a chorus with which we have become familiar in other psalms (Psalms 106:1... read more
In these verses the Psalmist is calling for praise to Jehovah from his numberless acts of goodness in the wisdom of creation. From the great works of God, the formation of the heavens, the earth, the sea, the lights of heaven, and the ordination of the servants of the Lord in the heavenly bodies; the Psalmist takes occasion to excite mankind to universal adoration. Sweet thought! how much Jesus, in his unequalled ministry, calls upon his people to unceasing praise and adoration! read more
Sion. The Levites were trained to singing from their infancy, at the expense of the nation. Under David, there were 288 masters, and 8,000 Levites who played on music, 1 Paralipomenon xv. The Babylonians wished to hear them, (Calmet) or (Worthington) spoke insultingly, (Theodoret) as the pagans asked what good Christ had done? (St. Augustine) read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 136:3
LORD of lords. Hebrew Adonim of the adonim. App-4 . Compare Deuteronomy 10:17 . read more