Psalms 136:14

Translation
King James Version
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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KJV (with Strong's)
And made Israel H3478 to pass through H5674 the midst H8432 of it: for his mercy H2617 endureth for ever H5769:
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Complete Jewish Bible
and made Isra'el cross right through it, for his grace continues forever;
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Berean Standard Bible
and led Israel through the midst, His loving devotion endures forever.
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American Standard Version
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;
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World English Bible Messianic
And made Israel to pass through its midst; for his loving kindness endures forever;
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And made Israel to passe through the mids of it: for his mercie endureth for euer:
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Young's Literal Translation
And caused Israel to pass through its midst, For to the age is His kindness,
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See also
Exodus 14:22Psalms 106:9Psalms 78:13
In the KJVVerse 16,211 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 136:14 commemorates a foundational moment in Israel's history: God's miraculous act of leading His people through the Red Sea, transforming an insurmountable barrier into a path to freedom. This verse, deeply embedded within a psalm of thanksgiving that celebrates God's mighty deeds from creation to redemption, underscores divine intervention and the enduring nature of God's loyal love (hesed), which serves as the foundational motivation for all His saving acts. It powerfully highlights God's sovereign power to create a way where there is none, affirming His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 136 is a distinctive liturgical psalm, often referred to as 'The Great Hallel,' characterized by its responsorial structure. Each declaration of God's attributes or mighty acts is immediately followed by the unchanging refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This repetitive structure creates a powerful cumulative effect, deeply embedding the truth of God's eternal hesed (loyal love) as the underlying reason for all His interventions throughout history. Verse 14 specifically falls within a section recounting the Exodus from Egypt, immediately following the mention of God's division of the Red Sea in Psalms 136:13. It serves as the dramatic climax of God's deliverance from Egyptian bondage, showcasing His direct and powerful intervention on behalf of His chosen people. The psalm progresses chronologically, from creation to the Exodus, wilderness wanderings, and the conquest of the land, illustrating a continuous and consistent pattern of divine care and covenant faithfulness.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Red Sea crossing (often identified with the Sea of Reeds) represents the quintessential act of salvation in ancient Israel's collective memory, foundational to their identity as God's redeemed nation. This event marked the definitive break from slavery in Egypt and the birth of Israel as a distinct people under Yahweh's direct leadership. Detailed in Exodus 14, it was not merely a historical incident but a profound theological statement, demonstrating Yahweh's unique power and faithfulness, setting Him apart from the gods of Egypt. For the Israelites, recounting this event, particularly in a communal worship setting like that implied by Psalm 136's responsorial nature, served to reinforce their covenant relationship with God, reminding them of His past faithfulness and cultivating trust for future challenges. The phrase "the midst of it" powerfully emphasizes the totality and miraculous nature of the passage—a dry path created through an otherwise impassable natural barrier.
  • Key Themes: Psalms 136:14 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores Divine Deliverance, portraying God as the sovereign deliverer who actively intervenes to rescue His people from impossible situations. The act of making Israel pass through the sea demonstrates God's immense power and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promises, echoing the themes found throughout the book of Exodus. Secondly, the verse, through its unchanging refrain, highlights God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed). This rich Hebrew term, hesed, signifies a loyal, steadfast, and covenantal love that is not fleeting but eternal. It is the unchanging character of God that motivates His saving acts, providing a secure foundation for Israel's faith, as seen in passages like Lamentations 3:22-23. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of Overcoming the Impossible, illustrating God's ability to create a way where there is no way, turning an insurmountable obstacle into a path of salvation and freedom. This miracle serves as a perpetual reminder that God's power is limitless and His will for His people's salvation is unwavering.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Israel (Hebrew, Yisrâʼêl', H3478): From שָׂרָה and אֵל, meaning "he will rule as God." This term refers to the symbolic name given to Jacob, and by extension, to his posterity, the nation of Israel. In Psalms 136:14, it identifies the specific people group for whom God performed this miraculous deliverance, emphasizing their unique status as God's chosen covenant people and the recipients of His faithful intervention.
  • pass through (Hebrew, ʻâbar', H5674): A primitive root meaning "to cross over." This verb is used very widely for any transition, literal or figurative, and can be transitive, intransitive, intensive, or causative. Here, it is used in a causative sense ("made Israel to pass through"), indicating God's direct and active agency in enabling the impossible crossing of the Red Sea. It highlights the divine power that cleared the path and guided His people through the midst of the waters.
  • mercy (Hebrew, chêçêd', H2617): From חָסַד, meaning "kindness," "piety," "favour," "good deed," "kindly," "loving-kindness," "merciful kindness," "mercy," or "pity." Hesed is a rich theological term encompassing loyal love, covenant faithfulness, and steadfast love. It speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His people, a love that is both powerful and eternally binding, forming the very essence of His relationship with Israel and the motivation for His redemptive acts.
  • for ever (Hebrew, ʻôwlâm', H5769): Properly, "concealed," referring to the vanishing point; generally, "time out of mind (past or future)," practically "eternity." This term emphasizes the perpetual, unchanging, and unending nature of God's hesed. It signifies that God's loyal love is not temporary or conditional but extends through all generations, providing an eternal foundation for hope and trust.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And made Israel to pass through the midst of it": This clause describes the specific, miraculous act of divine intervention. "It" refers to the divided Red Sea mentioned in the preceding verse (Psalms 136:13). The phrase "made Israel to pass through" emphasizes God's direct agency and omnipotent power in creating a dry path through an otherwise impassable body of water. This was not a natural phenomenon but a supernatural act demonstrating God's sovereign control over creation for the sake of His people's deliverance from Egyptian bondage and their journey to freedom.
  • "for his mercy endureth for ever": This is the recurring refrain of Psalm 136, serving as the theological explanation and ultimate motivation for every act of God recounted in the psalm. The phrase "for his mercy" (Hebrew ki chasdo) indicates that God's hesed (His loyal, steadfast, and covenantal love) is the driving force behind all His actions. "Endureth for ever" (Hebrew l'olam) signifies the eternal, unchanging, and perpetual nature of this divine attribute. It assures the worshiper that God's faithfulness and loving-kindness are not temporary or fleeting but everlasting, providing an unchanging foundation for hope, trust, and worship across all generations.

