Psalms 74:13

KJV

Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou didst divide {H6565}{H8782)} the sea {H3220} by thy strength {H5797}: thou brakest {H7665}{H8765)} the heads {H7218} of the dragons {H8577} in the waters {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By your strength you split the sea in two, in the water you smashed sea monsters' heads,

Berean Standard Bible

You divided the sea by Your strength; You smashed the heads of the dragons of the sea;

American Standard Version

Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: Thou brakest the heads of the sea-monsters in the waters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 74:13 serves as a powerful declaration of God's unparalleled might and historical acts of deliverance, forming a cornerstone for the psalmist's fervent plea during a period of profound national devastation. This verse, embedded within a communal lament, recalls God's foundational triumphs over chaotic forces and formidable adversaries, asserting His enduring sovereignty as the basis for Israel's hope and appeal for intervention in their present crisis. It is a vivid reminder of divine strength that transcends all earthly and mythical opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 74 is a communal lament, part of Book Two of the Psalms (Psalms 42-72). It is a poignant cry to God from a people experiencing immense suffering, likely the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. The psalm begins with a lament (vv. 1-3), describes the desolation (vv. 4-8), and then appeals to God based on His past mighty deeds (vv. 12-17), before concluding with a renewed plea for divine intervention (vv. 18-23). Verse 13, along with verses 14-17, forms the core of the psalmist's argument, reminding God of His historical power and covenant faithfulness as a foundation for present help. This section functions as a theological anchor, shifting from despair to a declaration of God's unchanging nature and power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm most likely originates from a period of extreme national catastrophe, widely believed to be the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC, although some scholars suggest the Maccabean period. The vivid descriptions of the sanctuary being defiled and burned (vv. 3-8) strongly support this setting. The imagery of "dividing the sea" directly references the [Exodus event](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), a foundational narrative of Israel's deliverance. The "breaking the heads of the dragons" draws upon ancient Near Eastern (ANE) mythological motifs, particularly the "Chaoskampf" (conflict with chaos), where a divine warrior deity defeats primordial sea monsters (e.g., Baal vs. Yam, Marduk vs. Tiamat). The psalmist reappropriates this imagery, not to endorse pagan myths, but to assert Yahweh's absolute and unique supremacy over all forces of chaos and evil, including powerful human empires like Egypt (often symbolized as Rahab or Leviathan in prophetic literature, as seen in [Isaiah 51:9-10](/isaiah/51-9 "Isaiah 51:9-10 - God's Arm and the Red Sea")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Supreme Power and Sovereignty** over both creation and hostile forces, emphasizing His ability to control the uncontrollable and overcome the invincible. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Deliverance**, recalling God's historical faithfulness in rescuing His people from impossible situations, specifically the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"). This serves as a template for future interventions. Thirdly, the imagery of "breaking the heads of the dragons" symbolizes **Victory Over Chaos and Evil**, asserting Yahweh's triumph over all forms of opposition—be they natural disasters, powerful empires (like Pharaoh and his army at the Red Sea), or the very forces of disorder that threaten creation and covenant order. This theme is echoed in other psalms that speak of God's dominion over the seas, such as [Psalm 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God Rules the Raging Sea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Divide (Hebrew, _bāqaʿ_):** This verb means "to split," "to cleave," or "to break open." It denotes a forceful, decisive, and often violent act of separation. In the context of the sea, it vividly recalls the miraculous parting of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Moses Stretches Out His Hand")). The use of _bāqaʿ_ emphasizes God's direct and powerful intervention, demonstrating His absolute control over the natural world and His ability to create a path where none existed.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _kōaḥ_):** This term refers to physical power, might, or ability. When attributed to God, it signifies His omnipotence and irresistible force. The psalmist explicitly states that the division of the sea was not by chance or natural phenomenon, but by God's inherent and active strength, underscoring His divine agency in the historical events of deliverance.
* **Dragons (Hebrew, _tannīnīm_):** This plural noun can refer to large aquatic creatures like sea monsters, crocodiles, or serpents. In biblical and ANE contexts, _tannīnīm_ often carries symbolic weight, representing powerful, chaotic, and hostile entities, whether literal enemies (like Pharaoh and Egypt) or mythical representations of primordial chaos. The imagery of "breaking the heads" signifies a complete and decisive defeat, not just a subjugation, but an utter annihilation of the enemy's power and leadership. This echoes the ancient concept of the divine warrior defeating chaos monsters, but here it is Yahweh, the one true God, who is the ultimate victor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength":** This clause directly references the miraculous parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea")). The psalmist attributes this monumental act of creation-like power directly to God's "strength" (_kōaḥ_), emphasizing His omnipotence and His direct intervention in history for the sake of His people. The "sea" here is not just a body of water but a symbol of insurmountable obstacle and chaotic power that God effortlessly controls and transforms into a path of deliverance.
* **"thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters":** This second clause expands on God's victory, using powerful, symbolic language. "Dragons" (_tannīnīm_) are understood to represent the formidable, chaotic forces that oppose God and His people. In the context of the Exodus, this imagery primarily refers to Pharaoh and his army, who were utterly defeated in the "waters" of the Red Sea. The plural "heads" suggests a complete and multi-faceted victory over all aspects of this powerful enemy, or even a collection of such enemies. This imagery also draws from ancient Near Eastern "Chaoskampf" motifs, where a divine warrior defeats a multi-headed sea monster, but here it is Yahweh, the God of Israel, who demonstrates His absolute supremacy over all chaotic and evil powers.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 74:13 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "sea" symbolizes not only the literal Red Sea but also overwhelming obstacles, chaos, and the forces of nature that only God can control. The "dragons" (**_tannīnīm_**) are highly symbolic, representing powerful, hostile nations (like Egypt/Pharaoh) or the very embodiment of primordial chaos and evil that God definitively conquers. The "breaking of heads" is a powerful symbol of complete and utter defeat, signifying the destruction of leadership and power. The verse also employs **Merism** by combining the division of the sea with the breaking of the dragons' heads; these two distinct but related acts together encapsulate the totality of God's power over both natural elements and hostile human/supernatural forces. Furthermore, the psalmist uses **Anthropomorphism** by attributing "strength" to God in a way that suggests active, physical exertion, making His power more relatable and impactful to the human audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates God's eternal victory over chaos and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It grounds the psalmist's plea in the unchangeable character of God, who, having demonstrated His power over the most formidable natural and adversarial forces in the past, remains capable of delivering His people in any present crisis. This historical act of salvation serves as a theological guarantee of future intervention, affirming God's sovereignty over all creation and all opposition, whether physical, spiritual, or political. The defeat of the "dragons" underscores that no power, human or demonic, can ultimately withstand the might of the Lord.

