Psalms 106:22

Psalms 106:22 is part of a historical psalm recounting Israel's tumultuous relationship with God, highlighting their repeated rebellion and God's enduring faithfulness. This specific verse recalls two monumental events from the Exodus narrative, serving as powerful reminders of God's unmatched power and His commitment to His covenant people.

Context

This verse is found within a section of Psalms 106 (verses 7-46) that meticulously details Israel's history of disobedience from their time in Egypt through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. The psalmist laments Israel's tendency to forget God's mighty acts, using these historical examples to underscore their ingratitude and God's persistent grace. Verse 22 specifically refers to events that should have been unforgettable, contrasting Israel's forgetfulness with the grandeur of God's deeds.

Key Themes

• God's Sovereign Power: The verse vividly portrays God's absolute control over nature and nations, demonstrated through devastating judgments against Egypt and miraculous deliverance for Israel.
• Divine Justice and Deliverance: The "wondrous works" were acts of judgment against Egypt for their oppression, and the "terrible things" at the Red Sea were acts of salvation for Israel, showing God's justice against oppressors and His care for the oppressed.
• The Importance of Remembrance: The psalm's purpose is to call Israel to remember God's past faithfulness and mighty deeds, thereby inspiring gratitude and obedience, a theme echoed throughout the book of Psalms (e.g., Psalms 77:11).

Linguistic Insights

• "Land of Ham": This is a biblical designation for Egypt, stemming from the lineage of Ham, one of Noah's sons (as seen in Psalms 78:51 and Psalms 105:23, 27). It grounds the historical events in a specific geographical and cultural context.
• "Wondrous works": Refers to the ten plagues God inflicted upon Egypt (Exodus chapters 7-12), acts of divine intervention designed to compel Pharaoh to release Israel.
• "Terrible things": The Hebrew word used here is nora'ot (נוֹרָאוֹת), which means "awe-inspiring deeds," "fearsome acts," or "great and mighty acts." It does not imply something inherently negative, but rather actions so grand and powerful that they evoke profound reverence, dread, and wonder. This is most vividly seen in the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the subsequent destruction of Pharaoh's army (Exodus 14:28).

Practical Application

Psalms 106:22 serves as a timeless reminder of God's faithfulness and omnipotence. For believers today, it encourages us to:

• Remember God's Past Works: Just as Israel was called to remember, we too should recall God's interventions in history and in our personal lives. This strengthens our faith and trust in His continued care and power.
• Cultivate Gratitude: Recognizing the magnitude of God's saving acts, both for ancient Israel and for us through Christ's sacrifice, should inspire profound gratitude and worship.
• Trust His Sovereignty: The God who performed "wondrous works" in the land of Ham and "terrible things" by the Red Sea is the same God who is active in the world today. We can trust Him to act powerfully on behalf of His people and His purposes, even in challenging times.