Psalm 136 is a song of thanksgiving that repeatedly praises God for His enduring loving-kindness, often translated as "hesed" in Hebrew. Each verse acknowledges a specific act of God and follows it with the refrain, "for his loving kindness endures forever."

Let's break down verse 14 specifically:

"And made Israel to pass through the middle of it;" This refers to the parting of the Red Sea in the Exodus story. God miraculously divided the sea, allowing the Israelites to walk through on dry ground, escaping Pharaoh's pursuing army. "Through the middle of it" emphasizes the dramatic and supernatural nature of the event.

"for his loving kindness endures forever;" This is the refrain that follows every single verse in the Psalm. This phrase is more than just a nice sentiment. It signifies God's covenant faithfulness, His steadfast love, and His enduring commitment to His people. It emphasizes that God's actions are motivated by His unwavering love and mercy. "Hesed" encompasses grace, mercy, loyalty, and steadfastness.

In essence, Psalm 136:14 means that God demonstrated His enduring love and faithfulness to the Israelites by miraculously parting the Red Sea, enabling them to escape slavery and begin their journey to the Promised Land.

Key takeaways:

Exodus Connection: The verse directly references a foundational event in Israelite history.
God's Faithfulness: It highlights God's reliability and enduring commitment to His promises.
Loving-Kindness (Hesed): It underscores that God's actions are rooted in love, grace, and mercy.
Repetition: The repeating refrain emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's loving-kindness throughout history.

The verse serves as a reminder of God's power and unwavering love for His people, a love that continues to endure throughout all generations.