A Song of Thanksgiving

Just as a parent frequently needs to prompt a child who has received a gift: "Now, what do you say?" So Psalm 136 prompts us to "Give thanks to the God of gods." We are exhorted to thank God for who He is: "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!" Imagine what life would be like if God were not good! We are to thank God for what He has done, particularly in creation: "To Him who by wisdom made the heavens." We are to thank God for His redemption: "To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn..." We are to thank God for His providential protection from enemies: "To Him who struck down great kings..." And we are reminded, in every verse of this song, that "His mercy endures forever."