Psalms 136:14

And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

And made Israel {H3478} to pass through {H5674} the midst {H8432} of it: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}:

and made Isra'el cross right through it, for his grace continues forever;

and led Israel through the midst, His loving devotion endures forever.

And made Israel to pass through the midst of it; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;

Context

Psalm 136 is a unique liturgical psalm, often referred to as 'The Great Hallel,' characterized by its responsorial structure where each line of praise is followed by the refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This psalm serves as a powerful hymn of thanksgiving, recounting God's mighty acts of creation and redemption. Verse 14 specifically highlights a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the Red Sea crossing, immediately following the miraculous parting of the waters mentioned in verse 13. It emphasizes God's direct intervention in leading His people through an impossible barrier.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The verse underscores God's immense power and willingness to act on behalf of His people, providing a miraculous path through the Red Sea. This act of divine deliverance is a cornerstone of Israel's identity and faith.
  • God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed): The recurring refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," is central. It emphasizes that God's actions are rooted in His unchanging character of loyal love and covenant faithfulness. This mercy is not fleeting but eternal, serving as the motivation behind His saving acts.
  • Overcoming the Impossible: The act of passing through the midst of the sea illustrates God's ability to create a way where there is no way, turning an insurmountable obstacle into a path of salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in the recurring refrain is "mercy," which translates the Hebrew word חֶסֶד (hesed). This term is much richer than just "mercy" or "kindness." It encompasses concepts of loyal love, covenant faithfulness, steadfast love, and enduring kindness. It speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His people, a love that is both powerful and eternally binding. The phrase "endureth for ever" (l'olam chesed) reinforces the eternal and unchanging nature of this divine attribute.

Practical Application

Psalm 136:14, along with the entire psalm, serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature and His consistent faithfulness throughout history. For believers today, this verse encourages:

  • Trust in God's Deliverance: Just as God made a way through the Red Sea, He is capable of leading us through our own seemingly impossible situations, whether personal challenges, spiritual battles, or societal crises.
  • Confidence in God's Unchanging Love: The eternal nature of God's hesed assures us that His love and commitment to His people are not dependent on our performance but on His character. This provides a foundation of security and hope.
  • A Call to Thanksgiving: Reflecting on God's mighty acts of the past, like the Exodus, should inspire us to remember and give thanks for His interventions in our own lives, acknowledging that His mercy continues to endure.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 14:22

    And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

  • 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 78:13

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