Psalms 106:22

KJV

Wondrous works in the land of Ham, [and] terrible things by the Red sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wondrous works {H6381} in the land {H776} of Ham {H2526}, and terrible things {H3372} by the Red {H5488} sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

wonders in the land of Ham, fearsome deeds by the Sea of Suf.

Berean Standard Bible

wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.

American Standard Version

Wondrous works in the land of Ham, And terrible things by the Red Sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:22 powerfully encapsulates two foundational moments of Israel's Exodus from Egypt: the devastating plagues inflicted upon "the land of Ham" and the awe-inspiring, decisive judgment at the Red Sea. This verse serves as a potent reminder of God's unmatched sovereign power, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, and His righteous judgment against oppressors, all within a psalm that laments Israel's persistent forgetfulness and rebellion against such profound demonstrations of divine might and grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 106 is a historical psalm, strategically placed within Book IV of the Psalter (Psalms 90-106). It functions as a comprehensive communal confession of Israel's historical sin, meticulously recounting their pattern of rebellion from their initial sojourn in Egypt, through the wilderness wanderings, and into the Promised Land. Verses 7-46 meticulously detail this pervasive cycle of disobedience, sharply contrasting it with God's enduring grace, patience, and mercy. Within this larger narrative of unfaithfulness, verse 22 specifically harks back to the foundational, nation-birthing events of the Exodus. These events, which should have indelibly marked the national consciousness and fostered perpetual gratitude, were repeatedly forgotten by the Israelites, thereby underscoring the psalm's central theological tension: the stark disparity between human unfaithfulness and divine faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events referenced in Psalms 106:22—the plagues upon Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea—are central to the historical Exodus narrative, extensively detailed in [Exodus chapters 7-14](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7-14 - The Plagues and Red Sea Crossing"). "The land of Ham" is a widely recognized biblical designation for Egypt, tracing its lineage back to Noah's son Ham, whose descendants, particularly Mizraim, settled the region ([Genesis 10:6](/genesis/10-6 "Genesis 10:6 - Descendants of Ham")). At the time of the Exodus, Egypt was a preeminent power in the ancient Near East, renowned for its sophisticated civilization, deeply entrenched polytheistic religion (with Pharaoh often considered a divine figure), and its oppressive subjugation of foreign peoples, including the Israelites. The Red Sea crossing was far more than a mere geographical phenomenon; it was the climactic, pivotal moment of national birth for Israel, unequivocally demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all Egyptian deities and military might, thereby establishing His unique, foundational covenant relationship with His chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout Psalms 106 and the broader biblical narrative. It emphatically highlights God's **Sovereign Power**, showcasing His absolute control over creation and His unparalleled ability to intervene decisively in human history, as vividly demonstrated through the devastating plagues and the miraculous division of the waters ([Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Parting of the Red Sea")). It also underscores **Divine Justice and Deliverance**, portraying God as the righteous judge who justly punishes oppressors (Egypt) and the faithful deliverer who redemptively rescues His people (Israel). Furthermore, the psalm emphasizes the critical importance of **Remembrance** of God's mighty deeds, contrasting Israel's chronic spiritual amnesia with the unforgettable nature of these "wondrous" and "terrible" acts. This theme of remembrance is foundational to biblical faith, echoing calls for gratitude and obedience found in other psalms, such as [Psalms 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalms 77:11 - Remembering God's Deeds"), and throughout the Deuteronomic tradition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wondrous (Hebrew, _pâlâʼ'_):** Derived from H6381, this term signifies something extraordinary, miraculous, or difficult, often beyond human comprehension or natural explanation, directly attributable to divine power. It refers to the supernatural signs and judgments (the ten plagues) God unleashed upon Egypt, which were designed to demonstrate His sovereignty and compel Pharaoh to release Israel. These acts were not merely impressive but defied natural laws, showcasing God's unique omnipotence and ability to perform the impossible.
* **Ham (Hebrew, _Châm'_):** Derived from H2526, this is a common biblical appellation for Egypt, tracing the land's inhabitants to one of Noah's sons. Its use here grounds the miraculous events in a specific, historically identifiable geographical and cultural context, emphasizing that God's intervention was real and occurred in a known, powerful empire, not in some mythical realm.
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** Derived from H3372, this root means "to fear" or "to revere." The form used in Psalms 106:22 (related to _nora'ot_) signifies "awe-inspiring deeds," "fearsome acts," or "great and mighty acts" that evoke profound reverence, dread, and wonder. It does not primarily connote negativity in the sense of evil, but rather actions so grand, powerful, and overwhelming that they inspire a mix of awe and terror. In this context, it refers to the Red Sea crossing, where God's power was displayed both in delivering Israel and utterly destroying their oppressors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wondrous works in the land of Ham":** This phrase directly references the series of ten plagues that God brought upon Egypt (detailed in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues")). These "wondrous works" were not random acts but targeted judgments against Egyptian deities, institutions, and the very fabric of their society, designed to demonstrate Yahweh's supreme power over all creation and false gods. They served as a prelude to Israel's liberation, meticulously orchestrated to break Pharaoh's hardened will and prepare the Israelites for their imminent departure.
* **"and terrible things by the Red sea":** This clause points to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Parting of the Red Sea")) and the subsequent, decisive destruction of Pharaoh's pursuing army ([Exodus 14:28](/exodus/14-28 "Exodus 14:28 - Destruction of Pharaoh's Army")). The "terrible things" describe acts so powerful and overwhelming that they evoke profound awe and fear. For Israel, it was an unparalleled act of salvation and a definitive sign of God's covenant faithfulness; for the Egyptians, it was a terrifying display of divine wrath and judgment, marking the definitive end of their pursuit and the irreversible liberation of God's people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 106:22 employs several potent literary devices to amplify its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synonymous or complementary parallelism, where "wondrous works in the land of Ham" is juxtaposed with "terrible things by the Red sea." While distinct in their specific events, both phrases refer to God's mighty acts of intervention and judgment, reinforcing the overarching theme of divine power and deliverance. This creates a comprehensive sense of divine action, covering both the land (Egypt) and the sea. The terms "wondrous" (from _pâlâʼ_) and "terrible" (from _yârêʼ_) themselves are examples of **Emotive Language** and **Hyperbole**, chosen to evoke a strong sense of awe, dread, and magnitude, emphasizing the extraordinary, supernatural nature of God's deeds. The phrase "land of Ham" functions as a **Metonymy** for Egypt, using a part (the lineage of Ham) to represent the whole (the nation of Egypt), adding a layer of historical and genealogical depth to the geographical reference. Together, these devices powerfully amplify the impact of God's historical interventions, rendering them unforgettable and awe-inspiring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:22 serves as a profound theological anchor, reminding us of God's active, personal involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. It underscores the foundational biblical truth that God is not a distant, disengaged deity but one who powerfully intervenes to deliver His people and execute justice. The "wondrous works" and "terrible things" are not merely historical anecdotes; they are foundational events that profoundly reveal God's character as both mighty Deliverer and righteous Judge. These events establish a divine pattern of action that resonates throughout salvation history, culminating in the ultimate act of deliverance through Christ. The psalm's lament over Israel's chronic forgetfulness of these acts highlights the ongoing human propensity to neglect God's past faithfulness, thereby emphasizing the critical importance of remembrance for fostering gratitude, trust, and sustained obedience in the life of faith.

