Bible Verse:What does Psalm chapter 114 mean?
Chapter Context
Psalm 114 is one of the Hallel psalms (Psalms 113—118). These were sung at major celebrations such as Passover. The reference to the exodus from Egypt is why this group is sometimes called the "Egyptian Hallel." The songs feature heavy use of the term halelu-yāh. This literally means "praise the LORD," and English often presents it as "hallelujah." Several famous moments from the early days of Israel are noted in the psalm (Exodus 12:41; 14:21; 17:6).
What does Psalm chapter 114 mean?
Psalms 113—118 were used at major celebrations, such Passover. This psalm's reference to Egyptian slavery is why this block is sometimes called the "Egyptian Hallel." The verses within this set of psalms repeatedly use the Hebrew word
halelu-yāh. This is typically rendered in English as "hallelujah," and comes from a Hebrew combination literally meaning "praise" and "God [Yahweh]."
This psalm begins with a reference to Israel's rescue from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:41). Jacob was the father of the twelve tribes, and God renamed him "Israel" (Genesis 32:28). The tribe of Judah became the seat of government and the tribe of Israel's kings (Genesis 49:10). God used His relationship with Israel, His chosen people, to demonstrate His power and glory (Psalm 114:1–2).
During the exodus from Egypt, Israel witnesses multiple miracles. Among these were the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21) and the earth-shaking presence of God on Sinai (Exodus 19:18). Later, they walked over the Jordan river without getting wet thanks to God's intervention (Joshua 3:13). These were signs and proof of the Lord's work on behalf of His people (Psalm 114:3–4).
The psalmist emphasizes God's power by asking "rhetorical" questions. These are statements—not literal requests—framed as questions because the answer is assumed to be obvious. Here, the psalmist asks the natural water and land why it reacted that way. The expected reply is that they did so because of God's command. The power of the Lord caused these miraculous events (Psalm 114:5–6).
The song ends with further statements of God's power and influence. This also includes mention of another miracle which occurred during Israel's desert wandering. While suffering from thirst, the people were given water (Exodus 17:6) when God caused it to pour out of a rock (Psalm 114:7–8).
