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{{DOD-July}}
[[Psalms]] 135, 136, 138, and 139 are [[Psalms]] of thanksgiving. Psalm 135 is a song of praise for [[God]]'s wonderful works in nature and in history. A nation that is now cleansed and converted worships [[God]] in this Psalm. The call to worship is found in verses 1-4; adoration to Him who controls nature in verses 5-7; adoration to Him who redeemed the nation and set it in Palestine in verses 8-18; and adoration to Him who is above all [[God]]s and therefore worthy of all worship in verses 19-21.
Psalm 136 seems to be an extension of Psalm 135 and is continuing praise to Almighty [[God]]. Also, it is called a Hallel Psalm, which means it was sung at the opening of the Passover and was a favorite Temple song.
One of the great themes of the [[Bible]] is the mercy of [[God]]. In Psalm 136 alone the [[Word]] "mercy" is found 26 times, one time for each verse. Perhaps it would be helpful for us to distinguish between mercy and [[grace]]. They are not one and the same. One is negative and one is positive. One keeps us from [[hell]], and the other assures us of [[heaven]]. Mercy is not getting what you deserve ([[hell]] and [[judgment]]), while [[grace]] is getting that which you do not deserve ([[heaven]] and [[God]]'s blessing).
In Psalm 137 the Jewish captives hung their harps on the trees beside a river near [[Babylon]] and sat down and wept. They had been captured by the enemy for their disobedience. But even in captivity they would trust that [[God]]'s mercy would not forsake them. And they would not be let down.
