This psalm, a part of the Hallel (see the notes at the Introduction to Psalms 113:1), is occupied in celebrating the praises of God for what he had done in the delivering of his people from Egyptian bondage, and in conducting them to the promised land. It is the language of exultation, joy, and triu... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN ISRAEL WENT OUT OF EGYPT - literally, “In the going out of Israel from Egypt.” This is not to be confined to the exact act of the exodus, but embraces all that properly entered into that migration - the whole train of events which resuited in their being brought into the promised land. THE HOU... [ Continue Reading ]
JUDAH WAS HIS SANCTUARY - His home; his abode; his sacred dwelling-place. Judah was the principal or leading tribe, recognized as the tribe where power was to be concentrated, and from which the Messiah was to proceed Genesis 49:8; and hence, the name was early used to denote the entire people, and... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SEA SAW IT - The word it is supplied, not very properly, by our translators. It would be more expressive to say, “The sea saw:” that is, The sea - (the Red Sea) - saw the mighty movement - the marshalled hosts - the moving masses - the cattle - the pursuing enemies - the commotion - the agitatio... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MOUNTAINS SKIPPED LIKE RAMS - As flocks in their gambols. They seemed to move from place to place; everything seemed to be unsettled, and acknowledged the presence of the Omnipotent One. The word rendered “skipped” means to leap for joy; to dance. See the notes at Psalms 29:6. The reference here... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT AILED THEE, O THOU SEA, THAT THOU FLEDDEST?... - literally, “What to thee, O sea,” etc. That is, What influenced thee - what alarmed thee - what put thee into such fear, and caused such consternation? Instead of stating the cause or reason why they were thus thrown into dismay, the psalmist use... [ Continue Reading ]
TREMBLE, THOU EARTH, AT THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD ... - This is at the same time an explanation of the facts referred to in the previous verses, and the statement of an important truth in regard to the power of God. The true explanation - as here implied - of what occurred to the sea, to the Jordan,... [ Continue Reading ]
WHICH TURNED THE ROCK INTO A STANDING WATER - That is, Before him who could do this, the earth should tremble; the inhabited world should stand in awe of such amazing power. The words rendered “a standing water,” mean properly a pool of water. They indicate nothing in regard to the permanency of tha... [ Continue Reading ]