Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 136

O give thanks. There is no time when it is inappropriate to render thanks to God for His goodness and mercy to man. His mercy endureth for ever. Literally, “for to eternity his love.” The word translated “mercy” is chesed, which means, “divine love” (see Additional Note on Ps. 36). The refrain is repeated in every verse of this song.

The God of gods. Compare Deut. 10:17; 1 Cor. 8:5, 6.

Lord. Heb. ’Adon (see Vol. pp. 171–173).

Great wonders. God is the unrivaled miracle worker. Only a Being of infinite intelligence could have designed the universe with its indescribable wonders.

By wisdom. What wisdom lies hidden in the secrets of the universe God has made! Scientific discoveries continually reveal more and more of the marvels of His creation. Design is seen in every department of nature.

Above the waters. See Gen. 1:9, 10.

Great lights. A reference to the wonders of the fourth day of creation week, as recorded in Gen. 1:14–19.

Moon and stars. No hour of the day is left without rule. When we look up to the sky at night and see the lamps of heaven, we are reminded of God’s great love to us. The moon gladdens the heart, and the twinkling stars seem to speak messages of comfort.

Brought out Israel. Pharaoh and his slave masters were determined not to let the children of Israel go from their servitude in Egypt. However, when the Lord plans and promises to release His people and His people cooperate, there is no power in earth or

hell that can withstand Him. When the proud monarch defies Him and refuses to cooperate he does so to his own destruction.

Divided the Red sea. See Ex. 14. As the Lord made a road through the Red Sea so that the Israelites walked on dry ground, so will He open up before us a way through the waters of adversity that are surging before us, and which seem impassable to our faithless eye.

Led his people. Throughout the wilderness journeyings the Lord was the Provider and Leader of His people. He guided Israel by the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day (Ex. 13:21). He provided them with water and sent them food from heaven to them (see Ex. 16, 17).

Sihon. See on Ps. 135:11.

Heritage. The land of Canaan was given to Israel by a grant from God. He had promised to Abraham that his seed would inherit this country (Gen. 15:18).

Low estate. Israel was brought unto a low estate of bondage and slavery in Egypt, but the Lord did not forget them in their distress. To all who have fallen low in sorrow, in sickness, or in sin, how comforting it is to know that the Lord does not forget, but sends help and deliverance.

Giveth food. God sustains all His living creatures (see Ps. 104:27).