Psalms 74:15

KJV

Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood: thou driedst up mighty rivers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou didst cleave {H1234}{H8804)} the fountain {H4599} and the flood {H5158}: thou driedst up {H3001}{H8689)} mighty {H386} rivers {H5104}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You cut channels for springs and streams, you dried up rivers that had never failed.

Berean Standard Bible

You broke open the fountain and the flood; You dried up the ever-flowing rivers.

American Standard Version

Thou didst cleave fountain and flood: Thou driedst up mighty rivers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 74:15 stands as a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and unparalleled control over the natural world, particularly the most formidable elements of water. Within the broader context of a national lament, this verse serves as a profound reminder of God's mighty deeds in Israel's history, recalling specific acts of miraculous intervention where He demonstrated His power to cleave sources of water and dry up immense rivers, thereby asserting His role as both Creator and Deliverer in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 74 is a communal lament (a "maskil" or "contemplation") attributed to Asaph, expressing profound anguish and bewilderment over the destruction of the temple and the humiliation of God's people. The psalm oscillates between a desperate plea for divine intervention (e.g., [Psalms 74:1-11](/psalms/74-1 "Psalms 74:1-11 - A Plea for Divine Intervention")) and a confident rehearsal of God's past acts of power (e.g., [Psalms 74:12-17](/psalms/74-12 "Psalms 74:12-17 - God's Mighty Deeds as Creator and Deliverer")). Verse 15 falls squarely within this section of remembrance, where the psalmist deliberately recounts God's majestic deeds as Creator and Deliverer, setting the theological foundation for the subsequent appeal for help. By recalling these foundational moments of Israel's history, the psalmist reinforces God's unparalleled might over creation, particularly water, thereby emphasizing His enduring role as the sovereign God of Israel, even in times of apparent abandonment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific historical backdrop for Psalm 74 is widely debated among scholars, but the vivid description of the temple's destruction (e.g., [Psalms 74:3-8](/psalms/74-3 "Psalms 74:3-8 - Desecration of the Sanctuary")) strongly suggests a post-586 BC setting, following the Babylonian conquest and the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. This period was one of national catastrophe, exile, and deep spiritual crisis for Israel. In the ancient Near East, control over water sources—whether for sustenance or as a barrier—was a potent symbol of divine power and authority. Deities associated with chaos, often depicted as primordial waters, were believed to be subdued by the supreme god. By invoking God's power to "cleave the fountain and the flood" and "dry up mighty rivers," the psalmist taps into this cultural understanding, asserting Yahweh's unique and absolute sovereignty over all forces, both natural and chaotic, contrasting it with the impotence of pagan deities and the overwhelming power of the Babylonian empire.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Power and Sovereignty**, vividly portraying God's unmatched ability to manipulate the most formidable elements of nature. He is not merely powerful, but possesses absolute control over all creation, capable of altering its very fabric at will. Secondly, it highlights **Miraculous Deliverance**, recalling specific historical events where God's power over water led directly to the salvation of His people, reinforcing His consistent role as Israel's Deliverer and protector. This includes foundational acts like the provision of water from the rock in the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim") and [Numbers 20:11](/numbers/20-11 "Numbers 20:11 - Water from the Rock at Meribah")) and the dramatic parting of the Red Sea (e.g., [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-22 - The Parting of the Red Sea")) and the Jordan River (e.g., [Joshua 3:15-17](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15-17 - Crossing the Jordan River")). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God as Creator and Sustainer**, demonstrating that the actions described—cleaving fountains and drying rivers—are not just isolated acts of intervention but also reflect the inherent power of a Creator who established the natural order and can alter it at will to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cleave (Hebrew, _bāqaʿ_):** This verb (בָּקַע) signifies a forceful, decisive act of splitting, breaking open, or tearing apart. It is a powerful term used for the earth opening up (e.g., [Numbers 16:31](/numbers/16-31 "Numbers 16:31 - The Earth Swallows Korah's Company")), for the splitting of a rock to release water (e.g., [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - God Provides Water from the Rock")), and most famously, for the parting of the Red Sea (e.g., [Exodus 14:16](/exodus/14-16 "Exodus 14:16 - Moses' Staff and the Sea")). In Psalms 74:15, its use emphasizes God's direct, powerful, and supernatural intervention, overcoming natural barriers to provide for or deliver His people. It speaks to a divine act that fundamentally alters the natural order.
* **Mighty Rivers (Hebrew, _naharot eitan_):** The phrase (נַהֲרוֹת אֵיתָן) combines _naharot_ (rivers) with _eitan_, an adjective implying permanence, strength, endurance, or perennial flow. These were not seasonal wadis or small streams but powerful, perhaps even ancient and seemingly unyielding rivers. The use of _eitan_ magnifies the astounding nature of God's act of drying them up. This imagery strongly evokes events such as the parting of the Red Sea, which was a vast and formidable body of water, and the drying of the Jordan River, which was at flood stage when Israel crossed (e.g., [Joshua 3:15](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15 - The Jordan at Flood Stage")). The phrase underscores the magnitude of the obstacles God overcame, highlighting His supreme power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood":** This clause speaks to God's power over the very sources of water and large bodies of water. "Fountain" (מַעְיָן, _maʿyan_) can refer to a spring or well, while "flood" (נַחַל, _naḥal_) can mean a wadi, torrent, or river. The imagery likely alludes to God's miraculous provision of water from the rock in the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock")) and possibly to His primordial conquest over the chaotic waters of creation (e.g., [Genesis 1:6-10](/genesis/1-6 "Genesis 1:6-10 - God Separates Waters and Gathers Them")). It highlights God's ability to create life-sustaining resources where none exist and to control even the most fundamental elements.
* **"thou driedst up mighty rivers":** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, pointing to God's power to remove or neutralize vast, seemingly insurmountable watery barriers. "Driedst up" (הוֹבַשְׁתָּ, _hovashta_) implies a complete desiccation. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," "mighty rivers" refers to powerful, perennial waterways. This directly recalls the epic events of the Red Sea parting (e.g., [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea")) and the Jordan River crossing (e.g., [Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan")). These acts were not merely natural phenomena but miraculous interventions demonstrating God's absolute dominion over nature for the sake of His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 74:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Allusion** is central, as the verse does not explicitly name the events but clearly points to the miraculous provision of water from the rock in the wilderness and the epic crossings of the Red Sea and the Jordan River. This allows the psalmist to evoke a rich tapestry of Israel's redemptive history with concise language. **Merism** is also present in the pairing of "fountain and the flood" and implicitly "cleave" and "driedst up," which together encompass the full spectrum of God's power over water, from its source to its largest manifestations. This creates a sense of totality and completeness in God's dominion. Furthermore, the descriptions themselves are **hyperbolic**, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of God's actions; these were not ordinary hydrological events but divine interventions that defied natural laws. Finally, the verse uses **metaphorical language** where water, especially "mighty rivers," can symbolize overwhelming obstacles or chaotic forces, and God's control over them signifies His ultimate victory over all opposition, both natural and spiritual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 74:15 is a profound theological statement, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. By recalling His past acts of power over water, the psalmist grounds the present plea for deliverance in the unchangeable character of God. This verse reminds us that the God who created the cosmos and established its boundaries is also the God who can suspend or alter those boundaries for His redemptive purposes. It connects God's power over the primordial waters of creation (e.g., [Genesis 1:9-10](/genesis/1-9 "Genesis 1:9-10 - God Gathers the Waters")) with His historical interventions, demonstrating a consistent divine nature that is both majestic and actively involved in human history. In times of national crisis or personal despair, the remembrance of such mighty deeds serves as a bedrock for faith, assuring believers that no obstacle is too great for the Lord, who is both the Creator and the ultimate Deliverer.
* [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "The Parting of the Red Sea")
* [Joshua 3:15-17](/joshua/3-15 "The Crossing of the Jordan River")
* [Isaiah 43:16-17](/isaiah/43-16 "God's Power to Make a Way in the Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 74:15 offers profound encouragement for believers today, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles or "mighty rivers" in our lives. Whether these are personal struggles, national crises, or global challenges, the verse reminds us of God's infinite power and His historical faithfulness. The same God who split rocks to provide water in the desert and dried up seas for His people to cross is active and sovereign today. This calls us to remember that our God is not limited by natural laws or human impossibilities. His past acts serve as a powerful testimony to His present and future capability. In moments of despair or when circumstances seem overwhelming, recalling these mighty deeds can rekindle hope and strengthen our faith, reminding us that God can make a way where there seems to be none, and that His ultimate deliverance and justice will prevail. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate circumstances to the unchanging power and character of our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mighty rivers" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing in your life right now?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of power, both in biblical history and in your own life, strengthen your trust in Him for present challenges?**
* **In what ways can you actively recall and declare God's sovereignty over the "floods" and "fountains" of chaos in your world today?**

