To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:
To him which divided {H1504} the Red {H5488} sea {H3220} into parts {H1506}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}:
to him who split apart the Sea of Suf, for his grace continues forever;
He divided the Red Sea in two His loving devotion endures forever.
To him that divided the Red Sea in sunder; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;
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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.
Psalm 136:13 is a powerful verse within a unique psalm, often called "The Great Hallel," which is characterized by its repetitive refrain: "for his mercy endureth for ever." This particular verse celebrates one of the most iconic acts of divine intervention in Israel's history.
Context
Psalm 136 is a liturgical hymn, likely used in temple worship, where a leader would recite the first part of each verse, and the congregation or choir would respond with the refrain. The psalm recounts God's creative acts, His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, His guidance through the wilderness, and His provision of the Promised Land. Verse 13 specifically recalls the miraculous division of the Red Sea, a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative that signified God's mighty hand in liberating His people from Egyptian bondage.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "mercy" in the refrain is chesed (חֶסֶד), a rich theological term that encompasses more than just pity or compassion. It refers to God's loyal love, steadfast kindness, covenant faithfulness, and enduring goodness. It's a love that is active, committed, and dependable, especially in the context of a relationship or covenant. The phrase "endureth for ever" (לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, l'olam chasdo) underscores the eternal, unwavering nature of this divine attribute. This concept of God's unchanging love is also seen in passages like Lamentations 3:22-23.
Practical Application
For believers today, Psalm 136:13 serves as a powerful reminder that the same God who miraculously delivered Israel from the Red Sea is still active and powerful. It encourages us to: