114:1 114:1

Psalms 114:2

114:3 114:3

Bible Versions

Judah was his sanctuary, [and] Israel his dominion.
Judah {H3063} was his sanctuary {H6944}, and Israel {H3478} his dominion {H4475}.
Y'hudah became [God's] sanctuary, Isra'el his domain.
Judah became God’s sanctuary, and Israel His dominion.
Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

Psalm 114 is a magnificent hymn celebrating God's awe-inspiring power displayed during the Exodus from Egypt and the subsequent wilderness journey. Verse 2 serves as the foundational declaration, explaining *why* God acted so powerfully on Israel's behalf.

Context

This verse immediately follows the opening statement, "When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language." It sets the stage by identifying the unique relationship God had with the nation He delivered. The psalm then vividly describes the natural world's reaction to God's presence—the sea fleeing, the Jordan turning back, and mountains skipping—all because of the Lord's mighty presence (see Psalms 114:3-4). Verse 2 provides the theological underpinning: Israel was not just any nation; it was God's chosen dwelling place and rightful domain.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Presence and Holiness: "Judah was his sanctuary" highlights God's choice to establish His unique presence among His people. Judah, as the tribe from which the Davidic line would come and where Jerusalem (with its Temple) was located, became the symbolic center of God's dwelling on Earth. This emphasizes the concept of a sanctuary—a holy place set apart for God.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Dominion: "Israel his dominion" underscores God's absolute rule and ownership over the nation of Israel. He was not merely their deliverer but their King, their ultimate authority. This speaks to God's sovereignty over His chosen people, a theme woven throughout the Old Testament.
  • Covenant Relationship: The verse encapsulates the special covenant relationship between God and Israel. They were His peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6). This intimate bond is why He intervened so dramatically on their behalf.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sanctuary" is qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ), which denotes a place or object that is "holy" or "set apart" for divine use. It emphasizes the sacredness and consecration of Judah in God's eyes. The term for "dominion" is memshalah (מֶמְשָׁלָה), signifying rule, government, or authority. This highlights God's rightful and active governance over Israel, not just as a protector but as a supreme ruler.

Practical Application

While this verse speaks to ancient Israel, its principles resonate deeply for believers today. Just as God chose Israel as His sanctuary and dominion, through Christ, He chooses to dwell within believers individually and collectively as the church. The Apostle Paul speaks of believers as being temples of the Holy Spirit. We are called to be set apart for His purposes, living under His benevolent dominion. Understanding God's sovereign rule over our lives can bring comfort and assurance, knowing that the same powerful God who parted the Red Sea is actively governing our existence.

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 15:17

    Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, [in] the place, O LORD, [which] thou hast made for thee to dwell in, [in] the Sanctuary, O Lord, [which] thy hands have established.

  • Exodus 25:8

    And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

  • Psalms 78:68

    But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.

  • Psalms 78:69

    And he built his sanctuary like high [palaces], like the earth which he hath established for ever.

  • Exodus 6:7

    And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

  • Exodus 29:45

    And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.

  • Exodus 29:46

    And they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I [am] the LORD their God.
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