Bible Strands
Psalms 136:15
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His loving devotion endures forever.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses the Israelite assembly, recounting the Exodus narrative immediately after describing God’s guidance through the waters. This declaration functions as a liturgical response within a call-and-worship structure where each historical act is followed by a repeated refrain.
The words — The Hebrew verb נִעֵר (ni‘er) literally means "he shook off," describing God’s action of casting Pharaoh and his army into the sea of reeds. The closing phrase חַסְדּוֹ לְעוֹלָם (chasdo le‘olam) translates directly to "his covenant loyalty is forever," serving as the verse’s theological anchor.
The thread — The destruction of the Egyptian forces at the sea reappears in Psalms 78:53 and Nehemiah 9:10 as a remembered act of divine judgment. The identical refrain structure binds this verse to the surrounding verses of Psalms 136 and the parallel worship text in Psalms 135:9.
Why it lands — The text states that God violently destroyed the pursuing army while simultaneously demonstrating enduring covenant loyalty. It requires the reader to acknowledge that historical judgment and faithful preservation are presented as concurrent divine actions rather than separate events.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Cross-references
- Psalms 78:53 He led them safely, so they did not fear, but the sea engulfed their enemies.
- Nehemiah 9:10 You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day.
- Psalms 135:9 He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants.
- Exodus 14:27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal state. As the Egyptians were retreating, the LORD swept them into the sea.
- Exodus 15:4 Pharaoh’s chariots and army He has cast into the sea; the finest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
- Exodus 15:10 But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
- Psalms 65:5 With awesome deeds of righteousness You answer us, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.
- Psalms 79:6 Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge You, on the kingdoms that refuse to call on Your name,
- Psalms 143:12 And in Your loving devotion, cut off my enemies. Destroy all who afflict me, for I am Your servant.
- Luke 1:71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,