Psalms 136:13 · Bible study
Psalms 136:13 Commentary: The Divided Sea and Enduring Mercy
Hebrew · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Did the Red Sea split into two parts or twelve paths? Study the meaning, Hebrew grammar, and lasting mercy in this Exodus-centered verse.
Research Summary
- Meaning: God's division of the Red Sea is presented as a decisive act of enduring mercy.
- Key words: gazar (cut, divide); chesed (covenant loyalty, mercy); Yam Suph (Sea of Reeds).
- Main debate: Two parts or twelve paths? Most commentators (Barnes, Gill, Henry) support two; a Jewish tradition of twelve paths is noted but doubted.
- Theological theme: God's saving power and steadfast love, shown in both creation and redemption.
- Best use: A text for public worship, assurance of God's faithfulness, and meditation on His mercy in history.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
He divided the Red Sea in two His loving devotion endures forever.
WEB World English Bible 2000
to him who divided the Red Sea apart, for his loving kindness endures forever;
KJV King James Version 1769
To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
ASV American Standard Version 1901
To him that divided the Red Sea in sunder; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
To Him cutting the sea of Suph into parts, For to the age is His kindness,
Darby Darby Bible 1890
To him that divided the Red sea into parts, for his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever,
Translations in other languages (9 available)
Al que dividió el mar Bermejo en partes, porque para siempre es su misericordia;
Ao que separou o mar Vermelho em duas partes; porque sua bondade dura para sempre.
Celui qui coupa en deux la mer Rouge,
der das Schilfmeer teilte in zwei Teile, denn seine Güte währet ewiglich
Dien, Die de Schelfzee in delen deelde; want Zijn goedertierenheid is in der eeuwigheid.
Colui che divise il Mar rosso in due, perché la sua benignità dura in eterno;
Który rozdzielił morze Czerwone na rozdziały; albowiem na wieki miłosierdzie jego;
稱謝那分裂 紅 海的，因 他的慈愛 永遠長存。
To him who made a way through the Red Sea: for his mercy is unchanging for ever:
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Psalms 136:13
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Psalm 136:13 celebrates God's decisive act of dividing the sea at the Exodus. Barnes notes that the Hebrew implies a whole was 'parted into parts', a single body of water split open. Gill points to Exodus 14:21-22, where the waters stood as walls on the right and left, creating two paths through the sea. Matthew Henry sees this as a mercy that 'endured long to Israel' and a type of Christ's eternal redemption.
A minority tradition, mentioned by Clarke and Gill, suggests the sea was divided into twelve paths, one for each tribe. But both commentators doubt this, calling it 'without foundation' (Gill). The universal reading among the supplied sources is that the sea divided into two parts, as the Exodus narrative states.
The refrain 'for his mercy endureth for ever' frames the whole psalm. Calvin says this repeated line teaches that everything we receive from God is 'bestowed gratuitously', sheer grace.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: God miraculously divided the sea to deliver Israel from Egypt, demonstrating His enduring mercy.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Number of divisions of the sea | God supernaturally divided the sea to allow Israel to pass through safely. | Commentators like Barnes and Gill hold that the sea split into two parts, as described in Exodus 14 (waters as walls on right and left). A Jewish tradition, mentioned by Clarke and Gill, suggests twelve paths for each tribe, but both commentators call it 'without foundation.' |
| Location of the crossing | The crossing occurred at a body of water called <em>Yam Suph</em> (Sea of Reeds), at a real historical site. | Some scholars identify it with the Red Sea (Gulf of Suez), while others favor a location in the Bitter Lakes or Lake Timsah region. The precise location is debated, but the event itself is not. |
| Role of natural means | The deliverance was a miraculous act of God. | Exodus 14:21 mentions a strong east wind that drove the sea back. Some interpret this as God using natural means, while others see the wind itself as a supernatural intervention. The supplied commentaries do not explore this debate in depth. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The Exodus event is the historical anchor of this verse. Israel, having left Egypt, found themselves trapped between Pharaoh's advancing army and the sea. Exodus 14:21-22 describes how God drove the sea back with a strong east wind, making the sea dry land. The waters were divided and stood like walls on either side.
The Hebrew term for 'Red Sea' here is Yam Suph, meaning 'Sea of Reeds.' This has led some scholars to suggest a location in the region of the Bitter Lakes or Lake Timsah, rather than the deep Red Sea. The precise location is debated, but the nature of the miracle is not: God provided a way where there was none for His people.
Psalm 136 is structured as a litany, with each verse describing an act of creation or redemption, followed by the congregational response: 'for his mercy endureth for ever.' Verses 10-15 focus on the Exodus deliverance. The verb gazar (cut, divide) implies a sharp, decisive action, the same root used in Psalm 74:13 for God dividing the sea. In the ancient Near East, the sea often symbolized chaos. This verse presents God as sovereign over chaos, cutting through it for the salvation of His people.
This historical reality invites trust in a God who cuts paths through impassable situations. The same mercy that parted the sea is the mercy that endures forever.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for Psalm 136:13. The Hebrew text is consistent across manuscripts. The difference in English translations (e.g., 'divided … into parts' vs 'cut … into pieces') reflects translation choices rather than manuscript variation.
