Psalms · Chapter 136 of 150

Psalm 136

God to be praised as the Creator of the world. · As Israel's God and Saviour. · For his blessings to all.

1O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. 3O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. 4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. 5To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. 6To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. 7To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: 8The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: 9The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

10To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: 11And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: 12With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. 13To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever: 14And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever: 15But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. 16To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever. 17To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: 18And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: 19Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: 20And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever: 21And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: 22Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

23Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: 24And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever. 25Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. 26O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

King James Version (1769) · public domain

About Psalms

Psalm 136 commentary

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706), public domain.

Verses 1-9

Forgetful as we are, things must be often repeated to us. By "mercy" we understand the Lord's disposition to save those whom sin has rendered miserable and vile, and all the provision he has made for the redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ. The counsels of this mercy have been from everlasting, and the effects of it will endure for ever, to all who are interested in it. The Lord continues equally ready to show mercy to all who seek for it, and this is the source of all our hope and comfort.

Verses 10-22

The great things God did for Israel, when he brought them out of Egypt, were mercies which endured long to them; and our redemption by Christ, which was typified thereby, endures for ever. It is good to enter into the history of God's favours, and in each to observe, and own, that his mercy endureth for ever. He put them in possession of a good land; it was a figure of the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Verses 23-26

God's everlasting mercy is here praised for the redemption of his church; in all his glories, and all his gifts. Blessed be God, who has provided and made known to us salvation through his Son. May we know and feel his redeeming power, that we may serve him in righteousness all our days. May He who giveth food to all flesh, feed our souls unto eternal life, and enliven our affections by his grace, that we may give thanks and praise to his holy name, for his mercy endureth for ever. Let us trace up all the favours we receive to this true source, and offer praise continually.

Key verses in Psalm 136

  • Psalms 136:6

    To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

  • Psalms 136:1

    O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

  • Psalms 136:26

    O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

  • Psalms 136:10

    To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:

  • Psalms 136:25

    Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.