“O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
The thanksgiving concludes by addressing God as God of heaven, affirming divine transcendence and universality. Heaven represents the highest realm, seat of ultimate authority; God's governance from heaven extends over all creation. The return to the thanksgiving formula (O give thanks) with the unchanged refrain affirms that this comprehensive vision of divine action—from creation through history to universal sustenance—all expresses steadfast love. The psalm completes its liturgical arc, inviting perpetual thanksgiving.
Church Fathers on Psalms 136:26
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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