What does Psalms 136:14 mean?
Psalms 136:14
"And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
Explanation
Psalm 136:14 focuses on God's miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus.
The phrase "made Israel to pass through the midst of it" refers to the parting of the Red Sea, a pivotal moment when the Israelites escaped the pursuing Egyptian army.
This verse celebrates God's steadfast love and mercy (referred to as "his mercy endureth forever") that not only saved the Israelites then but is also perceived as an enduring aspect of God's nature for all generations.
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Historical Context
Psalms 136 is known as the "Great Hallel" and is part of the Hebrew Hymnal used in worship.
Its historical context places it after the Israelites' Exodus from Egypt and their establishment as God's chosen people during the time of King David and the subsequent temple period.
This psalm was likely used in a liturgical setting, perhaps during Passover, to remember and celebrate God's saving acts throughout Israelite history.
The repeated refrain emphasizes God's enduring mercy throughout the many trials that the Israelites had to overcome.
Theological Insights
In Jewish tradition, Psalm 136 is understood as a song of thanksgiving for God's unending mercy.
Christologically, some Christian theologians view this passage as prefiguring Jesus Christ's salvation of humanity, with the crossing of the Red Sea symbolizing baptism and the defeat of sin.
The enduring mercy of God is a central theme, showcasing that divine love and salvation are not transient but are steadfast and eternal.
Practical Applications
This Psalm, and verse 14 in particular, encourages believers to trust in God during times of trouble and to remember the historical acts of salvation as a testament to God's unchanging mercy. It can be seen as a call to maintain faith and hope rather than despairing in difficult circumstances.
The verse also invites reflection on the individual and communal experiences of deliverance and provides an opportunity to express gratitude for divine intervention in one's life.
Cross-References
- Exodus 14:21-22: "And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 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."
- 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."
- Isaiah 43:16: "Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;"
Language Study
The key phrase in Hebrew is "ืึทืึผึทืขึฒืึดืจ ืึดืฉืึฐืจึธืึตื ืึผึฐืชืึนืึธืึผ" (Vaya'abir Yisrael b'tokhah), with "ืึทืึผึทืขึฒืึดืจ" (Vaya'abir) meaning "and made [someone] to pass through" and "ืึผึฐืชืึนืึธืึผ" (b'tokhah) meaning "in the midst of it".
This language reflects the physical passing through the Red Sea, placing emphasis on God's active role in the event and the midst of the sea as the path of deliverance.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
The motif of a deity splitting waters, allowing a chosen people to escape danger, is unique in ancient Near Eastern traditions, with no direct parallels in surrounding cultures' myths.
However, the theme of divine deliverance is common in other religions and myths, where gods often intervene to save their followers from peril. The crossing of the Red Sea remains a distinctive event associated particularly with the Hebrew God, Yahweh (ืืืื).
Scientific Perspectives
The account of the parting of the Red Sea has been the subject of various scientific investigations and theories.
Some scientists and researchers have explored natural phenomena that could explain the parting of waters, such as wind set-down effect or tidal explanations.
However, these theories, while scientifically plausible, are often debated and cannot definitively account for the event described in the biblical text, which is celebrated as a divine miracle.
Commentaries
Many biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Psalm 136:14 and the whole of Psalm 136.
Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the mercy of God, highlighting that the psalm is designed to be a thanksgiving for particular mercies, "in which God's people had experience of his kindness".
Similarly, the Expositor's Bible Commentary notes the liturgical use of this psalm and the importance of recounting Israel's deliverance as a means of instilling hope and gratitude in each successive generation.
John Calvin speaks of this passage elucidating the special care God takes over his Church.
Contemporary commentaries continue to explore the rich theological themes found in this psalm, often pointing to its relevance for worship and personal devotion.