113:9 113:9

Psalms 114:1

114:2 114:2

Bible Versions

¶ When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;
When Israel {H3478} went out {H3318} of Egypt {H4714}, the house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290} from a people {H5971} of strange language {H3937};
When Isra'el came out of Egypt, the house of Ya'akov from a people of foreign speech,
When Israel departed from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,
When Israel went forth out of Egypt, The house of Jacob from a people of strange language;

Psalm 114 is a powerful hymn celebrating God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, a foundational event in their national history. This psalm is part of the Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals, particularly Passover, to commemorate the Exodus.

Context of Psalms 114:1

Verse 1 immediately sets the scene by recalling the pivotal moment: "When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language." This opening line encapsulates the miraculous liberation of God's chosen people from centuries of slavery and oppression. The phrase "house of Jacob" emphasizes their identity as direct descendants of the patriarch Jacob (also called Israel), highlighting their covenantal lineage.

The "people of strange language" refers to the Egyptians, whose distinct culture, religion, and speech created a stark barrier between them and the Israelites. This linguistic and cultural separation underscores the alien and oppressive environment from which God delivered His people. The verse serves as a concise summary of the grand historical narrative detailed in the book of Exodus, setting the stage for the dramatic display of God's power described in the subsequent verses of Psalm 114.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The primary theme is God's mighty act of salvation, freeing Israel from impossible circumstances. It highlights His faithfulness to His covenant promises.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: The departure from Egypt demonstrates God's power to overcome even the mightiest human empires and their gods.
  • Israel's Distinct Identity: By calling them "Israel" and "the house of Jacob," the psalm emphasizes their unique status as God's chosen people, set apart from the nations around them, particularly the "people of strange language."
  • Freedom from Bondage: This verse celebrates not just a physical departure but a profound liberation from servitude and oppression, a motif that resonates throughout biblical theology.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "strange language" is 'am lo'ez (עם לועז), which literally means "stammering people" or "people of a barbarous tongue." This emphasizes the foreignness and unintelligibility of the Egyptian language to the Israelites, highlighting the complete cultural and spiritual divide. It underscores the idea that God's people were truly in a foreign land, under foreign rule, and needed a divine hand to lead them out.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly recalls the foundational narrative of the Exodus, which is extensively covered in the Old Testament. For a deeper understanding of the historical event, see Exodus 12:51, which describes Israel's departure from Egypt "by their armies." The concept of God's deliverance from a foreign land and people is also echoed in Deuteronomy 6:21, where Moses instructs Israel to remember their past servitude and God's powerful rescue.

Practical Application

Psalms 114:1 serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and His ability to deliver His people from any form of bondage. For believers today, it encourages us to:

  1. Remember God's Past Faithfulness: Just as Israel remembered the Exodus, we are called to recall God's past interventions in our lives and in history, building our faith for present and future challenges.
  2. Trust in God's Power: This verse assures us that no "strange language" or oppressive power can ultimately hold God's people captive when He purposes to set them free. It inspires confidence in His ability to deliver us from spiritual, emotional, or physical "Egypts."
  3. Embrace Our Distinct Identity: As the "house of Jacob" was distinct, so too are believers called to be set apart from the world, recognizing our unique identity in Christ and our freedom from the "strange language" of sin and worldly systems.
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.

  • Exodus 13:3

    And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this [place]: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

  • Genesis 42:23

    And they knew not that Joseph understood [them]; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.

  • Psalms 81:5

    This he ordained in Joseph [for] a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: [where] I heard a language [that] I understood not.

  • Exodus 12:41

    And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

  • Exodus 12:42

    It [is] a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this [is] that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.

  • Deuteronomy 16:1

    ¶ Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.

  • Isaiah 11:16

    And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.
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