Psalms 114:1

KJV

¶ When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;

KJV (with Strong's)

When Israel {H3478} went out {H3318} of Egypt {H4714}, the house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290} from a people {H5971} of strange language {H3937};

Complete Jewish Bible

When Isra'el came out of Egypt, the house of Ya'akov from a people of foreign speech,

Berean Standard Bible

When Israel departed from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,

American Standard Version

When Israel went forth out of Egypt, The house of Jacob from a people of strange language;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 114:1 serves as a majestic opening to a powerful hymn, recalling the foundational event of Israel's national history: their miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage. This verse immediately transports the worshiper back to the pivotal moment when God's chosen people, the "house of Jacob," departed from a foreign land and a "people of strange language," setting the stage for the dramatic display of divine power and sovereignty that follows throughout the psalm. It encapsulates the profound theological truth of God's faithfulness to His covenant and His ability to deliver His people from impossible circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 114 is a quintessential hymn of praise, forming part of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a collection traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals, most notably Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot. Its placement immediately after Psalm 113, which praises God's condescension to the humble, prepares the worshiper for a celebration of God's mighty acts on behalf of His people. Verse 1 functions as a concise, evocative prologue, immediately establishing the historical anchor of the psalm's praise. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 114:3-4](/psalms/114-3 "Psalm 114:3-4 - The Sea and Jordan Flee") and [Psalms 114:7-8](/psalms/114-7 "Psalm 114:7-8 - Earth Trembles Before God")) then elaborate on the miraculous natural phenomena that accompanied the Exodus, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over creation in service of His redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Exodus from Egypt, a defining moment for ancient Israel detailed extensively in the book of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Book of Deliverance"). For centuries, the descendants of Jacob had lived as enslaved foreigners in Egypt, a powerful empire with a highly developed polytheistic religion and a distinct culture. The phrase "people of strange language" (עם לועז, *ʿam loʿez*) highlights the profound linguistic, cultural, and religious chasm between the Israelites and their Egyptian oppressors. This distinction underscored their alien status and the complete otherness of the environment from which God delivered them. Their departure was not merely a change of location but a profound liberation from a system of idolatry and oppression, marking their birth as a nation under God's direct rule, distinct from all other peoples.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several profound themes central to the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Deliverance**, portraying God as the faithful rescuer who intervenes powerfully to free His people from bondage, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Deuteronomy 6:21-22](/deuteronomy/6-21 "Deuteronomy 6:21-22 - Remember the Deliverance from Egypt"). Secondly, it highlights **Israel's Distinct Identity**, referring to them as "Israel" and "the house of Jacob," underscoring their unique covenantal relationship with Yahweh, set apart from the "strange language" of the nations. This distinctiveness is foundational to their role as God's chosen people, as seen in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Treasured Possession"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **God's Sovereignty Over Nations and Nature**, as the departure from Egypt (a mighty empire) foreshadows the subsequent demonstrations of God's power over the Red Sea and the Jordan River, asserting His absolute control over all creation for the sake of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yiśrāʾēl'_):** This term refers to the nation descended from Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel (meaning "struggles with God" or "God strives"). In this context, it signifies the collective identity of God's covenant people, emphasizing their unique relationship with Yahweh and their status as the recipients of divine promises and miraculous deliverance. It is a theological designation, not just a geographical one.
* **Jacob (Hebrew, _Yaʿaqōḇ'_):** Often used in parallelism with "Israel," "the house of Jacob" functions as a poetic synonym for the nation. It specifically emphasizes their patriarchal lineage and foundational identity rooted in the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The "house" implies both the family and the entire lineage or nation that sprang from him, reinforcing their unity and common heritage.
* **Strange Language (Hebrew, _ʿam loʿez'_):** Literally meaning "stammering people" or "barbarous people," this phrase vividly describes the Egyptians. It highlights not just a linguistic barrier but a profound cultural, religious, and spiritual alienation. To the Israelites, the Egyptian language was unintelligible and foreign, symbolizing the complete otherness and oppressive nature of the environment from which God delivered them. 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Israel went out of Egypt":** This clause immediately sets the historical stage, recalling the pivotal moment of the Exodus. It refers to the physical departure of the entire nation of Israel from their long bondage in Egypt. This "going out" is not merely a migration but a divinely orchestrated act of liberation, marking the end of one era and the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land and nationhood.
* **"the house of Jacob":** This phrase serves as a poetic parallel to "Israel," reinforcing the identity of the people being delivered. It emphasizes their familial and covenantal lineage, reminding the reader that these were the direct descendants of Jacob, the patriarch to whom God had made specific promises. This parallelism underscores the unity and historical continuity of God's chosen people.
* **"from a people of strange language;":** This final clause specifies the nature of the oppressive environment from which Israel was delivered. The "people of strange language" are the Egyptians, whose unintelligible tongue symbolized their foreignness, their distinct (and often idolatrous) culture, and their status as oppressors. This detail highlights the complete cultural and spiritual chasm between the Israelites and their enslavers, making the divine act of separation and deliverance even more profound.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 114:1 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "Israel" is paralleled by "the house of Jacob," and "Egypt" is implicitly paralleled by "a people of strange language." This technique reinforces the identity of the delivered people and the nature of their oppressors, adding poetic emphasis and clarity. The phrase "the house of Jacob" also functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "house" stands for the entire lineage or nation descended from Jacob. Furthermore, "a people of strange language" is a powerful **Metaphor** or **Synecdoche** for the entire foreign, oppressive, and idolatrous Egyptian culture, using a single striking characteristic (language) to represent the whole alien environment. This vivid imagery immediately establishes the context of miraculous liberation from a truly alien power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 114:1 powerfully connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive work. It establishes the Exodus as the foundational act of salvation in the Old Testament, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over history, nations, and nature for the sake of His covenant people. This initial act of deliverance from a "strange language" and oppressive power foreshadows all subsequent acts of salvation, reminding believers that God is faithful to His promises and capable of freeing His people from any form of bondage, whether physical, spiritual, or systemic. The psalm's opening verse thus serves as a timeless declaration of God's power to transform circumstances and establish His people in freedom and distinct identity.

