Psalms 136:13-15
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)
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The text highlights God dividing the sea "in two," a phrase that beautifully captures not just the parting of the waters but also the radical, life-saving act of making a path where none existed. This wasn't just a shallow split; it was a decisive hewing through, revealing the very foundations of the sea for His people's escape.
This psalm is a jubilant recounting of God's mighty acts, focusing on His enduring love throughout Israel's history. Immediately before this verse, the psalm celebrates God striking down Egypt's firstborn and bringing Israel out with strength; this verse continues that narrative by highlighting the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, a pivotal moment of deliverance that paved the way for Israel's freedom and continued journey.
Have you ever faced a situation so impossible that you wondered how you'd ever get through? This verse reminds us of a time God did the impossible for His people.
The psalmist points to a monumental act of God's power: dividing the Red Sea.
A Dramatic Intervention
Imagine the scene: Israel is trapped. Behind them, the Egyptian army is closing in. Before them, an impassable sea.
This wasn't a gentle parting of the waters. The language suggests a powerful, decisive act – the sea was "divided into parts" or "hewed in sunder." It was a miraculous, forceful intervention that created a path where none existed.
More Than Just a Miracle
This wasn't just a display of raw power; it was power wielded out of love and faithfulness. The very act of splitting the sea served to rescue God's chosen people from certain destruction. It demonstrates that God's might is always in service of His redemptive purposes.
We often focus on the 'how' of miracles, but this verse highlights the 'why'. What’s the eternal reason behind God's incredible acts?
The phrase 'for his steadfast love endures forever' is the heart of Psalm 136. It's repeated after every recounting of God's mighty deeds.
The Foundation of God's Actions
When the psalmist mentions the dividing of the Red Sea, he immediately connects it to God's 'steadfast love.' This isn't just a bonus observation; it's the motivation.
This love, often translated from the Hebrew word for covenant loyalty or faithful kindness, is not fickle or temporary. It's a deep, enduring commitment God has to His people. The rescue at the Red Sea was a profound expression of this eternal love.
A Love That Acts
God's steadfast love isn't passive. It actively intervenes, it rescues, it delivers. The parting of the sea wasn't just a demonstration of power; it was an act of saving mercy, driven by a love that wouldn't let His people perish.
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.
This verse focuses on the dramatic parting of the Red Sea, a pivotal moment in Israel's history. It wasn't just a miraculous escape; it was a profound act of God's steadfast love, demonstrating His power to save His people even when all hope seems lost.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
After centuries of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites, led by Moses, are finally released by Pharaoh following the ten plagues. This event marks their liberation and the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Parting of the Red Sea
As the Egyptian army pursues the fleeing Israelites, God miraculously parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. The waters then return, drowning the pursuing army.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
For forty years, the Israelites journey through the Sinai desert. During this time, God provides for them, guiding them with a pillar of cloud and fire, and giving them manna and water from a rock.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin the military conquest of the Promised Land, battling various Canaanite nations.
This passage directly describes the miraculous event of the Red Sea being divided, showing the waters standing up on either side for the Israelites to pass through on dry ground, directly illustrating the verse's reference.
Nehemiah 9:11This verse recounts God's power in dividing the Red Sea and refers to His steadfast love, echoing the sentiment of Psalm 136 by linking this mighty act to God's enduring mercy.
Isaiah 43:2This prophetic passage speaks of God's promise to be with His people when they pass through the waters, highlighting His protective presence which is also demonstrated in the Red Sea crossing.
1 Corinthians 10:1-4The Apostle Paul explicitly connects the Israelites' passage through the Red Sea to their spiritual journey, viewing it as a baptism in water and a foundational event for their faith, underscoring its theological significance.
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 text highlights God dividing the sea "in two," a phrase that beautifully captures not just the parting of the waters but also the radical, life-saving act of making a path where none existed. This wasn't just a shallow split; it was a decisive hewing through, revealing the very foundations of the sea for His people's escape.
This psalm is a jubilant recounting of God's mighty acts, focusing on His enduring love throughout Israel's history. Immediately before this verse, the psalm celebrates God striking down Egypt's firstborn and bringing Israel out with strength; this verse continues that narrative by highlighting the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, a pivotal moment of deliverance that paved the way for Israel's freedom and continued journey.
This psalm is a jubilant recounting of God's mighty acts, focusing on His enduring love throughout Israel's history. Immediately before this verse, the psalm celebrates God striking down Egypt's firstborn and bringing Israel out with strength; this verse continues that narrative by highlighting the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, a pivotal moment of deliverance that paved the way for Israel's freedom and continued journey.
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"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 text highlights God dividing the sea "in two," a phrase that beautifully captures not just the parting of the waters but also the radical, life-saving act of making a path where none existed. Thi…
