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

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

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

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

7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:

8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:

9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

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

11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:

14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:

15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:

20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:

22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

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

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

Up: Psalms
Prev: Psalm 135 | Next: Psalm 137

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: Psalms
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 136

Overview:
The Jews bewail their Captivity. (1-4) Their Affection for
Jerusalem. (5-9)

1-4 Their enemies had carried the Jews Captive from their own
land. To complete their woes, they insulted over them; they
required of them mirth and a song. This was very barbarous; also
profane, for No Songs would serve but the Songs of Zion.
Scoffers are not to be compiled with. They do not say, How shall
we sing, when we are So much in sorrow? but, It is the Lord's
song, therefore we dare not sing it among idolaters.

5-9 What we Love, we Love to think of. Those that rejoice in
God, for his sake make Jerusalem their joy. They stedfastly
resolved to keep up this Affection. When suffering, we should
recollect with godly sorrow our forfeited mercies, and our sins
By which we lost them. If temporal advantages ever render a
professor satisfied at a distance from the ordinances
of God,or ashamed of his profession, the worst calamity has
befallen him. Far be it from us to avenge ourselves; we will
leave it to Him who has said, Vengeance is Mine. Those that are
glad at calamities, especially at the calamities of Jerusalem,
shall not go unpunished. We cannot pray for promised success
to the Church of God without looking to, though we do not
utter a Prayer for, the ruin of her enemies. But let us Call to
mind to whose Grace and finished Salvation alone it is, that
we have any hopes of being brought home to the heavenly Jerusalem.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.