“O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
The doubling of God titles (God of gods, Lord of lords) emphasizes transcendent superiority over all rivals and cosmic entities. In polytheistic ancient Near Eastern contexts, this declaration asserted Israel's God's supremacy against pagan pantheons. The reiterated refrain establishes that every act of praise—regardless of whether it focuses on creation, judgment, or redemption—flows from recognition of covenant faithfulness. This verse demonstrates that acknowledging God's supremacy becomes the basis for comprehensive thanksgiving spanning all categories of divine action.
Church Fathers on Psalms 136:2
1. “Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures for ever” Psalm 135:1. This Psalm contains the praise of God, and all its verses finish in the same way. Wherefore although many things are related here in praise of God, yet His mercy is most commended; for without this plain commendation, he, whom the Holy Spirit used to utter this Psalm, would have no verse be ended. Although after the judgment, by which at the end of the world the quick and the dead must…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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