Psalm 136
The mercy of the Lord is largely illustrated, and due
praises are invoked.
1-3. "O give thanks to the Lord; for He is good; for
His mercy endures forever. O give thanks to the God of gods; for His mercy
endures forever. O give thanks to the Lord of Lords, for His mercy endures
forever."
In every name, under every title, in every attribute let
our God be magnified, honored, glorified; and let the constant chorus exalt
His ever-enduring mercy.
4-9. "To Him who alone does great wonders; for His
mercy endures forever. To Him who by wisdom made the heavens; for His mercy
endures forever. To Him who stretched out the earth above the waters; for
His mercy endures forever. To Him who made great lights; for His mercy
endures forever. The sun to rule by day; for His mercy endures forever. The
moon and stars to rule by night; for His mercy endures forever."
His works of creation excite incessant praise. Infinite
wisdom orders the whole plan. Behold the earth with all its wonders rearing
its head above the waters. Behold the skies glorious by day, by night
studded with lovely orbs. Surely every object bids the chorus to magnify
ever-enduring mercy.
10-16. "To Him who smote Egypt in their firstborn; for
His mercy endures forever. And brought out Israel from among them; for His
mercy endures forever. With a strong hand, and with a stretched-out arm; for
His mercy endures forever. To Him who divided the Red Sea into parts; for
His mercy endures forever. And made Israel to pass through the midst of it;
for His mercy endures forever. But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red
Sea; for His mercy endures forever. To Him who led His people through the
wilderness; for His mercy endures forever."
Review again His terrific judgments in Egypt. The
firstborn lie dead, and mighty deliverance rescues His chosen people. The
sea divides to present a dry path. Pharaoh is overwhelmed. Every incident in
the story awakens again a tribute to ever-enduring mercy.
17-22. "To Him who smote great kings; for His mercy
endures forever. And slew famous kings; for His mercy endures forever. Sihon
king of the Amorites; for His mercy endures forever. And Og the king of
Bashan; for His mercy endures forever. And gave their land for an heritage;
for His mercy endures forever. Even an heritage unto Israel His servant; for
His mercy endures forever."
Mark the victorious march of the beloved people. Mighty
kings resist in vain. They lick the dust and perish. Their fair borders
become the abode of the victorious host. Again every circumstance prompts
the acknowledgment that His mercy endures forever.
23-26. "Who remembered us in our low estate; for His
mercy endures forever; and has redeemed us from our enemies; for His mercy
endures forever. Who gives food to all flesh; for His mercy endures forever.
O give thanks unto the God of heaven; for His mercy endures forever."
But the signal mercies given unto ourselves especially
awaken this chorus. Redemption is ours from all our enemies. Glory is ours
forever and ever. Who will not shout aloud, We give thanks unto You, O God
of heaven; we gratefully acknowledge, Your mercy endures forever!