Psalms 136:13

KJV

To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

KJV (with Strong's)

To him which divided {H1504} the Red {H5488} sea {H3220} into parts {H1506}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}:

Complete Jewish Bible

to him who split apart the Sea of Suf, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

He divided the Red Sea in two His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

To him that divided the Red Sea in sunder; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 136:13 celebrates a monumental act of divine power and deliverance: God's miraculous division of the Red Sea, enabling the Israelites to escape Egyptian bondage. It stands as a powerful testament to God's omnipotence and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, underscored by the psalm's recurring refrain that His steadfast love (mercy) endureth eternally.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 136 is a unique liturgical psalm, often referred to as "The Great Hallel," distinguished by its responsorial structure. Each verse presents a declaration of God's mighty deeds, followed by the congregational refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." The psalm systematically recounts God's creative acts in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), His powerful deliverance of Israel from Egypt (beginning in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")), His guidance through the wilderness, and His provision of the Promised Land. Verse 13 specifically recalls the pivotal Red Sea crossing, a climactic moment in the Exodus narrative that dramatically demonstrated God's sovereign power and faithfulness to His people. This event is strategically placed after references to the plagues and before the journey through the wilderness, highlighting its significance as the ultimate act of liberation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the Red Sea (or more accurately, the Reed Sea, *Yam Suph*) is the defining historical event for ancient Israel, marking their transition from slavery in Egypt to freedom as a nation under God's covenant. This event, detailed in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing"), was not merely a natural phenomenon but a supernatural intervention that destroyed the pursuing Egyptian army and secured Israel's escape. For the Israelites, it established Yahweh as the supreme God, superior to all Egyptian deities, and solidified their identity as His chosen people. Recalling this event in worship would have served as a powerful reminder of God's past faithfulness and a source of hope for future deliverance, reinforcing their national and religious identity in a world dominated by polytheistic empires.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 136:13 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it showcases **God's Omnipotent Power**, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over creation and His ability to intervene decisively in human history, as seen in the miraculous parting of the waters (cf. [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-22 - The Parting of the Red Sea")). Secondly, the verse, through its refrain, underscores **God's Enduring Mercy (Hebrew: *Chesed*)**, emphasizing that His mighty acts are not arbitrary displays of power but are deeply rooted in His steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and loyal kindness towards His people. This *chesed* is eternal and unwavering, a theme echoed in passages like [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Mercies are New Every Morning"). Thirdly, it highlights **Divine Deliverance and Salvation**, portraying the Red Sea crossing as the ultimate act of salvation for Israel, freeing them from slavery and leading them towards their promised inheritance, a foundational example of God's commitment to liberating His people from oppression. Finally, the psalm encourages **Remembering God's Works**, fostering a communal and personal recollection of God's past acts of faithfulness to reinforce trust and inspire continued praise for His ongoing care and provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **divided (Hebrew, _gâzar'_):** H1504. From a primitive root meaning "to cut down or off." In this context, it vividly describes God's active, decisive intervention to separate the waters, creating a path through the sea. It implies a definitive, powerful act of severance, not a mere natural occurrence, emphasizing God's absolute control over creation. The related word H1506 (_gezer_) means "something cut off; a portion; part, piece," reinforcing the idea of a deliberate division into distinct sections.
* **Red (Hebrew, _çûwph'_):** H5488. Probably of Egyptian origin, meaning "a reed, especially the papyrus." This term, often translated as "Red Sea," more accurately refers to the "Reed Sea" (*Yam Suph*). This designation emphasizes the marshy, reedy nature of the body of water, which was a significant geographical barrier. The miracle is heightened by the fact that God made a path through such an impassable, watery expanse, demonstrating His power over all natural obstacles.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** H2617. A profound theological term encompassing kindness, loyal love, steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and enduring goodness. It is not merely pity but an active, committed, and dependable love, especially within the context of a relationship or covenant. The repetition of this word throughout Psalm 136 underscores that God's mighty acts of deliverance are always expressions of His unchanging, faithful, and committed love for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To him which divided the Red sea into parts":** This clause directs praise and worship to God, the one who performed the extraordinary act of dividing the Reed Sea. The act of "dividing into parts" emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event, where a natural barrier was supernaturally separated to create a dry path for Israel. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His ability to manipulate the natural world for the sake of His people's salvation. It is a direct reference to the pivotal moment in [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-22 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), where Moses stretched out his hand, and the Lord drove back the sea with a strong east wind, making the waters stand up like walls.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever":** This recurring refrain is the theological anchor of the entire psalm. It provides the divine motivation for all of God's mighty acts, including the division of the Red Sea. The deliverance was not arbitrary but flowed from God's eternal, unwavering *chesed*—His steadfast, loyal, covenant love. This phrase assures the worshiper that God's faithfulness and goodness are not fleeting but are constant across generations, providing a foundation for trust and hope in His continued care.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 136:13 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the **Refrain** "for his mercy endureth for ever," which appears at the end of every verse in the psalm. This constant repetition serves to underscore the central theological truth that God's steadfast love is the immutable foundation for all His actions, whether in creation, judgment, or deliverance. It acts as a liturgical response, embedding this truth deeply into the minds and hearts of the worshipers. The verse also utilizes **Metonymy** by referring to "the Red sea" (or Reed Sea) as a symbol of insurmountable obstacles and ultimate deliverance. The act of dividing this sea is a powerful **Metaphor** for God's ability to make a way where there seems to be no way, transforming an impassable barrier into a path of salvation. Furthermore, the psalm as a whole functions as a **Hymn of Praise**, recounting God's historical acts to evoke worship and gratitude, with verse 13 serving as a key historical anchor for this praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 136:13 stands as a profound theological statement, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history, driven by His unchanging character of *chesed*. The division of the Red Sea is not merely a historical event but a paradigmatic act of salvation, demonstrating that God's power is always exercised in conjunction with His covenant faithfulness and steadfast love. This event prefigures future acts of divine intervention and serves as an eternal promise that God will always provide a way of escape and deliverance for His people, even from the most formidable adversaries. It grounds the worshiper's trust in a God whose past faithfulness guarantees His future care, reminding them that His mercy is the enduring bedrock of their hope and security.

