Psalms 106:10

KJV

And he saved them from the hand of him that hated [them], and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he saved {H3467} them from the hand {H3027} of him that hated {H8130} them, and redeemed {H1350} them from the hand {H3027} of the enemy {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He saved them from hostile hands, redeemed them from the power of the foe.

Berean Standard Bible

He saved them from the hand that hated them; He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

American Standard Version

And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, And redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:10 stands as a foundational declaration of God's mighty acts of deliverance on behalf of His people, Israel. It succinctly encapsulates the divine rescue from the oppressive power of their enemies, specifically recalling the pivotal Exodus event where the Lord, through His sovereign power and unwavering commitment, both saved and redeemed Israel from the bondage of Pharaoh and the Egyptian army. This verse highlights God's character as a faithful deliverer and a kinsman-redeemer, demonstrating His triumph over all forces that oppose His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 106 is a historical psalm, part of the fourth book of the Psalter (Psalms 90-106). It functions as a national confession of sin, recounting Israel's history of rebellion and unfaithfulness from the Exodus to the Babylonian exile, while simultaneously extolling God's enduring mercy and steadfast love. Verse 10 specifically refers to the initial, foundational act of salvation at the Red Sea, following the plagues in Egypt and the Passover. This verse is situated within the opening section of the psalm (verses 7-12), which contrasts Israel's quick forgetfulness of God's wonders with His mighty acts of salvation. It serves as a stark reminder of God's power and faithfulness, setting the stage for the subsequent catalogue of Israel's transgressions and God's persistent grace. The psalm's structure, moving from praise and historical review to confession and a plea for restoration, underscores the ongoing tension between human sin and divine covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The verse directly references the Exodus from Egypt, the seminal event in Israelite history that established their identity as God's chosen people. For centuries, the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt, subjected to harsh labor and oppression under Pharaoh. The "hand of him that hated [them]" and "the "hand of the enemy" clearly refer to Pharaoh and the Egyptian empire, who held Israel in cruel bondage. The concept of "redemption" (Hebrew: *ga'al*) was deeply rooted in Israelite culture, referring to the act of a kinsman-redeemer (go'el) who would intervene to free a relative from slavery, debt, or danger, often by paying a price. God, in this context, acts as Israel's divine Kinsman-Redeemer, demonstrating His unique relationship with them as His firstborn son (cf. [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22 - Israel, God's Firstborn")). The miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, where the Egyptians were drowned, was not merely a military victory but a profound theological statement of God's sovereignty over creation and His power to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds, as recounted in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 106:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Deliverance**, portraying God as the active, sovereign agent of salvation. He is not a passive observer but one who intervenes directly and powerfully to rescue His people from oppression. This theme is central to the entire Exodus narrative, where God's mighty "arm" and "hand" are repeatedly emphasized as the instruments of Israel's liberation (e.g., [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Mighty Hand")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises despite Israel's unworthiness. His act of salvation was not earned but was an expression of His grace and covenant love. This faithfulness is a recurring motif throughout the historical psalms, contrasting with Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. Thirdly, the theme of **Redemption from Bondage** is prominent, with God acting as Israel's kinsman-redeemer, setting them free from slavery and death. This historical redemption serves as a powerful prototype for future acts of divine liberation, both physical and spiritual, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption to come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Saved (Hebrew, _yasha'_):** This verb signifies deliverance, rescue, or salvation, often from distress, danger, or oppression. It encompasses a broad range of protective and liberating actions, implying not just physical preservation but also a restoration to a state of well-being and security. In the context of Psalms 106:10, it speaks to God's active intervention to extricate Israel from the imminent threat and long-term suffering imposed by the Egyptians. It emphasizes God's power and willingness to act on behalf of His people.
* **Redeemed (Hebrew, _ga'al'_):** This term carries significant theological weight, particularly in the Old Testament. It refers to the act of buying back, reclaiming, or liberating someone or something from a state of bondage, debt, or danger, often by a kinsman (a "go'el"). It implies a strong, personal intervention, often involving a cost or a mighty demonstration of power. Here, God acts as Israel's divine Kinsman-Redeemer, asserting His claim over them and forcefully setting them free from the slavery of Egypt, underscoring His intimate relationship and proprietary rights over His chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saved them from the hand of him that hated [them],"**: This clause immediately establishes God as the primary agent of salvation ("he saved"). The object of His salvation is "them," referring to the Israelites. The phrase "from the hand of him that hated [them]" identifies the source of their oppression. "Him that hated [them]" is a direct reference to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, whose animosity towards Israel is well-documented in the Exodus narrative. The "hand" here is a metonymy for power, authority, and control, signifying the oppressive grip of the enemy from which Israel was delivered. This highlights the complete nature of God's rescue, freeing them from the very source of their suffering.
* **"and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy."**: This second clause functions as a powerful parallel to the first, reinforcing and expanding upon the concept of divine deliverance. The verb "redeemed" (ga'al) adds a deeper theological dimension, emphasizing God's role as a kinsman-redeemer who reclaims His people from bondage. "The hand of the enemy" is another parallel phrase, further identifying the source of oppression and reiterating the comprehensive nature of God's liberation. The repetition of "hand" underscores the total control and power that the enemy wielded, from which God's superior power definitively freed Israel. This clause emphasizes the cost and intentionality of God's act, portraying it not merely as a rescue but as a reclaiming of what rightfully belongs to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 106:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. Most prominently, **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses: "And he saved them from the hand of him that hated [them], and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy." This is an example of synonymous parallelism, where the second line reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first, using different but related terms ("saved" and "redeemed"; "him that hated [them]" and "the enemy"). This repetition emphasizes the completeness and multifaceted nature of God's deliverance. Furthermore, the phrase "the hand of him that hated [them]" and "the hand of the enemy" uses **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents the full power, authority, and oppressive control of the adversary. This device vividly portrays the comprehensive nature of the bondage from which God delivered Israel. The psalm also implicitly uses **Anthropomorphism** by attributing human-like action (saving, redeeming) to God, making His divine intervention more relatable and impactful for the human audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:10 is a profound theological statement on the character of God as the ultimate Deliverer and Redeemer. It asserts His sovereign power over all earthly forces and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The historical act of saving Israel from Egypt serves as a foundational paradigm for God's ongoing commitment to His people, demonstrating that His grace precedes and outweighs human unfaithfulness. This verse teaches that God's intervention is not merely a response to human need but an expression of His inherent nature as one who acts decisively to liberate those under oppression, establishing a pattern of divine rescue that extends throughout biblical history. It reminds us that salvation is always initiated by God, a testament to His unmerited favor.