### FAQ
**What specific historical events does Psalms 74:15 allude to?**

Answer: Psalms 74:15 primarily alludes to two foundational events in Israel's history where God demonstrated His absolute power over water. "Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood" most likely refers to God's miraculous provision of water from the rock in the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim") and [Numbers 20:11](/numbers/20-11 "Numbers 20:11 - Water from the Rock at Meribah")), where He split a solid rock to bring forth life-sustaining water. "Thou driedst up mighty rivers" directly points to the dramatic parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's army (e.g., [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-22 - The Parting of the Red Sea")), and the miraculous drying of the Jordan River, enabling them to enter the Promised Land (e.g., [Joshua 3:15-17](/joshua/3-15 "Joshua 3:15-17 - Crossing the Jordan River")). These events collectively highlight God's unique power as both Provider and Deliverer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 74:15, with its powerful depiction of God's dominion over the elements, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The God who "cleaved the fountain and the flood" and "driedst up mighty rivers" is fully revealed in Jesus, who demonstrated absolute authority over nature during His earthly ministry. Just as God commanded the waters in the Old Testament, Jesus Himself calmed a raging storm with a mere word (e.g., [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), and walked on the surface of the Sea of Galilee (e.g., [Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")), revealing His divine identity as the Creator God incarnate. Furthermore, the "mighty rivers" of sin, death, and chaos that threaten humanity are ultimately overcome by Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. He is the true "fountain" of living water (e.g., [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")) who quenches spiritual thirst, and through His victory, He "dried up" the ultimate river of separation from God, making a way for humanity to enter into eternal life (e.g., [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Thus, the psalmist's declaration of God's power over water foreshadows the comprehensive and redemptive power of Christ over all creation and all forces of evil.

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

Numbers 20:11

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also].

Isaiah 48:21

And they thirsted not [when] he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

Exodus 17:5

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.

Exodus 17:6

Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Psalms 105:41

He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places [like] a river.

Joshua 3:13

And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

Joshua 3:17

And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.