Reception History
Psalm 136 has been known in Jewish tradition as the 'Great Hallel,' recited during festivals such as Passover. Calvin notes this title, and the psalm's antiphonal structure (leader and congregation) suggests it was used in public worship. Christian interpreters, from the early church through the Reformation, have read this verse as a type of baptism (1 Corinthians 10:1-2) and a foreshadowing of Christ's deliverance. Matthew Henry explicitly links the mercy shown in the Exodus to 'eternal redemption' in Christ. The Jewish tradition of twelve paths, mentioned by Clarke and Gill, appears in rabbinic sources but has not gained wide acceptance in Christian exegesis.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The God who cuts a path. The Hebrew verb gazar means to cut or divide. God did not merely nudge the waters, he sliced them open. This is a God who acts decisively to rescue His people.
- Mercy that endures forever. The refrain 'for his mercy endureth for ever' appears 26 times in this psalm. It turns each historical fact into a confession of God's steadfast, covenant loyalty.
- A pattern of redemption. Matthew Henry sees this deliverance as a type of Christ's eternal redemption. The same God who made a way through the sea made a way through the cross.
Five-point outline
- God's decisive intervention. The verb 'divided' (cut into parts) shows intentional, powerful action.
- The specific location. Yam Suph reminds us God meets His people in real, historical places, not abstract ideas.
- Communal memory. This psalm was likely recited antiphonally by the congregation. The mercy is remembered together.
- Salvation and judgment entwined. The same sea that saved Israel (v.14) overthrew Pharaoh (v.15). Mercy to one can mean judgment to another.
- The never-ending mercy. The Hebrew chesed (mercy, lovingkindness) refers to covenant faithfulness. This mercy does not run out.
Illustration hooks
- A family trapped on a flooded road, with a neighbor arriving on a tractor to carve a path through the water.
- A student stuck on a difficult problem who suddenly sees the solution, a 'path' through the mental obstacle.
- A church celebrating a debt being paid off after years of pressure, recognizing God's provision in the nick of time.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Is the Red Sea miracle literally true, or can it be explained by natural causes?
- Why did God use such a dramatic, terrifying method to rescue Israel?
- What does this verse say about God's mercy for us today, does it still 'divide seas' in our lives?
Leading a Discussion
This verse reminds us that God's mercy is not abstract, it cuts through real obstacles. As you study, reflect on how God has made a way for you in difficult situations.
Discussion questions
- Read Exodus 14:21-22. What do you notice about the language used to describe the sea's division? Compare it to Psalm 136:13.
- The refrain 'for his mercy endureth for ever' follows each line. How does repetition affect the way you hear this verse?
- The Hebrew word gazar (cut) is also used in Psalm 74:13. What does it tell us about God's character that He 'cuts' the sea?
- Jewish tradition suggests the sea divided into twelve paths, one per tribe. Why might this tradition have developed? Does it add anything to the story?
- Matthew Henry saw this as a type of Christ's redemption. In what ways does the Exodus deliverance point forward to the work of Jesus?
- When in your own life have you experienced God making a way where no way seemed possible?
- How can this verse shape the way you pray or give thanks this week?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Exodus 14:21 | Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. |
| Exodus 14:22 | The children of Israel went into the middle of the sea on the dry ground; and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. |
| Exodus 14:29 | But the children of Israel walked on dry land in the middle of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. |
| Psalms 66:5 | Come, and see God’s deeds— awesome work on behalf of the children of men. |
| Psalms 66:6 | He turned the sea into dry land. They went through the river on foot. There, we rejoiced in him. |
| Psalms 74:13 | You divided the sea by your strength. You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters. |
| Psalms 78:13 | He split the sea, and caused them to pass through. He made the waters stand as a heap. |
| Psalms 106:9 | He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up; so he led them through the depths, as through a desert. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke casts doubt on the elaborate tradition that God made twelve separate paths through the Red Sea so each tribe could cross independently. He notes that some Jewish teachers and early church fathers held this view, but implies it is unlikely.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes draws attention to the literal phrasing "parted into parts," noting the Red Sea was split into two distinct sections for Israel's passage. He then interprets this act as a manifestation of mercy, its greatness measured by the good that followed and the power God exerted to accomplish it.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin emphasizes that failing to praise God for each specific benefit is essentially robbing Him of what is owed. He notes the repeated mention of mercy is meant to teach that everything we receive from God is a free and unearned gift.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
into parts ] R.V. in sunder. In two parts of P.B.V. is a printer ’s error. The Great Bible of 1539 has into partes .
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The note highlights that God split the Red Sea into two parts as an act of His enduring mercy. The miracle is not just a display of power but a specific demonstration that God's kindness and faithfulness last forever.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill sees the divided Red Sea as a picture of this troubled world, where God's people face affliction after affliction like crashing waves. He notes that just as God made a path through the sea for desperate Israel, His enduring mercy likewise cuts a way through life's storms for every believer.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry spots a key detail: only the death of the firstborn is mentioned from all the plagues because it was the decisive one that finally brought Israel out. He also sees the whole rescue as a picture of Christ's eternal redemption, and notes that these acts laid lasting obligations on Israel to obey God's law.