(26) God of heaven.--See Nehemiah 1:4; Nehemiah 2:4. This title, though implied in Psalm 11:4 and similar passages, was not used before the exile. Away from Zion and the visible token of the Divine presence, the hearts of the faithful began more and more to dream of their God as

"One that His mansion hath on high

Above the reach of mortal eye."

At the end the Vulgate repeats Psalm 136:3. (See Prayer Book.)

Verse 26. - Oh give thanks unto the God of heaven, "The God of heaven" is a favorite designation of God in the Books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel (Ezra 1:2; Ezra 5:11, 12; Ezra 6:9, 10; Ezra 7:12, 21; Nehemiah 1:4, 5; Nehemiah 2:4, 20; Daniel 2:18, 19, 37, 44). It was a phrase known to the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and the Persians. For his mercy endureth forever.

136:23-26 God's everlasting mercy is here praised for the redemption of his church; in all his glories, and all his gifts. Blessed be God, who has provided and made known to us salvation through his Son. May we know and feel his redeeming power, that we may serve him in righteousness all our days. May He who giveth food to all flesh, feed our souls unto eternal life, and enliven our affections by his grace, that we may give thanks and praise to his holy name, for his mercy endureth for ever. Let us trace up all the favours we receive to this true source, and offer praise continually.O give thanks unto the God of heaven,.... the Maker of it, in which the glory of his wisdom and power is displayed; the possessor of it, where he dwells, has his throne, and keeps his court; from whence all blessings, temporal and spiritual, come and where he has prepared glory and happiness for his people hereafter, a house eternal in the heavens, an inheritance reserved there, a better and a more enduring substance;

for his mercy endureth for ever; for though the above character is expressive of his sovereignty and dominion, yet he exercises it in a way of grace and mercy to the sons of men; and therefore they have reason to give thanks unto him and praise him for his kindness and favours shown to them on earth.