Psalms 136:14
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Psalms 136:14
Psalm 136 is the Great Hallelujah Psalm, structured as a call-and-response of praise to God for Israel’s history. The refrain “for his mercy endureth for ever” appears after each line, reminding the reader that every moment of deliverance, provision, or mercy is rooted in God’s steadfast, loyal love (hesed). Verse 14 highlights God’s miraculous act of bringing Israel “through the midst of it”—likely the Red Sea or the wilderness pressures—without being consumed. The surrounding verses recount travel through hostile waters, desert dangers, and regional pressures, all culminating in God’s mercy proven in the deliverance. Culturally, Israel’s memory of deliverance from Egypt and the crossing of the sea defined national identity and faith. In the ancient Near Eastern world, gods were sometimes seen as regional or tribal; Israel’s psalm emphasizes one sovereign God who acts decisively on behalf of his people, not because of their merit but because of his covenant mercy. The repetition of mercy emphasizes that endurance of God’s care is not a one-off event but a durable characteristic.
This verse anchors a core theological theme: God’s hesed—steadfast love and covenant faithfulness—trumps danger, difficulty, and human weakness. The imagery of passing through “the midst of it” conveys peril conquered by divine intervention rather than human victory. The Psalmist invites Israel to remember that deliverance is not merely historical; it reveals God’s character. The act of deliverance through peril shapes worship, identity, and trust. Theologically, the verse connects God’s mercy with his power and faithfulness in keeping promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It counters any assumption that mercy is sentimental; it is proven in concrete acts of salvation. This mercy is patient and persevering, not contingent on perfect behavior, yet it invites fidelity in return. In Christian interpretation, this foreshadows the greater redemption through Jesus, where crossing through peril becomes a picture of salvation by grace.
When you face a “crossing through the waters” moment—financial crisis, illness, conflict at work or home—remember God’s mercy endures. The psalm teaches that deliverance often comes through difficulty, not away from it. Practical steps: pause to recall past mercies, gratitude becomes a posture that strengthens faith; enlist trusted friends or mentors who can remind you of God’s faithfulness; pray specifically for God to “lead” you through the crisis, not simply to escape it. This verse counters panic by anchoring hope in God’s character. Consider how this mercy has shaped your own story: where have you experienced rescue, guidance, or preservation? Share those testimonies with family or small group, reinforcing communal memory. Finally, allow past mercies to inform present decisions—choose paths aligned with God’s guiding voice rather than fear.
Cross-References: Exodus 14, Psalm 106:7-8, Isaiah 63:11-14, Deuteronomy 7:9, Lamentations 3:22-23