* [Exodus 14:21-28](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-28 - The Parting of the Red Sea and Drowning of Egyptians")
* [Isaiah 51:9-10](/isaiah/51-9 "Isaiah 51:9-10 - God's Arm Awakens to Cleave Rahab")
* [Psalm 89:9-10](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9-10 - God Rules the Raging Sea and Crushes Rahab")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 74:13 offers a profound wellspring of hope and encouragement for believers navigating overwhelming challenges today. Just as the psalmist appealed to God's past demonstrations of power—His ability to cleave the sea and crush the "dragons" of chaos and oppression—we are called to remember and rely on the same unchanging God. This verse reminds us that no obstacle is too vast, no enemy too strong, and no situation too dire for the Lord. It invites us to anchor our faith not in our present circumstances, but in the historical and eternal reality of God's omnipotence and His faithfulness to His people. When we feel engulfed by the "waters" of life's trials, whether personal struggles, societal injustices, or spiritual battles, we can find solace and strength in the God who has already demonstrated His absolute dominion over all forces that threaten to overwhelm us. Our past experiences of God's faithfulness, and the grand narrative of His deliverance throughout history, become the bedrock for our trust in His present and future help.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "seas" or "dragons" (overwhelming obstacles or oppressive forces) are you facing in your life today?**
* **How does recalling God's past acts of power, like the parting of the Red Sea, strengthen your faith in His ability to intervene in your present situation?**
* **In what ways can you actively remember and declare God's sovereignty over chaos and evil in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "dragons" in this verse, and is it literal?**

Answer: The term "dragons" (Hebrew: _tannīnīm_) in Psalms 74:13 is highly symbolic rather than literal. While _tannīnīm_ can refer to large aquatic creatures like crocodiles or sea serpents, in this context, it primarily symbolizes powerful, hostile entities or forces that oppose God and His people. The imagery draws from ancient Near Eastern mythological traditions of a divine warrior god defeating primordial chaos monsters, but the psalmist reinterprets this to assert Yahweh's unique and absolute sovereignty. Specifically, in the context of the Exodus, the "dragons" represent Pharaoh and his mighty Egyptian army, who were utterly defeated in the Red Sea. Therefore, "breaking the heads of the dragons" signifies God's complete and decisive victory over all oppressive powers, whether human or spiritual, that stand against His divine will and His covenant people. It's a powerful metaphor for God's triumph over chaos and evil, as seen in other biblical references to "Rahab" or "Leviathan" symbolizing powerful enemies (e.g., [Job 26:12-13](/job/26-12 "Job 26:12-13 - God's Power Over the Sea and Rahab") or [Isaiah 27:1](/isaiah/27-1 "Isaiah 27:1 - God Will Slay Leviathan")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 74:13, with its depiction of God's triumph over chaotic waters and "dragons," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's narrative of God's victory over the sea and its monsters foreshadows Christ's absolute dominion over all creation and all forces of evil. Just as God "divided the sea" to make a way for His people, Jesus demonstrated His authority over the literal sea by [calming the storm with a word](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), revealing His divine power over natural chaos. More significantly, the "breaking of the heads of the dragons" points to Christ's decisive victory over the ultimate "dragon"—Satan, sin, and death. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus decisively [crushed the head of the serpent](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium"), disarming the powers of darkness and triumphing over all spiritual adversaries ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the true deliverer who has made a way through the "waters" of sin and death, offering eternal life and freedom to all who believe ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, the ancient victory celebrated in Psalm 74:13 finds its climactic and saving reality in the person of Christ, who is the ultimate manifestation of God's strength and deliverance.

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 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Psalms 78:13

He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.

Ezekiel 29:3

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.

Isaiah 51:9

¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?

Isaiah 51:10

[Art] thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

Psalms 106:8

Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

Psalms 106:9

He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.