O Give Thanks Unto The Lord
Introduction
As we look at Psalm 136, we realize that we have found our way into a grand canyon of truth, for we begin to hear echoes. There is the echoing sound of thanksgiving in the first three verses and it reverberates throughout the psalm until it reaches the outer rim of thanksgiving in the last verse.
The great commentator Matthew Henry said, “There is something very singular in the composition of it; for the latter half of each verse is the same, repeated throughout the psalm, ‘for his mercy endureth for ever,’ and yet no vain repetition.” And so here is another echoing sound that reverberates throughout the psalm.
The word “mercy” is used 276 times in the word of God. Then the phrase “mercy endureth for ever” is used 41 times in the scripture and 26 of those times is in Psalm 136, which repeats the phrase at the end of each verse.
Albert Barnes wrote concerning this psalm...
This psalm also has no title to indicate the author, or to explain the occasion on which it was composed. It is a psalm of very special construction, and stands alone in the form of its poetry. The peculiarity consists in repeating at the close of each verse the language “for his mercy endureth forever.” This is a kind of refrains, and may have been designed, in public worship, to be a response by a choir, or by the people.
Charles Spurgeon said…
This one hundred and thirty-sixth Psalm was constantly sung in the Temple by appointed singers … This continued service of song, was most fitting, for, if Jehovah’s mercy endureth forever, our praise should endure forever: if His goodness never ceases, our thanksgiving should never be silent.
At the outset we shall regard the text as A SONG. So it was originally intended to be used. It was a song for all singers, for it was the refrain of each verse, the chorus to be taken up by the whole-assembled multitude. I suppose that the practiced singers commenced thus, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good,” and then the entire multitude … chanted the chorus, “For his mercy endureth for ever.” Then would the choir again sweetly sing, “O give thanks unto the God of gods:” and a fresh burst of many voices would reply, “For his mercy endureth for ever.” In imitation of that ancient mode of singing, I shall ask the whole assembly to make a chorus with their hearts, and mentally to bless the Lord whose “mercy endureth for ever.”
Spurgeon said this text is a song. He said this text is a solace. But he also said this text is a sermon, “a sermon with three heads.” Now I’m not using the headings that Spurgeon used, but I do want to want to magnify three headings and three streams of truth in this psalm.
From verses 1 thru 3, I want to say that “We Are Thankful To God For His Magnificent Being”
From verses 4 thru 25, I want to say that “We Are Thankful To God For His Manifold Blessings”
From verses 26, I want to say that “We Are Thankful To God For His Manifested Bigness”
I. We Are Thankful To God For His Magnificent Being (vs. 1-3)
(Here Is The Repetition Of Thanksgiving)
There are three titles for God that mark His identity in verses 1 thru 3. The word “LORD” in verse 1 is the word Jehovah, meaning the self-existent and eternal One. The word “God” in verse 2 is the word elohiym, meaning He is the one true God who is a ruler and a judge, and who also is known by His works or special possessions. Then the word “Lord” in verse 3 is the word Adonai meaning that He is lord and master, the king, the Lord of lords.
(Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon)
A. He Is The Self-Existent One In His Reality vs. 1
(Psalms 136:1) O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
The word “LORD” in verse 1 is the word Jehovah, meaning the self-existent and eternal One.
(Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon)
1. He Is Eternally God
LORD – Hebrew 3068. Yehovah, the self-Existent or Eternal.
2. He Is Essentially Good
(Psalms 136:1) O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
The word “good” in verse 1 is the Hebrew word towb. This word is used in the widest sense, as an adjective and as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural. This Hebrew word has been translated in the Old Testament with a number of different words all of which give us a greater understanding of what this word means. It is translated elsewhere as beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, fair, favour, fine, glad, graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, loving, merry, pleasant, precious, prosperity, sweet, wealth, welfare, and well-favoured.
B. He Is The Supreme One In His Rank vs. 2
(Psalms 136:2) O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
The word “God” in verse 2 is the word elohiym, meaning He is the one true God who is a ruler and a judge, and who also is known by His works or special possessions.
God – Hebrew 430. 'elohiym, this term is used of the supreme God; sometimes applied as a superlative term.
1. He Is Supremely Superlative In His Power
2. He Is Supremely Superior In His Possessions
C. He Is The Sovereign One In His Ruling vs. 3
(Psalms 136:3) O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
The word “Lord” in verse 3 is the word Adonai meaning that He is lord and master, the king, the Lord of lords.
Lord – Hebrew 113. 'adown, meaning to rule; sovereign, controller (human or divine). Also translated as “lord, master, owner.”
