Psalms 136:15

KJV

But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

But overthrew {H5287} Pharaoh {H6547} and his host {H2428} in the Red {H5488} sea {H3220}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Sea of Suf, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 136:15 recounts the pivotal moment when God decisively overthrew Pharaoh and his entire army in the Red Sea, a dramatic act of judgment against Israel's oppressor that simultaneously served as a profound demonstration of His enduring, covenantal mercy towards His chosen people. This verse, embedded within a psalm of litany and thanksgiving, underscores God's sovereign power to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds, anchoring their hope and gratitude in His unchanging faithfulness across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 136 is uniquely structured as a liturgical hymn, often referred to as "The Great Hallel," characterized by its repetitive refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This call-and-response format likely facilitated congregational worship, with the leader reciting God's mighty deeds and the assembly responding with the declaration of His eternal *chesed*. The psalm systematically reviews God's creative power (verses 1-9), His redemptive acts in the Exodus (verses 10-24), and His ongoing provision (verses 25-26). Verse 15 specifically falls within the Exodus narrative section, highlighting the climactic deliverance at the Red Sea, which serves as the ultimate proof of God's power over earthly rulers and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It is the culmination of the plagues and the pursuit, marking the definitive break from Egyptian bondage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event described in Psalms 136:15 refers to the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea (or Sea of Reeds) by the Israelites and the subsequent destruction of Pharaoh's army, as detailed in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing"). This was not merely a historical battle but a foundational event for Israel's identity as a nation delivered by divine intervention. Pharaoh was considered a god-king in ancient Egypt, embodying the nation's power and resistance to any external authority, especially a foreign deity like Yahweh. His "host" represented the mightiest military force of the ancient world. The Red Sea itself, a natural barrier, became the instrument of both Israel's salvation and Egypt's judgment, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over nature and human empires. This event permanently marked the transition of Israel from slaves to a free people, bound by covenant to their Deliverer.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes present throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it showcases **God's Sovereign Power and Judgment**, demonstrating His ability to intervene decisively in human history, overthrowing the mightiest of empires when they oppose His will and oppress His people. Pharaoh's destruction is a vivid example of divine justice. Secondly, the recurring refrain emphasizes **God's Enduring Mercy (Chesed)**. While the act of judgment against Egypt was severe, it was an act of profound deliverance and *chesed* (steadfast love, covenant loyalty) towards Israel, securing their freedom and fulfilling God's promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). This highlights that God's justice and mercy are not contradictory but work in tandem to accomplish His righteous purposes. Finally, the verse is a prime example of **Divine Deliverance**, establishing a paradigm for God's willingness and capacity to rescue His people from impossible situations, a theme that resonates from the Exodus to the ultimate salvation found in Christ (e.g., [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Overthrew (Hebrew, _nâʻar'_):** This primitive root (H5287) conveys the idea of tumbling about, shaking off or out, or tossing up and down. In this context, it vividly describes the violent and complete destruction of Pharaoh and his army. It's not a mere defeat but an utter obliteration, as if they were violently shaken out of existence or tossed into the depths. This emphasizes the decisive and overwhelming nature of God's judgment, leaving no doubt about His absolute power over the forces of evil.
* **Host (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be strong," this word (H2428) signifies a force, whether of men, means, or other resources. Here, it specifically refers to Pharaoh's formidable military force or army, representing the full might and strength of the Egyptian empire. The destruction of this "host" underscores that no human power, however great, can stand against the Lord's might.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This profound theological term (H2617) denotes kindness, favor, good deed, and especially loyal, steadfast, covenantal love. It's not just a feeling but an active, enduring commitment. The overthrow of Pharaoh, while an act of judgment for Egypt, was an unparalleled act of *chesed* for Israel, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to deliver and preserve His people, even when they were undeserving.
* **For ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This word (H5769) refers to time out of mind, past or future, practically meaning eternity or perpetual continuance. When applied to God's mercy (*chesed*), it emphasizes the eternal, unchanging, and unfailing nature of His covenantal love. It assures the worshiper that God's faithfulness is not temporary or conditional on human performance but is an inherent, eternal attribute of His character, providing an unshakeable foundation for trust and hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But overthrew Pharaoh and his host":** This clause describes God's decisive act of judgment against the oppressive power of Egypt. "Overthrew" implies a complete and utter defeat, not merely a setback. Pharaoh, the reigning monarch and symbol of Egyptian might, along with his entire military "host," representing the nation's strength, were completely annihilated. This highlights God's supreme power to humble the proud and deliver justice.
* **"in the Red sea":** This specifies the location of this dramatic overthrow. The Red Sea, which had miraculously parted to allow Israel's passage, became the instrument of Egypt's destruction. This detail emphasizes that God used the very natural elements He created to execute His will, turning a pathway of salvation for His people into a watery grave for their enemies, thereby demonstrating His absolute control over creation.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever":** This is the psalm's recurring refrain, providing the theological lens through which the preceding event must be understood. The overthrow of Pharaoh, though a fearsome act of judgment, is presented as an expression of God's eternal, steadfast, covenantal love (*chesed*) towards Israel. It was an act of deliverance rooted in His unchanging faithfulness to His promises, ensuring the freedom and future of His chosen people. This refrain transforms a narrative of destruction into a declaration of God's unwavering redemptive purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 136:15, like the entire psalm, prominently features **Repetition** through its constant refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This liturgical device reinforces the central theological truth of God's unchanging *chesed* and serves as a mnemonic for communal worship, embedding the message deeply into the hearts of the worshipers. The verse also employs **Juxtaposition**, placing the violent overthrow of Pharaoh directly alongside the declaration of God's eternal mercy. This highlights a profound theological paradox: God's judgment against the wicked is simultaneously an act of loyal love and deliverance for His people. Furthermore, the narrative of the Red Sea crossing is a powerful **Symbolism** of divine intervention and salvation, establishing a foundational archetype for future acts of deliverance. The destruction of Pharaoh and his host also carries an element of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the completeness of God's victory over what seemed an insurmountable human force, thereby magnifying God's power and glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 136:15 stands as a monumental testimony to God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating that His character is a perfect synthesis of justice and mercy. The overthrow of Pharaoh was not an arbitrary act of power but a righteous judgment against an oppressive regime that defied God and enslaved His people. Simultaneously, it was the ultimate expression of God's *chesed*—His loyal, steadfast, covenantal love—towards Israel, fulfilling His ancient promises of deliverance and land. This event establishes a pattern for God's redemptive work: He is the God who delivers His people by confronting and defeating the forces that oppose them. This divine pattern assures believers that God's faithfulness is eternal, providing a secure foundation for trust in His ongoing care and ultimate triumph over all evil.