* [Exodus 12:51](/exodus/12-51 "Exodus 12:51 - Israel's Departure from Egypt")
* [Deuteronomy 6:20-22](/deuteronomy/6-20 "Deuteronomy 6:20-22 - Remembering God's Mighty Hand")
* [Isaiah 43:16-17](/isaiah/43-16 "Isaiah 43:16-17 - God's New Exodus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 114:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, calling us to remember and trust in God's unfailing power and faithfulness. Just as Israel was called to recall the defining moment of their Exodus, we too are encouraged to reflect on God's past interventions in our lives and in the grand narrative of salvation history. This verse assures us that no "strange language" of cultural pressure, no oppressive system, and no personal bondage is too great for God to overcome. It inspires confidence that the same God who parted the Red Sea and delivered His people from a mighty empire is active and able to deliver us today from our spiritual "Egypts"—whether they be sin, fear, addiction, or despair. Furthermore, it reminds us of our distinct identity as God's redeemed people, called to live set apart from the "strange language" of worldly values, embracing our freedom and belonging to the "house of God" through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Egypts" or forms of bondage, whether spiritual, emotional, or relational, do you need God to deliver you from today?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in your own life, strengthen your trust in Him for present challenges?**
* **In what ways are believers called to be a "people set apart" from the "strange language" of the world's values and systems?**
* **How does the Exodus narrative, beginning with this verse, shape your understanding of God's character and His ongoing work of redemption?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Psalm 114 being part of the "Hallel" psalms?**

Answer: Psalm 114 is part of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a collection of psalms traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals, particularly Passover. Their inclusion in the Passover liturgy underscores their central role in commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, which is the foundational event of Israel's identity and salvation history. Singing these psalms during Passover allowed generations of Jews to relive and internalize the miraculous deliverance, fostering a deep sense of gratitude, national identity, and trust in God's enduring faithfulness. The Hallel psalms collectively celebrate God's sovereignty over creation and history, His care for the humble, and His mighty acts of redemption, making them highly appropriate for festivals that recall His saving power.

**Who are the "people of strange language" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "people of strange language" refers to the Egyptians. This phrase (in Hebrew, *ʿam loʿez*) emphasizes not only the linguistic barrier between the Israelites and their enslavers but also the profound cultural, religious, and spiritual differences. The Egyptians worshipped a pantheon of gods and practiced customs that were alien and often abhorrent to the monotheistic Israelites. This distinction highlights the complete foreignness and oppressive nature of the environment from which God delivered His people. The "strange language" symbolizes the entire alien system of idolatry and bondage from which God's people were miraculously set free, underscoring the depth of their liberation as described in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 114:1, by recalling Israel's liberation from Egypt, powerfully foreshadows the greater spiritual Exodus accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as Israel was delivered from a "people of strange language" and physical bondage, humanity is delivered from the "strange language" and dominion of sin and death through Christ's redemptive work. Jesus is the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling the Passover sacrifice (cf. [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ, Our Passover Lamb")). His death and resurrection constitute the new and definitive Exodus, freeing those who believe from the slavery of sin and transferring them from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son (cf. [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Believers, like the "house of Jacob," are given a new identity in Christ, becoming a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")), called out of the "strange language" of the world's systems to follow their true Deliverer into the spiritual promised land of eternal life and communion with God.

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 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.