Literary Devices

The most prominent literary device in Psalms 136:14, and indeed throughout the entire psalm, is Repetition. The consistent refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," serves as a powerful liturgical and didactic device that emphasizes the eternal nature of God's hesed. This repetition not only reinforces the central theological message but also creates a rhythmic, memorable structure suitable for communal worship, embedding the truth of God's enduring love deeply into the hearts and minds of the worshipers. Additionally, the phrase "pass through the midst of it" employs a form of Hyperbole or highlights Divine Intervention by emphasizing the extraordinary and impossible nature of the feat, underscoring God's absolute power to defy natural limitations and create a path where none existed. The Red Sea itself functions as Symbolism, representing an insurmountable obstacle or a place of certain death that God miraculously transforms into a path of life and salvation, a powerful metaphor for God's ability to deliver His people from any bondage, threat, or seemingly impossible situation.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 136:14 stands as a profound testament to God's active involvement in the history of His people, illustrating that His power and faithfulness are always anchored in His unchanging character of hesed. The Red Sea crossing is not merely a historical event but a theological paradigm, demonstrating God's commitment to delivering His people from bondage and leading them into freedom. This act of salvation, motivated by an eternal, covenantal love, assures believers that God's past faithfulness is a guarantee of His future care. It underscores that God's mercy is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring attribute that drives His redemptive purposes throughout history, providing a secure foundation for trust and hope in every generation. This verse reminds us that God's love is the constant, unwavering force behind His mighty acts of salvation.

  • Exodus 14:21-22 - Provides the detailed historical account of the Red Sea crossing, demonstrating God's miraculous power and direct intervention.
  • Isaiah 43:16 - Prophesies God's continued ability to make a way through impossible obstacles, directly echoing the Red Sea deliverance as a pattern of His redemptive work.
  • Lamentations 3:22-23 - Affirms the unfailing and new mercies of the Lord, directly connecting to the concept of God's enduring hesed and His perpetual faithfulness.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 136:14 calls us to remember God's profound faithfulness and His enduring mercy, not just as historical facts but as living truths applicable to our lives today. Just as God made a way through the Red Sea for Israel, He remains capable of leading us through our own seemingly impossible situations, whether they are personal struggles, spiritual battles, or overwhelming societal challenges. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unchanging character, knowing that His loyal love is the constant motivation behind His actions on our behalf. Reflecting on such mighty acts of deliverance should inspire profound gratitude and a renewed commitment to worship, acknowledging that our God is eternally good and His mercy never fails. It challenges us to look beyond our present difficulties and fix our gaze on the God who has always made a way, and always will, demonstrating His steadfast love for His people.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "Red Sea" moments have you experienced in your life where God miraculously made a way for you?
  • How does meditating on God's declaration, "for his mercy endureth for ever," impact your trust in Him during times of uncertainty or fear?
  • In what ways can you more consistently acknowledge and give thanks for God's enduring hesed in your daily life, recognizing His constant faithfulness?
  • How does the historical deliverance of Israel inform your understanding of God's character and His ongoing work in the world today, both personally and globally?

FAQ

What is the significance of the phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever"?

Answer: The phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew: ki chasdo l'olam) is the central refrain of Psalm 136, appearing 26 times. Its significance is profound: it declares that God's hesed—His loyal love, steadfast kindness, and covenant faithfulness—is not temporary or conditional, but eternal and unchanging. This enduring mercy is presented as the fundamental attribute of God that motivates all His actions, from creation to redemption. It assures the worshiper that God's commitment to His people and His promises is perpetual, providing an unwavering foundation for trust and hope. It means that every act of divine power and deliverance, like the Red Sea crossing, is rooted in His eternal character of love.

