Psalm 136 (135):19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Rather, it illustrates the eternal nature of the blessedness He gives to the afflicted so that they become joyful. Thus, His mercy is everlasting. It is by His mercy we are transformed from unjust to just, from unhealthy to whole, from dead to alive, from mortal to immortal, and from miserable to joyful. Hence, we give thanks to the Lord, knowing that this gratitude results in an eternal good, for His mercy endures forever.

Then we read: Give thanks to the God of gods, for His mercy endures forever (Psalm 135:2). Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His mercy is everlasting (Psalm 134:3). We may ponder who these gods and lords are in relation to the true God who is above them all. Another psalm indicates that even humans are referred to as gods. The Lord acknowledges this in the Gospel, stating, "Is it not written in your law, ‘You are gods’?" (John 10:34). This designation is not due to their inherent goodness, but because it is the divine declaration that they are named gods. If they were all virtuous, such a distinction would not exist. He judges among the gods, questioning, “How long will you judge unjustly?” This is addressed selectively, not to all of them collectively.

It raises the question: if humans recognized as gods exist in the Scriptures, can angels also be termed gods? While it may not be straightforwardly found in Scripture, it is said that the Lord is greater than all gods, adding that the gods of the nations are devils. This connection may help us comprehend that the idols of the Gentiles represent demons that inhabit them. Those graven images, known in Greek as idols, cannot see or perceive, and are therefore devoid of sense; thus they cannot be intimidated, as lacking reason cannot be afraid. How can it be stated that the Lord is greater than all gods if those idols do not include demons that can indeed be frightened? The Apostle asserts, "We know that an idol is nothing" (1 Corinthians 8:4), referring to its earthly and meaningless materials. Yet, those who think there is no living being receiving pagan offerings are mistaken, for "what the Gentiles offer, they offer to demons, not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons" (1 Corinthians 10:20). So, while we may not find the title gods applied to angels in divine texts, it seems justified, as it indicates that men should direct their worship of service to the one true God, rather than to the angels. Hence, it is more fitting to refer to them as Angels, emphasizing their role as messengers of God, rather than confusing their essence with divine authority.

The Apostle points this out concisely: "For, though there are those who are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as there are many gods and many lords; yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him" (1 Corinthians 8:5-6). Therefore, let us give thanks to the God of gods and Lord of lords for His mercy, acknowledging that He alone performs wonders (Psalm 134:4). Each verse reiterates this truth, implying that we should indeed express gratitude. It might have been clearer if translators had articulated this intention explicitly in their translations.

Praise His name for His unparalleled acts, including creating the heavens (Psalm 135:5), spreading the earth over the waters (Psalm 135:6), and making the great lights (Psalm 135:7). The psalm proceeds to elaborate on God’s miracles through humanity, having noted that He alone created celestial luminaries. Following this, it recounts His extraordinary deeds performed by men and angels, such as smiting Egypt and leading the Israelites through the Red Sea (Psalm 135:10). Through baptism, He delivers His renewed people by cleansing them from eternal suffering, as He conquered both sin and its guilt in the process. He guided His people through the wilderness (Psalm 134:16) and protects us from perishing amidst the trials we face. Additionally, He vanquished mighty kings (Psalm 135:17) and eradicated formidable adversaries from our lives (Psalm 135:18), including the forces of sin and the devil.

In relation to the intricacies of understanding how God positioned the earth above the waters—a complex question given the earth’s weight—one can interpret this as symbolic, indicating that the spiritual men, or saints, whom God elevates are those who possess not just faith but comprehension of divine truths, while others remain below, maintaining only faith. The text further exemplifies that through Christ, in whom treasures of wisdom and knowledge are concealed (Colossians 2:3), believers are called to seek genuine understanding of God. The wise choose to worship God, acknowledging His immutable nature, while departing from evil signifies a categorical rejection of engagement with the corrupt.

Lastly, the Psalm exclaims the Lord's faithfulness in redeeming Israel from their oppressors (Psalm 134:11) and liberating His faithful people from wickedness (Psalm 135:24). He nourishes all beings (Psalm 135:25) not solely through material means but by providing spiritual sustenance, for Christ said, "My flesh is true food." So we rejoice in giving thanks to the God of heaven (Psalm 134:26), understanding that His previous title of "God of gods" encompasses this proclamation too. Ultimately, we affirm: there is one God and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we witness His everlasting mercy.

Zion, in this context, represents temptation or disturbance. The Amorites symbolize the gossipy or resentful, whose annihilation is illustrated by the psalmist David as a testament to God's mercy; for their land was granted to the Jewish people for their benefit. This transformation is expressed in Proverbs 13:23, which depicts the riches of the wicked becoming the inheritance of the righteous. Furthermore, Nikita in the Vault remarks that if one desires to witness the continued wondrous works of God today, one should consider the Gentile nations and understand how He freed those who believed in Christ from a harsh bondage, not to the Egyptians, but to malevolent spirits. He led them out of the darkness of Egypt and into the light, obliterating the invisible rulers and wicked forces that had previously dominated them, far more notorious than those of Pharaoh; from this bondage, He has also delivered us, performing a great miracle with His mighty power, of which Isaiah declared: The Lord God shall reveal His holy arm before all nations (Is. 52:10).

Additionally, God's mercy extends even to the most sinful, as He may take them from this life swiftly, preventing them from succumbing to grievous sins over a long life, which would ultimately lead them to incur severe wrath on the day of God's judgment.