Psalm 136
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 136:1-26
The Divine constancy. The refrain of each verse of the psalm may supply us with a guiding thought in our treatment of it. From the first beginnings of creation (as we are affected by them) to the last hour of human experience, we have evidence of the goodness, the "mercy," of the Lord. It has endured through all generations, is with us now, will attend our race (we are sure) to the end of time. We find it— I. IS THE DIVINE PROVISION . God gave us sun, moon, and stars at the... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 136:1-26
Repetitions many, but not vain. Over and over again the refrain comes, "His mercy endureth for ever." But it is never a vain repetition, unless the mind, by its heedlessness, makes it so. It is like the German piece of music which is called 'The Fremensberg,' which tells one of the old legends of the region—how "a great noble of the Middle Ages got lost in the mountains, and wandered about with his dogs in a violent storm, until at last the faint tones of a monastery-bell, calling the... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
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
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 136:2
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
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 136:2
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
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 136:3
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
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 136:4
To him who alone doeth great wonders (comp. Psalms 72:18 ). For his mercy , etc. read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 136:4
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
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 136:1
The enduring mercy. This is very evidently a psalm arranged for alternate singing in the temple service. One section of the singers gives the sentences, and the other section answers with the ever-recurring refrain of the psalm, "For his mercy endureth forever." It is a refrain which has peculiar point and interest when regarded as sung by the returned exiles in their restored temple. They felt very deeply what it was to be "monuments of God's mercy," and that sense of God's mercy to them... read more