Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 136

2 O give thanks unto the God of gods : for his mercy endureth for ever.

Who is infinitely superiour to all that are called gods, whether Angels, or Princes, or Idols.

Marginal references: Deut. 10. 17.

4 To him who alone doth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

He and none else. Or, he without the help of any other person or thing, whereas no other being can do any thing alone or without his help.

5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

To wit, by eminent and admirable wisdom, far exceeding the capacity of all humane or Angelical creatures.

Marginal references: Gen. 1. 1.

6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters : for his mercy endureth for ever.

Of which see on Gen. 1. 9. Psal. 24. 2.

Marginal references: Gen. 1. 9. Je[illegible: 1+ letters]. 10. 12.

8 The sun to rule by day : for his mercy endureth for ever.

Of which phrase and the like in the next verse, see my Notes on Gen. 1. 16.

Marginal references: Heb. for the [illegible: 1+ letters]lings by day.

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

To wit, without fear or danger, by comparing this with the next verse.

16 To him which led his people through the wilderness : for his mercy endureth for ever.

Through that vast howling wilderness where there was neither way nor provision; through which none but the Almighty God could have safely conducted them.

Marginal references: Exod. 15. 22.

22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant : for his mercy endureth for ever.

He speaks of all that people as of one man, because they were united together in one body in the worship of one and the same God. Thus God calleth them all his first-born, Exod. 4. 22.

25 Who giveth food to all flesh : for his mercy endureth for ever.

Either to all mankind: or to all living creatures. For which God deserves great praises, which the Psalmist by his example teacheth us to render to God for them, because those who are most concerned either cannot or do not perform this duty.

Marginal references: Psal. 104. 27. & 147. 9.