Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.
Thou hast broken {H1792} Rahab {H7294} in pieces {H1792}{H8765)}, as one that is slain {H2491}; thou hast scattered {H6340}{H8765)} thine enemies {H341}{H8802)} with thy strong {H5797} arm {H2220}.
You crushed Rahav like a carcass; with your strong arm you scattered your foes.
You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.
Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; Thou hast scattered thine enemies with the arm of thy strength.
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Psalms 87:4
¶ I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this [man] was born there. -
Psalms 144:6
Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them. -
Psalms 68:30
Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, [till every one] submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people [that] delight in war. -
Psalms 78:43
How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan: -
Psalms 78:72
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. -
Exodus 3:19
And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. -
Exodus 3:20
And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.
Psalm 89:10 is a powerful declaration of God's unmatched strength and His historical acts of deliverance, particularly for His people, Israel. This verse is part of a larger psalm that recounts God's faithfulness to His covenant, even amidst times of national distress.
Context
Psalm 89 is a Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite, a wisdom psalm that begins by celebrating God's steadfast love and faithfulness, especially His covenant with David. However, the psalm then transitions into a lament, questioning why God seems to have abandoned His promises in the face of Israel's suffering. Verse 10, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of God's past demonstrations of power, contrasting with the present difficulties and setting the stage for the psalmist's plea for divine intervention. It highlights God's historical triumphs as a foundation for future hope.
Key Themes
Linguistic and Symbolic Insights
The term "Rahab" (rahab in Hebrew) is highly significant here. While it can refer to an arrogant or boisterous spirit, in poetic and prophetic books like Psalms and Isaiah, it often serves as a symbolic name for Egypt, specifically referencing its defeat during the Exodus. The phrase "broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain" vividly depicts the utter annihilation of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea, a definitive act of God's judgment and deliverance. This imagery emphasizes the completeness of God's victory over a powerful, seemingly invincible adversary. The "strong arm" is a recurring biblical idiom for God's divine intervention and irresistible might.
Related Scriptures
Practical Application
For believers today, Psalm 89:10 offers profound encouragement. It reminds us that the God who decisively defeated the mighty "Rahab" (Egypt) and scattered His enemies with His powerful arm is the same God who remains sovereign over all circumstances. When facing overwhelming challenges, personal struggles, or societal evils, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us of God's historical faithfulness and His unchanging ability to bring about victory. It calls us to trust in His divine strength, even when our circumstances seem bleak, and to remember that no enemy, visible or invisible, can ultimately stand against Him. This historical act of deliverance provides a basis for faith in God's continued ability to protect and deliver His people.