* [Exodus 15:13](/exodus/15-13 "Exodus 15:13 - God's Steadfast Love and Redemption")
* [Deuteronomy 7:8](/deuteronomy/7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:8 - God's Love and Oath")
* [Isaiah 43:1-3](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1-3 - God as Redeemer and Savior")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 106:10 offers timeless comfort and a powerful reminder of God's enduring character. Just as He acted decisively to save and redeem ancient Israel from the formidable hand of their enemies, so too does He remain our faithful Deliverer in every age. This verse encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and the apparent strength of our adversaries, whether they be spiritual forces, personal struggles, or societal pressures. It calls us to place our trust in the God who has a proven track record of mighty acts of salvation. When we feel overwhelmed, trapped, or oppressed, this verse serves as an anchor, reminding us that our God is not only capable but committed to freeing us. It invites us to recall His past faithfulness as a guarantee of His future help, fostering a spirit of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel the "hand of the enemy" or a sense of oppression?**
* **How does remembering God's historical acts of deliverance, like the Exodus, strengthen your faith in His ability to deliver you today?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that God is not just a rescuer, but a "Redeemer" who reclaims what is His?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "hand of him that hated [them]"?**

Answer: The phrase "hand of him that hated [them]" is a powerful expression that uses "hand" as a metonymy for power, authority, and oppressive control. It refers specifically to Pharaoh and the Egyptian empire, who held the Israelites in brutal slavery. The "hand" signifies the full extent of their dominion and the harshness of their rule. Therefore, God saving and redeeming Israel "from the hand" of this enemy means He completely broke their power and liberated His people from their absolute control. It emphasizes the totality of God's victory over a formidable adversary.

**How does this verse relate to God's covenant with Israel?**

Answer: This verse is deeply rooted in God's covenant relationship with Israel. God's act of saving and redeeming them from Egypt was not arbitrary; it was a fulfillment of the promises He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to make them a great nation and bring them into a land of their own (e.g., [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). By delivering Israel, God demonstrated His faithfulness to His covenant, even when Israel was enslaved and seemingly forgotten. It established Israel's identity as God's chosen people, whom He had bought back and claimed as His own, setting the foundation for the Mosaic Covenant at Sinai and all subsequent interactions between God and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 106:10 recounts a historical deliverance, its profound themes of salvation and redemption find their ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Exodus, where God delivered Israel from physical slavery and the power of Pharaoh, serves as a powerful type and shadow of the greater spiritual redemption accomplished through Christ. Just as God "saved them from the hand of him that hated [them]," Jesus, the true Lamb of God (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), delivers humanity from the "hand" of a far more formidable enemy: sin, death, and the power of the devil (cf. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection, Christ paid the ultimate price to "redeem" us, not with silver or gold, but with His precious blood, from the futile ways inherited from our ancestors (cf. [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). This act of redemption translates us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")), offering not just freedom from physical bondage but eternal liberation from the spiritual slavery of sin and the promise of new life in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 14:30

Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

Psalms 107:2

Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

Micah 6:4

For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

Psalms 136:24

And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Job 6:22

¶ Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?

Job 6:23

Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?

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.