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Discover the Arts! Each day a different image from the Literary, Performing, or Visual Arts representing a portion of Scripture
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2015 June 17



Creation (1534)
Lucas Cranach the Elder (c. 1472-1553)
German Renaissance Style
Luther Bible; Location of Original Woodcut Unknown; Available in Various Commercial Reproductions
Image Source: Enomine Patris


     Explanation: In Psalm 136 the Psalmist focuses on the enduring mercy of the LORD, as manifest in his person, his works in nature, his mighty acts on behalf of Israel, and his provisions for men and his other creatures. Today's painting depicts the LORD as the creator and sustainer of all things.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: TYPES OF PSALMS: Hallel Psalms: The Egyptian Hallel -- Psalms 113-118: Psalm 113. Psalm 114. Psalm 115. Psalm 116. Psalm 117. Psalm 118. The Great Hallel [Group of Psalms] -- Psalms 118-136: Psalm 118. Psalm 119. Psalm 120. Psalm 121. Psalm 122. Psalm 123. Psalm 124. Psalm 125. Psalm 126. Psalm 127. Psalm 128. Psalm 129. Psalm 130. Psalm 131. Psalm 132. Psalm 133. Psalm 134. Psalm 135. Psalm 136. The Great Hallel [Single Psalm] -- Psalm 136. An Individual Hallel -- Psalm 145. The Concluding Hallel -- Psalms 146-150: Psalm 146. Psalm 147. Psalm 148. Psalm 149. Psalm 150. COMMUNAL PSALMS OF THANKSGIVING: Psalm 65. Psalm 66. Psalm 67. Psalm 75. Psalm 107. Psalm 118. Psalm 124. Psalm 129. Psalm 136. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: GENERAL. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). VARIOUS ARTISTS: Psalm 136 - #1. Psalm 136 - #2. Psalm 136 - #3. Psalm 136 - #4. Psalm 136 - #5. Psalm 136 - #6. Psalm 136 - #7. Psalm 136 - #8. Psalm 136 - #9. Psalm 136 - #10. Psalm 136 - #11. Psalm 136 - #12. Chanted (in Various Languages): Psalm 136 - #13 (Arabic Orthodox). Psalm 136 - #14 (English). Psalm 136 - #15 (French Orthodox Byzantine). Psalm 136 - #16 (Greek Orthodox Byzantine (Simonopetra Monks). Psalm 136 - #17 (Polish). Psalm 136 - #18 (Romanian Orthodox). Psalm 136 - #19 (Serbian Orthodox). Psalm 136 - #20 (Serbian Orthodox). Psalm 136 - #21 (Serbian Orthodox). ]

     The Psalmist exhorts us to give thanks to the LORD because "his mercy endures forever." This is the closing phrase of each of the 26 lines of the Psalm; and it forcefully brings to our attention the fact that the mercy of God is everlasting. The first three verses focus on God's person -- his inherent qualities. He is good. He does not merely do good things; he is good. His favor and his judgment are both expressions of his goodness. Also, he is the God of gods -- greater than the invented gods of men, and greater than the pretenders to godhood among the fallen. He is also the Lord of lords -- greater in might and in authority than all men and angels who have any measure of authority, whatsoever. In all of these things his mercy endures forever (1-3). He alone does great wonders (incomprehensible things). He made the heavens by wisdom (by his comprehension). He lifted the dry land above the oceans. He made the sun, the moon, and the stars. All of these works were expressions of his mercy which endures forever (4-9). He delivered Israel form Egypt, and overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, because his mercy endures forever (10-15). He led Israel through the wilderness, and slew the great and famous kings Sihon and Og, giving their lands to Israel, because his mercy endures forever (16-22). He remembered Israel in their low estate and redeemed them from their enemies (throughout their history) because his mercy endures forever (23-24). He gives food to all of his creatures because his mercy endures forever (25). Therefore we should give thanks to the God of heaven because his mercy endures forever (26).


THE PSALTER:

BOOK FIVE OF FIVE:

Psalms 107-150.


Psalm 136

1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

4 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.
7 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.

10 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.
17 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.

23 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.

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

26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.


* NOTE: On Opening and Closing Comments in the Psalms.
[Some commentators take the Psalm in Habakkuk 3 to be a standard model for the Psalms.
Habakkuk's Psalm begins with the name of the composer (Habakkuk) and a musical notation ("upon Shigionoth").
It closes with a dedication or a "send to" notice ("To the chief singer on my stringed instruments").
I have arranged similar material, where it is found in the Psalter, in accord with the model in Habakkuk.]




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