Bible Commentaries
Psalms 136

Verses 1-3

1. Invitation to thank God 136:1-3

Three 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.]

Verses 1-26

Psalms 136

This 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 antiphonally, with the leaders singing the first part of each verse and the people responding with the refrain. The content and basic structure are similar to Psalms 135. With this song, the Israelites praised God for His great acts and His loyal love that endures forever.

Verses 4-9

Psalms 136:4 expresses the theme of this thanksgiving, namely: God’s wonderful acts. Then the psalmist mentioned specific acts. Psalms 136:5-9 describe aspects of God’s work in creating the world.

Verses 4-25

2. Subjects for thanksgiving 136:4-25

Verses 10-25

God’s acts in this section of verses relate to His care for Israel. He humbled the Egyptians, brought His people out of Egypt in the Exodus, and led them through the Red Sea (Psalms 136:10-15). He then defeated the Canaanite kings and gave their land to the Israelites (Psalms 136:16-22). In summary, God remembered His people and rescued them from their adversaries (Psalms 136:23-24). Finally, He provides food for all living creatures (Psalms 136:25).

Verse 26

3. Reminder to thank God 136:26

This concluding exhortation contains a title for God unique in the Psalter: the God of heaven. It highlights His sovereignty and was a favorite of the postexilic community (2 Chronicles 36:23; Ezra 2:1; Ezra 5:11-12; Ezra 6:9-10; Ezra 7:12; Ezra 7:21; Ezra 7:23 [twice]; Nehemiah 1:4-5; Nehemiah 2:4; Nehemiah 2:20; Daniel 2:18-19; Daniel 2:28; Daniel 2:37; Daniel 2:44). Its occurrence here suggests a postexilic origin of this psalm, though it does occur three times in pre-exilic writings (Genesis 24:3; Genesis 24:7; Jonah 1:9).

God’s people should praise Him publicly by reviewing His great acts that prove His loyal love for them. This should be a part of their corporate worship experience.