Psalm 136 – Skeptic's Annotated Bible answered

A response and reply to the notes on Psalm 136 in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible (SAB).

King James Version

SAB comment

My comment


1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

(136:1-26) "For his mercy endureth for ever."
Is God merciful?

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

"The God of gods" How many gods are there?
Again, the gods here are gods by name, not by nature. See chapter 135:5.

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.

This verse says that only God can perform great wonders. But 2 Th.2:9 says that Satan can too.
Can only God work wonders?

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:

"To him that smote Egypt in their first born: for his mercy endures forever." (Ex.12:29-30)

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.

God "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:

(136:17-18) God "smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever."
The author of the SAB would not have celebrated the overthrowing of Adolf Hitler and winning the cold war. Because it would be cruel and unjust to see one's enemies defeated.

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.