* [Exodus 14:27-28](/exodus/14-27 "Exodus 14:27-28 - The Waters Return")
* [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love for Israel")
* [Isaiah 51:9-11](/isaiah/51-9 "Isaiah 51:9-11 - The Arm of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 136:15 offers profound reassurance and a call to worship for contemporary believers. It reminds us that the God who powerfully intervened to deliver Israel from the mightiest empire of its day is the same God who remains sovereign over all circumstances and powers today. When we face seemingly insurmountable challenges, oppressive systems, or personal struggles that feel like the pursuing Egyptian army, this verse encourages us to recall God's past faithfulness. His "mercy endureth for ever" means His loyal love and commitment to His people are unchanging and active. We are called to trust that He is able and willing to deliver us, not necessarily by dramatic physical overthrow, but by His providential care, spiritual strength, and ultimate victory over sin and death. This truth should inspire continuous thanksgiving, knowing that our deliverance and hope are rooted in His unchanging character and eternal *chesed*.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's judgment against Pharaoh as an act of mercy for Israel reshape your perception of divine justice?**
* **What "Red Sea" moments or seemingly impossible situations have you faced where God's enduring mercy was evident in your deliverance?**
* **How can recalling God's past acts of faithfulness, like the Exodus, strengthen your trust in His *chesed* for your present and future challenges?**
* **In what ways does the repetitive nature of Psalm 136 encourage a deeper, more enduring sense of gratitude and worship in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the destruction of Pharaoh and his host considered an act of "mercy" for Israel?**

Answer: The destruction of Pharaoh and his army, while a severe act of judgment for Egypt, was the ultimate demonstration of God's *chesed* (steadfast love, covenantal mercy) for Israel. For the Israelites, this event marked their definitive deliverance from centuries of brutal slavery and oppression, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham to bring his descendants out of bondage (e.g., [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). God's mercy for His people necessitated the removal of the obstacle to their freedom. Thus, the same act was both righteous judgment and profound, redemptive mercy, showcasing God's commitment to His covenant and His people's well-being.

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

Answer: The "Red Sea" (or Sea of Reeds) is highly significant as the geographical location where God performed His most dramatic act of deliverance in the Old Testament. It represented an impassable barrier for the Israelites and a trap where Pharaoh intended to re-enslave them. However, God miraculously parted its waters, creating a path of salvation for His people while simultaneously using the returning waters to annihilate the pursuing Egyptian army (as detailed in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")). The Red Sea thus symbolizes God's absolute power over nature, His ability to turn impossible situations into avenues of salvation, and His decisive judgment against those who oppose His will and oppress His people. It became a foundational symbol of divine deliverance and a testament to God's unique sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 136:15, with its recounting of God's powerful overthrow of Pharaoh and His enduring mercy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Exodus event, culminating in the Red Sea deliverance, serves as a powerful Old Testament archetype for the greater spiritual deliverance accomplished by Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from the physical bondage of Egypt, so Christ delivers humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin, death, and the power of Satan. He is the ultimate Passover [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice on the cross represents the decisive overthrow of the spiritual "Pharaoh" that held humanity captive. His resurrection is the ultimate Red Sea crossing, leading His people out of the grave and into new life, a new creation (e.g., [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The "mercy that endureth for ever" is most perfectly embodied in Christ, for it is through His life, death, and resurrection that God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness are eternally secured for all who believe (e.g., [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love") and [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy")). He is the true and greater Deliverer, whose victory guarantees an eternal freedom and an everlasting *chesed* for His redeemed people.

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 78:53

And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

Psalms 135:9

[Who] sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.

Nehemiah 9:10

And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as [it is] this day.

Nehemiah 9:11

And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.

Exodus 15:4

Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

Exodus 15:5

The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.

Luke 1:71

That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;