* [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - Song of Moses: Who is like you, O Lord?")
* [Deuteronomy 6:12](/deuteronomy/6-12 "Deuteronomy 6:12 - Do not forget the Lord")
* [Isaiah 51:10](/isaiah/51-10 "Isaiah 51:10 - God's deliverance from the Red Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 106:22 issues a profound and active call to remembrance of God's mighty acts, both in the grand tapestry of salvation history and in the intimate details of our personal lives. Just as the Israelites were tragically prone to forget the "wondrous works" and "terrible things" that defined their miraculous liberation, so too are we susceptible to spiritual amnesia in the face of present challenges, distractions, or periods of ease. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of intentional and deliberate gratitude, regularly recalling the specific and often miraculous ways God has intervened, provided, and delivered us from bondage—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. By meditating deeply on His past faithfulness, our faith is profoundly strengthened, our trust in His character deepened, and our perspective recalibrated to perceive His sovereign hand at work even in the midst of trials and uncertainties. It reminds us that the God who miraculously parted the Red Sea and judged a mighty empire is the very same God who walks with us today, perfectly capable of overcoming any obstacle and fulfilling His purposes, thereby inspiring us to live in confident obedience, unwavering worship, and hopeful anticipation of His continued faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wondrous works" or "terrible things" (awe-inspiring acts of deliverance or judgment) has God performed in your life or in the history of His church that you are prone to forget?**
* **How does intentionally remembering God's past interventions, like those at the Red Sea, strengthen your faith and trust in Him for current or future challenges you face?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more consistent practice of remembering God's faithfulness and expressing heartfelt gratitude in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why is Egypt referred to as "the land of Ham" in this verse?**

