Psalms 136

Psalms 136:1-3

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.

Psalms 136:4-9

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.

Psalms 136:10-25

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).

Psalms 136:26

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.