Psalm 136:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;

NIV: but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.

NASB: But He overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, For His faithfulness is everlasting.

CSB: but hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.

NLT: but he hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. — His faithful love endures forever.

KJV: But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

NKJV: But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, For His mercy endures forever;

Psalm 136:10–16 focuses on the exodus from Egypt. There, God used powerful miracles to prove Himself and break Egyptian power (Exodus 3:20; 12:41). The signature sign was the death of Egypt's firstborn (Exodus 12:29–30). The Lord protected the people from a vengeful Egyptian army at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:27–29). As Israel traveled in the wilderness, He provided them with food and water (Exodus 16:35; 17:6). Each feat is followed by a repeated reference to God's constant and eternal love.

Each verse in this psalm ends with a declaration that God's love is loyal and unending. The song praises God for His goodness, sovereignty, power, creation, rescue of Israel, empowerment of His people, mercy, sustaining power, and role as "the God of heaven." The song is often labeled "The Great Hallel" because of this enthusiastic worship.

This psalm is sometimes called "The Great Hallel." Psalms 113—118 are often called the "Hallel Psalms" or the "Egyptian Hallel." These are found in the section of Psalms which contains the Hebrew word halelu-yāh, though Psalm 136 itself does not. This song follows nearly the same order of subjects as Psalm 135. Each verse ends by repeating the same phrase. This was probably used for call-and-response: a leader speaks unique words and the congregation responds with a repeated sentence (Ezra 3:11). The refrain uses the root word hesed, indicating a constant, loyal, steady love.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 3/28/2025 11:48:53 PM