Answer: "The land of Ham" is a common and biblically accurate designation for Egypt, tracing its origin to Ham, one of Noah's sons. According to the Table of Nations in [Genesis 10:6](/genesis/10-6 "Genesis 10:6 - Descendants of Ham"), Ham's descendants (Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan) settled various regions, with Mizraim being the Hebrew name for Egypt itself. Therefore, referring to Egypt as "the land of Ham" is a historically grounded way of identifying the geographical location where God performed His "wondrous works" (the plagues) against Pharaoh and his kingdom. This terminology is also found in other psalms, such as [Psalms 78:51](/psalms/78-51 "Psalms 78:51 - God's judgment in Egypt") and [Psalms 105:23](/psalms/105-23 "Psalms 105:23 - Israel in Egypt"), emphasizing a consistent biblical understanding of the region.

**What is the significance of "terrible things" at the Red Sea? Does "terrible" mean bad or evil?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "terrible" in this context is related to _yârêʼ_ (H3372), which carries a primary meaning of "awe-inspiring deeds," "fearsome acts," or "great and mighty acts." While it can evoke a sense of dread or terror, especially for those on the receiving end of God's judgment (like Pharaoh's army), its core meaning emphasizes the overwhelming power, majesty, and holiness of the one performing the acts. For Israel, the "terrible things" at the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:21-31](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")) were not "bad" or evil in a moral sense, but profoundly good—a miraculous deliverance and a definitive display of God's saving power. It was an event so grand and powerful that it inspired both reverence and fear, solidifying their understanding of Yahweh's unique sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 106:22, with its vivid portrayal of God's "wondrous works" and "terrible things" in delivering Israel from the bondage of Egypt, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Exodus, with its miraculous plagues and the climactic Red Sea deliverance, serves as a powerful Old Testament type of the greater salvation accomplished through Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from the oppressive bondage of Pharaoh, so Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), delivers humanity from the far more pervasive and deadly bondage of sin and death. His life, ministry, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection are the ultimate "wondrous works"—miracles that demonstrate divine power over sickness, nature, demons, and even death itself ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus Raised")). The "terrible things" at the Red Sea, which brought decisive judgment upon Egypt and miraculous salvation to Israel, are echoed in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. There, the righteous judgment of God against sin was fully poured out upon Him, securing eternal deliverance and freedom for all who believe ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as a Propitiation")). Through Christ, believers experience a new and greater exodus, passing from spiritual death to eternal life, sealed by the [Holy Spirit of promise](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit") and empowered for new obedience, forever remembering His incomparable "wondrous works" that secure our eternal freedom and fellowship with God ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

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

Psalms 105:23

Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.

Psalms 78:51

And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of [their] strength in the tabernacles of Ham:

Exodus 14:25

And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

Exodus 14:28

And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, [and] all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

Exodus 15:10

Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.

Psalms 105:27

They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

Psalms 105:36

He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.