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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 136, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for {he is} good: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy {endureth} for ever:
Psalms 136:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy {endureth} for ever: {to rule...: Heb. for the rulings by day}
Psalms 136:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy {endureth} for ever:
Psalms 136:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy {endureth} for ever:
Psalms 136:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy {endureth} for ever:
Psalms 136:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy {endureth} for ever:
Psalms 136:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy {endureth} for ever. {overthrew: Heb. shaked off}
Psalms 136:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy {endureth} for ever:
Psalms 136:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy {endureth} for ever:
Psalms 136:18 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy {endureth} for ever:
Psalms 136:19 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy {endureth} for ever:
Psalms 136:20 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy {endureth} for ever:
Psalms 136:21 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22 {Even} an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:22 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy {endureth} for ever:
Psalms 136:23 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:24 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:25 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy {endureth} for ever.
Psalms 136:26 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.