How does the Red Sea crossing in this verse relate to God's character?

Answer: The Red Sea crossing, as recounted in Psalms 136:14, is a quintessential demonstration of God's character. It highlights His omnipotence, as He supernaturally divides a vast body of water to create a dry path. It showcases His faithfulness to His covenant promises, as He delivers Israel from bondage just as He promised Abraham. Most importantly, it is presented as an act of His enduring mercy (hesed). The verse explicitly states, "for his mercy endureth for ever," indicating that this miraculous deliverance was not an arbitrary display of power but an expression of His steadfast, loyal love for His chosen people. It reveals a God who is actively involved in the lives of His people, powerful enough to overcome any obstacle, and motivated by an eternal, unwavering love, as seen throughout the biblical narrative of salvation.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 136:14, with its emphasis on God making a way through an impossible barrier by His enduring mercy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Red Sea crossing, a foundational act of deliverance for Old Testament Israel, foreshadows the greater salvation accomplished through the person and work of Jesus. Just as God led Israel through the waters to freedom from physical bondage, Christ leads His people through the waters of baptism into new life, delivering them from the spiritual bondage of sin and death. His death on the cross, the ultimate act of God's hesed ( loyal love), created a "way" through the seemingly insurmountable barrier of human sin and divine wrath, granting access to God, as Jesus Himself declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life". As the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, Jesus is the embodiment of God's eternal mercy, providing a spiritual exodus for all who believe. His resurrection is the ultimate triumph over death, making a path to eternal life where there was none, echoing God's power to overcome the impossible. Through Christ, God's mercy truly "endures for ever," as His sacrifice established an everlasting covenant and offers eternal salvation to all who call upon His name, leading them not just to a promised land, but to an imperishable inheritance in His heavenly kingdom.

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Commentary on Psalms 136 verses 10–22

The great things God for Israel, when he first formed them into a people, and set up his kingdom among them, are here mentioned, as often elsewhere in the psalms, as instances both of the power of God and of the particular kindness he had for Israel. See Psa 135:8, etc. 1. He brought them out of Egypt, Psa 136:10-12. That was a mercy which endured long to them, and our redemption by Christ, which was typified by that, does indeed endure for ever, for it is an eternal redemption. Of all the plagues of Egypt, none is mentioned but the death of the first-born, because that was the conquering plague; by that God, who in all the plagues distinguished the Israelites from the Egyptians, brought them at last from among them, not by a wile, but with a strong hand and an arm stretched out to reach far and do great things. These miracles of mercy, as they proved Moses's commission to give law to Israel, so they laid Israel under lasting obligations to obey that law, Exo 20:2. 2. He forced them a way through the Red Sea, which obstructed them at their first setting out. By the power he has to control the common course of nature he divided the sea into two parts, between which he opened a path, and made Israel to pass between the parts, now that they were to enter into covenant with him; see Jer 34:18. He not only divided the sea, but gave his people courage to go through it when it was divided, which was an instance of God's power over men's hearts, as the former of his power over the waters. And, to make it a miracle of justice as well as mercy, the same Red Sea that was a lane to the Israelites was a grave to their pursuers. There he shook off Pharaoh and his host. 3. He conducted them through a vast howling wilderness (Psa 136:16); there he led them and fed them. Their camp was victualled and fortified by a constant series of miracles for forty years; though they loitered and wandered there, they were not lost. And in this the mercy of God, and the constancy of that mercy, were the more observable because they often provoked him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert. 4. He destroyed kings before them, to make room for them (Psa 136:17, Psa 136:18), not deposed and banished them, but smote and slew them, in which appeared his wrath against them, but his mercy, his never-failing mercy, to Israel. And that which magnified it was that they were great kings and famous kings, yet God subdued them as easily as if they had been the least, and weakest, and meanest, of the children of men. They were wicked kings, and then their grandeur and lustre would not secure them from the justice of God. The more great and famous they were the more did God's mercy to Israel appear in giving such kings for them. Sihon and Og are particularly mentioned, because they were the first two that were conquered on the other side Jordan, Psa 136:19, Psa 136:20. It is good to enter into the detail of God's favours and not to view them in the gross, and in each instance to observe, and own, that God's mercy endureth for ever. 5. He put them in possession of a good land, Psa 136:21, Psa 136:22. He whose the earth is, and the fulness thereof, the world and those that dwell therein, took land from one people and gave it to another, as pleased him. The iniquity of the Amorites was now full, and therefore it was taken from them. Israel was his servant, and, though they had been provoking in the wilderness, yet he intended to have some service out of them, for to them pertained the service of God. As he said to the Egyptians, Let my people go, so to the Canaanites, Let my people in, that they may serve me. In this God's mercy to them endureth for ever, because it was a figure of the heavenly Canaan, the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–22. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 136
"And brought out Israel through the midst of it" [Psalm 136:14]. So too He brings out His renewed people through the laver of regeneration.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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