Psalms 114

¹ When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;

² Judah was his sanctuary, [and] Israel his dominion.

³ The sea saw [it], and fled: Jordan was driven back.

⁴ The mountains skipped like rams, [and] the little hills like lambs.

⁵ What [ailed] thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, [that] thou wast driven back?

⁶ Ye mountains, [that] ye skipped like rams; [and] ye little hills, like lambs?

⁷ Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;

⁸ Which turned the rock [into] a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters.

Overview of Psalm 114

Psalm 114 is a brief yet powerful chapter that reflects on the miraculous events surrounding the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and their subsequent journey to the Promised Land. The psalm personifies nature and emphasizes God’s sovereignty over creation, illustrating His ability to intervene in human history.

Thematic Elements

• Divine Intervention: The psalm highlights God’s direct involvement in the events of the Exodus, showcasing His power to alter natural laws.
• Nature’s Response to God: The text portrays the natural world as responsive to God’s commands, emphasizing His authority over all creation.
• Identity of Israel: The psalm underscores the special relationship between God and His people, Israel, marking them as His chosen ones.

Structure and Literary Devices

1. Stanza Breakdown: The psalm can be divided into two main sections:
   • The first section (verses 1-4) recounts the Exodus and the miraculous events that followed.
   • The second section (verses 5-8) reflects on the reactions of nature and the implications of God’s power.
2. Imagery: Vivid imagery is employed to describe the natural phenomena, such as the sea fleeing and the mountains skipping, which serves to illustrate the might of God.
3. Personification: The psalm personifies elements of nature, giving them human-like qualities to emphasize their awe in the presence of God.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

• Verse 1: “When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language.”
  • This verse sets the historical context of the Exodus, marking a significant transition for Israel.
  • The mention of “strange language” highlights the cultural and linguistic barriers between the Israelites and the Egyptians.
• Verse 2: “Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.”
  • Judah is depicted as a sacred space, indicating God’s presence among His people.
  • The term “dominion” suggests God’s rule and authority over Israel, reinforcing their identity as His chosen nation.
• Verse 3: “The sea saw it and fled; Jordan was driven back.”
  • This verse illustrates the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the Jordan River, emphasizing God’s power over natural barriers.
  • The sea and river are depicted as entities that recognize and respond to God’s command.
• Verse 4: “The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.”
  • The imagery of mountains and hills personifying joy or excitement reinforces the theme of creation responding to God’s might.
  • This verse conveys a sense of celebration in nature, reflecting the significance of Israel’s liberation.
• Verse 5: “What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back?”
  • The rhetorical questions challenge the natural elements, suggesting that their reactions are not only miraculous but also perplexing.
  • This invites readers to ponder the greatness of God and the reasons behind nature’s obedience.
• Verse 6: “O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs?”
  • Similar to verse 5, this verse continues the dialogue with nature, personifying it further and emphasizing its wonder at God’s actions.
• Verse 7: “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.”
  • This verse calls for reverence and fear of God, highlighting His holiness and power.
  • The earth’s trembling signifies the weight of God’s presence and the appropriate response of creation.
• Verse 8: “Who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of waters.”
  • The concluding verse recalls God’s provision for His people in the wilderness, emphasizing His ability to provide life-sustaining resources.
  • This serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and care for Israel during their journey.

Conclusion

Psalm 114 encapsulates the profound relationship between God, His people, and creation. Through vivid imagery and personification, the psalmist conveys the awe-inspiring power of God as He leads Israel from bondage to freedom. The chapter serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ongoing presence in the lives of His people, calling for reverence and gratitude in response to His mighty acts.