Ps. 136:0 THE ARGUMENT The matter of this Psalm is the same with the former, only it is a little more fitted to the use and service of the temple, by the continued repetition of that solemn clause, For thy mercy endures for ever, which was much used by the sacred singers. See 2 Chron. 7:3, 2 Chron.

The God of gods; who is infinitely superior to all that are called gods, whether angels, or princes, or idols.

Him who alone; 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.

By wisdom, to wit, by eminent and admirable wisdom, far exceeding the capacity of all human or angelical creatures.

Stretched out the earth above the waters; of which See Poole “Gen. 1:9”; See Poole “Ps. 24:2”.

The sun to rule by day; of which phrase and the like in the next verse, See Poole “Gen. 1:16”.

To pass through the midst of it, to wit, without fear or danger, by comparing this with the next verse.

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

Israel his servant; 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, Ex. 4:22.

To all flesh; 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.