Psalm 136

Authorship

This Psalm is anonymous.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. Give thanks to the Lord. (1-3)

A. O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.

B. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for His mercy endureth for ever.

C. O give thanks to the Lord of Lords: for His mercy endureth for ever.

II. Give thanks to Him who does great wonders. (4-9)

A. To Him who alone doeth great wonders: for His mercy endureth for ever.

B. To Him that by wisdom made the heavens: for His mercy endureth for ever.

C. To Him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for His mercy endureth for ever.

D. To Him that made great lights: for His mercy endureth for ever.

1. The sun to rule by day: for His mercy endureth for ever.

2. The moon and stars to rule by night: for His mercy endureth for ever.

III. Give thanks because He brought His people out. (10-15)

A. To Him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for His mercy endureth for ever.

B. And brought out Israel from among them: for His mercy endureth for ever.

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

D. To Him which divided the Red sea into parts: for His mercy endureth for ever.

E. And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for His mercy endureth for ever.

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

IV. Give thanks because He led His people in. (16-22)

A. To Him which led His people through the wilderness: for His mercy endureth for ever.

B. To Him which smote great kings: for His mercy endureth for ever.

C. And slew famous kings: for His mercy endureth for ever.

1. Sihon king of the Amorites: for His mercy endureth for ever.

2. And Og the king of Bashan: for His mercy endureth for ever.

(Note: Slaying kings might not appear like an act of mercy. These were very evil kings. To rid the world of them was an act of mercy.)

D. He gave their land for an heritage unto Israel, His servant: for His mercy endureth for ever.

V. Give thanks for His continued provision. (23-26)

A. He remembers us in our low estate: for His mercy endureth for ever.

B. He has redeemed us from our enemies: for His mercy endureth for ever.

C. He gives food to all flesh: for His mercy endureth for ever.

D. He continues to be merciful: O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for His mercy endureth for ever.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 136,4 נִפְלָאוֹת גְּדֹלוֹת {C} MT, g, Hebr, S, T (vel confl) // cor נִפְלָאוֹת {C} 11Qa, G (vel assim 72,18)

Ps 136,15 בְיַם־סוּף {A}