Psalm 136:13-15
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The verse highlights not just that God divided the sea, but that He "divided it in two", emphasizing the dramatic, unnatural separation that created a safe passage. This wasn't just a parting of waters; it was a forceful hewing, like cleaving something in half, to make a path for His people.
to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever; and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever; but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a powerful recollection of God's mighty acts for Israel, building on the story of their exodus from Egypt. Immediately before this verse, it recounts God striking down the firstborn in Egypt and then bringing Israel out with overwhelming power, leading directly into the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. The verse highlights this specific, dramatic intervention as a testament to God's unending faithfulness, a theme that repeats throughout the entire psalm.
Have you ever faced a situation so impossible it felt like walls of water were closing in? The Red Sea crossing wasn't just a miracle; it was a declaration.
Psalm 136, a "Hallel" psalm, recounts God's mighty acts of salvation, and verse 13 highlights the dramatic parting of the Red Sea.
A Divine Act
This wasn't a natural phenomenon or a gentle parting. The Hebrew word used here implies a forceful division, like cutting something in two. God didn't just nudge the waters; He divided them.
More Than Just an Escape
While for the Israelites it was a desperate escape from Pharaoh's army, this act also served as a profound revelation of God's power and His commitment to His people. It demonstrated His ability to overcome any obstacle for their deliverance. This event wasn't just about getting them out of Egypt; it was about leading them into the life He intended for them.
Why would God perform such a monumental, terrifying act? The psalm gives us the answer, and it's the same reason for everything He does.
The refrain, "for his steadfast love endures forever," isn't just a happy ending; it's the driving force behind the entire psalm and every event it mentions.
An Unchanging Foundation
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This phrase, often translated as 'lovingkindness' or 'mercy,' points to a deep, covenantal, loyal love. It's not based on our performance but on God's unchanging character.
Love in Action
Dividing the Red Sea was an act born out of this enduring love. God saw His people in distress, utterly trapped, and His love compelled Him to intervene with overwhelming power. This act of salvation is a tangible, historical demonstration that His love is active, powerful, and eternal.
Understand the original words
Yam Suph · Hebrew Proper Noun
Literally 'Sea of Reeds,' the body of water God miraculously parted to facilitate the exodus of Israel from Egyptian bondage, serving as a defining act of salvation in the Old Testament.
Par'oh · Hebrew Proper Noun
A royal title for the ancient Egyptian monarchs; in Scripture, he represents the oppressive, defiant worldly power that stands against God and His people.
chayil · Hebrew Noun
A military force or army; in this context, the collective organized strength of the oppressor that was defeated by the power of God.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Israelites Flee Egypt
Following the Ten Plagues, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt after centuries of slavery. This event marks a pivotal moment of divine intervention and liberation for God's chosen people.
c. 1446 BC
The Parting of the Red Sea
As the Egyptian army pursued the escaping Israelites, God miraculously parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. The waters then returned, drowning the pursuing army.
c. 1446 BC - 1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites spent forty years wandering in the Sinai wilderness. During this time, God provided for their needs with manna and water from a rock, guiding them by a pillar of cloud and fire.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and began the conquest of the Promised Land, defeating various nations that inhabited Canaan.
This passage is the direct account of God dividing the Red Sea, showing the physical manifestation of the steadfast love mentioned in Psalms 136:13.
Joshua 3:14-17This describes the Israelites crossing the Jordan River, mirroring the Red Sea crossing as another instance of God making a way for His people through water by His steadfast love.
1 Corinthians 10:1-4Paul reflects on the Exodus events, including the passage through the sea, as foundational spiritual experiences and 'types' for believers, linking this historical act to ongoing spiritual realities.
Nehemiah 9:11This passage directly references the parting of the Red Sea as a demonstration of God's power and covenant faithfulness, reinforcing the theme of His enduring love.
clarkePsalms 136:13: "To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
Divided the Red Sea into parts - Some of the Jews have imagined that God made twelve paths through the Red Sea, that each tribe might have a distinct passage. Many of the fathers were of the same opinion; but is this very likely?
barnesPsalms 136:13: "To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
To him which divided the Red sea into parts - More literally, "Parted it into parts;" made parts of that which before was unbroken and a whole. It was actually divided into two parts, so that the Hebrews passed between them: Exodus 14:21-22 . For his mercy ... - This, too, was an exercise of mercy, or a manifestation of benevolence toward them and toward the world, to be measured by all the good which…
The verse highlights not just that God divided the sea, but that He "divided it in two", emphasizing the dramatic, unnatural separation that created a safe passage. This wasn't just a parting of waters; it was a forceful hewing, like cleaving something in half, to make a path for His people.
This psalm is a powerful recollection of God's mighty acts for Israel, building on the story of their exodus from Egypt. Immediately before this verse, it recounts God striking down the firstborn in Egypt and then bringing Israel out with overwhelming power, leading directly into the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. The verse highlights this specific, dramatic intervention as a testament to God's unending faithfulness, a theme that repeats throughout the entire psalm.
This psalm is a powerful recollection of God's mighty acts for Israel, building on the story of their exodus from Egypt. Immediately before this verse, it recounts God striking down the firstborn in Egypt and then bringing Israel out with overwhelming power, leading directly into the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. The verse highlights this specific, dramatic intervention as a testament to God's unending faithfulness, a theme that repeats throughout the entire psalm.
"to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever; and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever; but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,…" — The verse highlights not just that God divided the sea, but that He "divided it in two", emphasizing the dramatic, unnatural separation that created a safe passage. This wasn't just a parting of wa…
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Last reviewed October 2026
