Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 136

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good - This whole verse is the same as Psalms 106:1, except that it is introduced by a Hallelujah. See the notes at that verse.

For his mercy endureth for ever - See also Psalms 106:1, note; Psalms 107:1, note. Literally, “For to eternity his mercy.” That is, it is ever the same; it never changes; it is never exhausted; it is found in all his dealings - in all his acts toward his creatures, and ever will be.

O give thanks unto the God of gods - See (Deuteronomy 10:17). The supreme God; the God superior to all that is called God, or that is adored by the nations of the earth; above all to whom the name God is ever applied.

For his mercy... - The ground of praise here is that it is a characteristic of the supreme God that he is a merciful Being; that there is blended in his character eternal mercy with infinite power. Mere power might fill us with dread; power mingled with mercy, and able to carry out the purposes of mercy, must lay the foundation for praise.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords - The Lord or Ruler of all in authority—all kings, princes, rulers. He is supreme over all. This is an attribute of Divinity; yet this is ascribed to the Lord Jesus, thus proving that he is divine. See the notes at (Revelation 19:16).

For his mercy ... - The ground of praise here, as in the previous verse, is that this God—the Supreme Ruler over all the potentates and magistrates of earth—is a merciful Being. He is kind and benevolent toward those rulers, and through them to mankind.

To him who alone doeth great wonders – Miracles; marvelous things; things which spring from his direct and absolute power; things lying beyond the range of natural laws. See the notes on Psalms 72:18.

For his mercy ... – For all these mighty wonders are performed in carrying out purposes of mercy. So the wonders which were done in Egypt were for the deliverance of an oppressed people; so the miracles performed by the Saviour and his apostles were to remove disease and pain, and to establish a religion of mercy; so the divine interpositions among the nations are to assert the principles of righteousness, to secure the reign of order and love, and to promote the welfare of mankind.

To Him who by wisdom made the heavens – He made them in so wise a manner, where so much wisdom was manifested. See Proverbs 3:19; Proverbs 8:24–31.

For His mercy... – The making of the heavens was a manifestation of mercy and goodness, as furnishing an abode for unfallen and holy beings; as a dwelling-place for redeemed sinners when they shall be removed there from the earth; and as, by their order, their beauty, their harmony, and their beneficial influences, tending to promote the happiness of humanity on earth.