Psalms 136 - Introduction

A.M. 2987. B.C. 1017.

This Psalm, which, like the former, is a commemoration of the wonderful things God had done for the Jews, was called by them, The great thanksgiving. Bishop Patrick supposes it was intended to be used in their solemn festivals, and that the continual repetition of the half verse was intended to make them more sensible that they owed all they had to the divine bounty; to excite them to depend entirely on that bounty, and to rest assured that it would never fail them if they piously and sincerely acknowledged it. This form of acknowledgment, For his mercy endureth, &c., was prescribed by David to be used continually in the divine service, 1 Chronicles 15:41; was followed by Solomon, 2 Chronicles 7:3; 2 Chronicles 7:6; and observed by Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20:21. God is to be praised as great and good in himself, Psalms 136:1. As the Creator of the world, Psalms 136:4. As Israel's God, Psalms 136:10. As our Redeemer, Psalms 136:23; Psalms 136:24. As God over all, Psalms 136:25; Psalms 136:26.