Bible Commentaries
Psalms 136

Introduction

PSALM 136

:-. The theme is the same as that of Psalm 135. God should be praised for His works of creation and providence, His deliverance and care of His people, and judgments on their enemies, and His goodness to all. The chorus to every verse is in terms of that of Psalms 106:1; Psalms 118:1-4, and was perhaps used as the Amen by the people, in worship (compare 1 Chronicles 16:36; Psalms 105:45).

Verse 1

1-3. The divine titles denote supremacy.

Verse 4

4. alone—excluding all help.

Verse 5

5, 6. by wisdom—or, "in wisdom" (Psalms 104:24).

made—literally, "maker of."

above the waters—or, "higher than the waters" (Psalms 104:24- :).

Verse 12

12. Compare similar expressions (Exodus 3:20; Deuteronomy 4:34, &c.).

Verse 15

15. overthrew—literally, "shook off," as in :-, as a contemptuous rejection of a reptile.

Verse 23

23. remembered us—or, "for us" (Psalms 132:1).

our low estate—that is, captivity.

Verse 24

24. And hath redeemed us—or, literally, "snatched us"—alluding to the sudden deliverance effected by the overthrow of Babylon.

Verse 25

25. To the special favors to His people is added the record of God's goodness to all His creatures (compare Matthew 6:30).

Verse 26

26. God of heaven—occurs but once (Jonah 1:9) before the captivity. It is used by the later writers as specially distinguishing God from idols.