1. He Is The Overseer Of All Things
2. He Is The Owner Of All Things
II. We Are Thankful To God For His Manifold Blessings (vs. 4-25)
(Here Are The Reasons Of Thanksgiving)
A. There Is Blessing In This Act Of Creation (He Formed Us) vs. 4-9
1. He Created The Boundaries Of Land To Accommodate Our Steps
(Psalms 136:4-6) To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. {5} To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. {6} To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
As we look into the cosmic telescope we see the vast universe and “all its wonders.” Then as we come closer in our focus we see our own galaxy and the various levels of atmosphere that surround this planet, and all of this points to His “acts of wisdom.” As we look through the atmospheric firmament and look closer still we see the great boundary that God set to contain the sea below and the land “above the waters.”
2. He Created The Brightness Of Light To Accommodate Our Sight
(Psalms 136:7-9) To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: {8} The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: {9} The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
B. There Is Blessing In This Analogy Of Conversion (He Freed Us) vs. 10-21
1. Our Salvation Experience Is Pictured In The Transition Of The Exodus
(Psalms 136:10-16) To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever: {11} And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: {12} With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. {13} To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever: {14} And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever: {15} But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. {16} To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
May I remind you that in the midst of bondage, God prescribed the blood of Passover. May I remind you that in the face of obstacles, God revealed His overcoming power.
2. Our Salvation Experience Is Pictured In The Triumph Over The Enemies
(Psalms 136:17-22) To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: {18} And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: {19} Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: {20} And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever: {21} And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: {22} Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
These kings were great (vs. 17), these kings were gallant and glorious (famous – vs. 18), but ultimately these kings were gone and God gave their goods to His people.
C. There Is Blessing In This Attitude Of Compassion (He Favors Us) vs. 23-25
1. He Helps Us In Our Times Of Heartache
(Psalms 136:23-24) Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: {24} And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
remembered – Hebrew 2142. zakar, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication to mention; be mindful of; call, come, keep, or put to remembrance, to think on.
low estate – Hebrew 8213. shaphel, to depress or sink (to humiliate); to put down, debase, make low.
redeemed – Hebrew 6561. paraq, to deliver.
enemies – Hebrew 6862. tsar, means a tight place (usually figuratively it means trouble); an opponent (as one that is crowding in upon you). It is also translated as “adversary, affliction, anguish, distress, foe, sorrow, and tribulation.”
2. He Helps Us In Our Times of Hunger
(Psalms 136:25) Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
food – Hebrew 3899. lechem, food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain. It is also translated as “fruit, loaf, meat, or victuals.”
III. We Are Thankful To God For His Manifested Bigness (vs. 26)
(Here Is The Reiteration Of Thanksgiving)
A. Notice His Big Almightiness (The Direction Of Our Gratitude) the God
1. Let’s Consider The Gift Of Thanksgiving
(Psalms 136:26) O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
thanks – Hebrew 3034. yadah, means to hold out the hand; to revere or worship (with extended hands); to make confession, to praise.
2. Let’s Consider The God Of Thanksgiving
We are not just giving vague thanks in a general way, but we are specifically thanking God. We are giving thanks “To Him” (verses 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 13, 16, 17). To who? Unto “the God.”
a. He Is The Strong One
God – Hebrew 410. 'el, means strength, power, or mighty; especially the Almighty.
Strength can crush, but His strength is manifested in that…
b. He Is The Supportive One
‘El is derived from the Hebrew 352. 'ayil, which refers to anything strong; such as a political chieftain, a strong ram, a column that acts as a strong support, an oak or other strong tree.
B. Notice His Big Abode (The Dimension Of Our God) of heaven
(Psalms 136:26) O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
heaven – Hebrew 8064. shamayim, means to be lofty; the sky (alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve).
1. This Word “Heaven” Tells us That God Occupies All Of Sky
2. This Word “Heaven” Tells us That God Occupies All Of Space
C. Notice His Big Attribute (The Declaration Of His Goodness) for His mercy endureth for ever
1. Let’s Consider The Significance Of His Mercy
What is meant by “His mercy”? Essentially the word “mercy” in this psalm means kindness, pity, and favor. It also refers to beauty and good deeds.
2. Let’s Consider The Scope Of His Mercy
It “endureth for ever.” Literally, “For unto 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. (Barnes’ Notes)
for ever – Hebrew 5769. 'owlam, means to the vanishing point; time out of mind (past or future), means eternity, always. It has to do with continuance, with that which is perpetual, with that which is at any time, from the “beginning of the world” to the “without end.”
Conclusion
One of my dear friends is Evangelist Tom Hayes. Brother Tom shared a story about his youngest daughter Akaisha. When Akaisha was just a little thing, she saw some change on her dad’s dresser one day. It consisted of some pennies and dimes, and she said to her daddy, “I want that ‘wittle’ money.” After he gave her a handful of coins she then said, “I want some big money.” After her daddy filled her hands with some quarters he said, “Now what do you say?” He expected her to say, “Thank you.” But instead she said, “I want some more!” How like each of us! But if God never does another thing for us, He is still worthy of our thanksgiving!