To him that stretched out the earth above the waters - Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:9; see the notes at Psalm 24:2.
For his mercy - As an illustration of his benignity and kindness in preparing an abode for man, and for other creatures in the world. Whatever there is of life or happiness, on the continents and islands, has resulted from that act of God when "he made the dry land appear."

Stretched out the earth above the waters - Or, upon the waters. This seems to refer to a central abyss of waters, the existence of which has not been yet disproved.

To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his (b) mercy [endureth] for ever.
(b) This was a common kind of thanksgiving, which the whole people used, when they had received any benefit from God, as in (2-Chronicles 7:6, 2-Chronicles 20:21), meaning that God was not only merciful to their fathers, but also continued the same to their posterity.

To him that stretcheth out the earth above the waters,.... Or, "besides the waters" (t), close by them, and yet secures the earth from being covered with them; see Psalm 24:2;
for his mercy endureth for ever; it was in mercy he caused the waters to go off the earth which first covered it; that trees, plants, and herbs, might spring up out of it, and that it might be a fit habitation for man; and though for the sins of the old world these waters were let in upon it, which drowned it, and destroyed man and beast upon it, except a few that were in mercy preserved; yet the Lord has promised and swore to it, that these waters shall no more go over the earth to destroy it; he has set a bound for the sea that it cannot pass, by a decree of his; even the sand on the shore, which, as weak as it may seem to be, is a bound unpassable; though they may toss and rage and roar, they shall not prevail, nor pass over it, which is a perpetual miracle of mercy, Jeremiah 5:22.
(t) "juxta aquas", Tirinus, Gejerus, Michaelis.