Drowning in Love

(Psa 136:15 KJV)  But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

(Proverbs 26 also read)

The phrase that is repeated in every verse of this chapter is “for his mercy endureth for ever.”  We like that concept.  We don’t want to look at the entire context.  I lifted out this verse because most of us would have a hard time equating “mercy” (2617) [chesed] with drowning Pharaoh and his entire army.  It gives us a nuance that we probably missed.  

Mercy is a common translation in the KJV.  I prefer the “loving kindness” of the NASB.  Either way we resist this application.  We have this fantasy that love is gentle and long suffering.  It is.  It is also a reality built on God’s holiness.  In our compassion we are not to suffer fools gladly.  We are not to throw out discernment.  

So?  Read the context of your favorite quotes.  They may surprise you.  They will hopefully mold you.