* [Exodus 14:21-31](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-31 - The Red Sea Crossing and Egyptian Defeat")
* [Isaiah 43:16](/isaiah/43-16 "Isaiah 43:16 - God Makes a Way in the Sea")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Come to an End")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 136:13 invites contemporary believers to deeply ponder the nature of God and His active presence in their lives. Just as God miraculously intervened to part the Red Sea for Israel, He remains the same God who can make a way through our seemingly impossible circumstances. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of unwavering trust, remembering that no obstacle is too great for His omnipotent power. Furthermore, the enduring refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," reassures us that God's actions are always rooted in His steadfast love. In moments of doubt, fear, or overwhelming challenge, we are encouraged to recall God's past faithfulness—both in biblical history and in our personal experiences—and to rest in the certainty that His *chesed* will never fail. This remembrance fosters gratitude, strengthens faith, and inspires persistent praise, transforming our perspective from despair to hopeful reliance on His eternal mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Red Seas" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you currently facing in your life? How does remembering God's power in Psalm 136:13 encourage you in these situations?**
* **How does the concept of God's "mercy enduring forever" impact your understanding of His character and your relationship with Him?**
* **In what practical ways can you regularly remember and give thanks for God's past acts of deliverance in your life and in the history of His people?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "Red Sea" in this verse?**

Answer: The "Red Sea" (more accurately, *Yam Suph* or "Reed Sea") in Psalms 136:13 refers to the body of water that God miraculously divided to allow the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptian army, as recounted in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing"). Its significance is profound: it represents the ultimate act of divine deliverance, marking the definitive liberation of Israel from slavery and establishing God's supreme power over all natural forces and human oppressors. It served as a foundational event that shaped Israel's identity and their understanding of God's covenant faithfulness.

**Why is the phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" repeated so many times in Psalm 136?**

Answer: The repetition of "for his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew: *ki l'olam chasdo*) at the end of every verse in Psalm 136 is a central liturgical and theological device. It serves multiple purposes: it emphasizes that every act of God, whether in creation, judgment, or deliverance (like the Red Sea parting), is fundamentally motivated by His eternal and unchanging *chesed*—His steadfast love, loyal kindness, and covenant faithfulness. This refrain encourages communal participation in worship, reinforces the enduring nature of God's character, and provides a constant source of assurance and hope for the worshiper, reminding them that God's goodness is not fleeting but everlasting, as also highlighted in [1 Chronicles 16:34](/1_chronicles/16-34 "1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 136:13 celebrates a historical act of physical deliverance, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The division of the Red Sea, a seemingly impossible act that made a way through an impassable barrier, powerfully foreshadows Christ's victory over sin and death, which were the ultimate barriers between humanity and God. Just as Israel was delivered from bondage to Pharaoh, humanity is delivered from the bondage of sin through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. The "way" made through the Red Sea points to Jesus, who declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, making a way out of the grave and into eternal life for all who believe. The enduring mercy (*chesed*) celebrated in the psalm finds its supreme expression in God's sending of His Son, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), to bear the sins of the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, the Red Sea miracle, a testament to God's saving power and eternal love, culminates in the greater salvation accomplished by Christ, through whom God's mercy truly endures forever for all who are "in Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 78:13

He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.

Psalms 106:9

He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

Psalms 106:11

And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.

Psalms 66:5

Come and see the works of God: [he is] terrible [in his] doing toward the children of men.

Psalms 66:6

He turned the sea into dry [land]: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

Exodus 14:29

But the children of Israel walked upon dry [land] in the midst of the sea; and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Hebrews 11:29

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry [land]: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.