What does Psalms 106:9 mean?

He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. Psalms 106:9

Explanation

The verse in question, Psalms 106:9, refers explicitly to an event in the history of the Israelites as recorded in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. This verse recounts the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea, an event that allowed the Israelites to escape from Egyptian slavery when God intervened on their behalf. The “rebuke” mentioned in this context signifies a command or reprimand, suggesting that by the mere word of God, the forces of nature – in this case, the Red Sea – were controlled and altered to provide safe passage for His people. The imagery of the sea being dried up emphasizes the complete removal of water to create a path through the depths just as one might travel on dry land through a wilderness.

Historical Context

Psalms 106 is a part of the Hebrew Book of Psalms, which is a collection of religious songs, prayers, and poems. This specific psalm is a part of a group known as the “historical psalms” which recount the history of the Israelite people and their relationship with God. The event referenced occurred after the Exodus from Egypt, which is traditionally dated by biblical scholars to the 13th century BCE. The miraculous crossing of the Red Sea is a foundational event in Jewish history, signifying God’s deliverance and the establishment of a covenant between God and Israel.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this particular verse from Psalms demonstrates several key attributes of God: His sovereignty over creation, His capacity to perform miracles, and His faithfulness in delivering His chosen people. It has implications about God’s relationship to natural law and His willingness to intervene in human history for the sake of His purposes and promises. It also serves as a point of remembrance for the people of Israel, calling them to faith and obedience in light of God’s past acts of salvation.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, this verse can inspire individuals to reflect on the ways God has acted in their lives or history to provide guidance or deliverance. It serves as a reminder of divine power and control over both nature and human affairs, encouraging people to trust in God’s plans and provisions. Additionally, it invites readers to consider the importance of memory and gratitude in their spiritual lives, recognizing and commemorating the ways in which they have experienced help or blessings that they attribute to a higher power.

Cross-References

• Exodus 14:21-22: “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.”
• Nehemiah 9:11: “And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.”
• Isaiah 51:10: “Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?”

Language Study

The original Hebrew language carries rich meanings that are sometimes lost in translation. The word “rebuked” in Hebrew is “ga`ar,” which means to chide, rebuke, or reprove. This word conveys the idea of demonstrating authority over something. The phrase “Red sea” is translated from “Yam Suph,” which traditionally means “Sea of Reeds,” though there is some debate among scholars about the exact body of water this refers to. Finally, “dried up” in Hebrew is “choreb,” which means to be desolate or waste, further emphasising the removal of water to make a dry path.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar stories of deities exercising power over nature exist in various mythologies and religious traditions. For instance, in ancient Mesopotamian mythology, the god Marduk is said to have split the goddess Tiamat, representing the primordial sea, in two, creating heaven and earth from her divided body. Such myths understandably have different intentions and theological implications compared to the Hebrew Bible’s account but highlight a common theme of divine dominion over chaos and water.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science explains the phenomenon of water parting through naturalistic phenomena such as wind setdown and storm surge. Some researchers have attempted to propose natural explanations for the biblical account, suggesting it might be a recounting of a natural event perceived as miraculous. However, from a strictly religious viewpoint, the story depicts a supernatural act that transcends natural laws, which is how it is traditionally understood by believers.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered diverse insights into Psalms 106:9. Matthew Henry’s commentary underscores the omnipotence and justice of God in routing the enemies of His people. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges suggests the “rebuke” implies irresistible authority and alludes to a literal historical event. John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible comments on how this “rebuke” is illustrative of the power of God’s voice. Commentators generally concur that the verse serves a didactic purpose, reminding its hearers of God’s salvation history and His ability to control nature.