This psalm is a kind of pair or remake of Psalm 135 -- the first halves of verses 17 - 22 virtually repeat Ps. 135: 10 - 12. [This RV or Revised Version (1881) of the King James translation is below recopied from Michael D. Goulder's "Study on the Psalter, IV": The Psalms of the Return (Book V, Psalms 107- 150).
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of gods. For his mercy . . .
O give thanks unto the lord of lords. For his mercy . . .
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy . . .
To him that by understanding made the heavens: for his . . .
To him that spread forth the earth above the waters: for his . . .
To him that made great lights: for his mercy . . .
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy . . .
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy . . .
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy . . .
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm for . . .
To him which divided the Red Sea in sunder: for his . . .
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for . . .
But shook off Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea: for . . .
To him which led his people through the wilderness: for . . .
(Verse 17) To him which smote great kings:for his mercy endureth . . .
And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy . . .
Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy . . .
(Verse 23) And hath delivered us from our adversaries: for his . . .
He giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth . . .
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth forever.
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John Milton also wrote a poetic paraphrase - adaptation of this part of the Psalter:
Psalm 136
Let us with a gladsom mind
Praise the Lord, for he is kind,
For his mercies ay endure,
Ever faithfull, ever sure.
Let us blaze his Name abroad, [ 5 ]
For of gods he is the God;
For, &c.
O let us his praises tell,
That doth the wrathfull tyrants quell. [ 10 ]
For, &c.
That with his miracles doth make
Amazed Heav'n and Earth to shake.
For, &c. [ 15 ]
That by his wisdom did create
The painted Heav'ns so full of state.
For his, &c. [ 20 ]
That did the solid Earth ordain
To rise above the watry plain.
For his, &c.
That by his all-commanding might, [ 25 ]
Did fill the new-made world with light.
For his, &c.
And caus'd the Golden-tressed Sun,
All the day long his cours to run. [ 30 ]
For his, &c.
The horned Moon to shine by night,
Amongst her spangled sisters bright.
For his, &c. [ 35 ]
He with his thunder-clasping hand,
Smote the first-born of Egypt Land.
For his, &c. [ 40 ]
And in despite of Pharao fell,
He brought from thence his Israel.
For, &c.
The ruddy waves he cleft in twain, [ 45 ]
Of the Erythræan main.
For, &c.
The floods stood still like Walls of Glass,
While the Hebrew Bands did pass. [ 50 ]
For, &c.
But full soon they did devour
The Tawny King with all his power.
For, &c. [ 55 ]
His chosen people he did bless
In the wastfull Wildernes.
For, &c. [ 60 ]
In bloody battail he brought down
Kings of prowess and renown.
For, &c.
He foild bold Seon and his host, [ 65 ]
That rul'd the Amorrean coast.
For, &c.
And large-lim'd Og he did subdue,
With all his over hardy crew. [ 70 ]
For, &c.
And to his Servant Israel,
He gave their Land therin to dwell.
For, &c. [ 75 ]
He hath with a piteous eye
Beheld us in our misery.
For, &c. [ 80 ]
And freed us from the slavery
Of the invading enimy.
For, &c.
All living creatures he doth feed, [ 85 ]
And with full hand supplies their need.
For, &c.
Let us therfore warble forth
His mighty Majesty and worth. [ 90 ]
For, &c.
That his mansion hath on high
Above the reach of mortall ey.
For his mercies ay endure, [ 95 ]
Ever faithfull, ever sure.
https://www.dartmouth.edu/~milton/reading_room/psalm_136/text.shtml
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