Psalms 89:10

KJV

Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You crushed Rahav like a carcass; with your strong arm you scattered your foes.

Berean Standard Bible

You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.

American Standard Version

Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; Thou hast scattered thine enemies with the arm of thy strength.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 89:10 serves as a powerful declaration of God's unmatched strength and His historical acts of deliverance, particularly for His people, Israel. It recounts God's decisive victory over "Rahab," a symbolic representation of Egypt and the forces of chaos, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and irresistible might. This verse, embedded within a psalm that both celebrates God's covenant faithfulness and laments perceived abandonment, functions as a foundational reminder of divine power, offering a basis for hope and trust in God's ability to overcome any opposition, past, present, or future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 89 is a Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite, a wisdom psalm that unfolds in two distinct movements. The first section (vv. 1-37) is a grand celebration of God's steadfast love (חֶסֶד, _hesed'_) and faithfulness, particularly highlighted in His unconditional covenant with David (vv. 19-37). Verse 10 stands within this celebratory opening, recalling a foundational act of divine power that established God's reign and demonstrated His protective care for Israel. It immediately follows verses that praise God's dominion over the sea and His crushing of His enemies (vv. 9-10), setting the stage for the later lament (vv. 38-51) where the psalmist questions God's apparent abandonment of His covenant promises in the face of national defeat. Thus, verse 10 serves as a powerful anchor, recalling God's past triumphs as a basis for the psalmist's desperate plea for renewed divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "Rahab" immediately evokes the historical context of the Exodus. In biblical poetry, "Rahab" (not to be confused with Rahab of Jericho) is a symbolic, often derogatory, name for Egypt, particularly referring to its arrogance and ultimate defeat at the Red Sea. This event, where Pharaoh's army was utterly destroyed, was the quintessential act of divine deliverance for ancient Israel, establishing their identity as God's redeemed people. The "strong arm" is a common biblical idiom for God's irresistible power, frequently associated with the Exodus (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - God's Strong Hand in the Exodus")). Culturally, the defeat of a mighty nation like Egypt by an unseen divine force would have been an unparalleled demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy over all other gods and earthly powers, reinforcing Israel's unique relationship with their covenant-keeping God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 89 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **God's Supreme Power and Sovereignty**. The imagery of "breaking Rahab in pieces" and "scattering enemies with a strong arm" underscores God's absolute authority and His ability to overcome any opposition, whether national enemies or chaotic forces. This directly relates to the psalmist's praise of God's dominion over creation, as seen in [Psalm 89:9](/psalms/89-9 "Psalm 89:9 - God's Rule Over the Sea"). Another significant theme is **Divine Deliverance and Victory**. The historical reference to the Exodus serves as a foundational example of God's unwavering commitment to rescue His people from seemingly insurmountable threats. This act of salvation is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, assuring the reader that God is capable of delivering His people from all forms of oppression, as He did for Israel at the Red Sea, a victory celebrated in [Exodus 15](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of the Sea"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Defeat of Chaos and Evil**. "Rahab" not only symbolizes Egypt but also carries connotations of primordial chaos and the forces that oppose God's divine order. God's triumph over Rahab signifies His ultimate victory over all forms of evil and disorder, establishing His righteous rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rahab (רַהַב, _rahab'_):** While literally meaning "pride," "arrogance," or "boisterousness," in prophetic and poetic literature, "Rahab" functions as a symbolic and often derogatory name for Egypt (e.g., [Isaiah 30:7](/isaiah/30-7 "Isaiah 30:7 - Egypt as Rahab")). It specifically alludes to Egypt's defeat during the Exodus, particularly at the Red Sea. Beyond this historical reference, "Rahab" also carries mythological undertones, representing a primeval sea monster or a force of chaos, akin to Leviathan, which God subdued at creation or in the past. Thus, God's breaking of Rahab signifies His triumph over both historical oppressors and the very forces of disorder and evil.
* **Broken (דָּכָא, _daka'_):** This Hebrew verb means "to crush," "to break in pieces," or "to bruise." It conveys a sense of complete and utter destruction, not merely a defeat but an annihilation. The intensity of the word emphasizes the decisive and irreversible nature of God's victory over Rahab/Egypt, leaving no doubt about the totality of their downfall. It paints a vivid picture of a power utterly dismantled and rendered helpless.
* **Strong Arm (זְרוֹעַ עֹז, _z'roa oz'_):** This is a powerful and recurring anthropomorphic idiom in the Old Testament, representing God's irresistible might, active intervention, and sovereign power. The "arm" symbolizes strength and action, and "strong" (עֹז, _oz'_) denotes power, might, and vigor. When applied to God, it signifies His unique ability to execute His will without hindrance, to deliver His people, and to overcome any opposition. It implies a direct, forceful, and effective display of divine power that no earthly or spiritual force can withstand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain;":** This clause vividly describes God's decisive and complete victory over His formidable adversary. "Rahab," symbolizing Egypt and the forces of chaos, is utterly dismantled and rendered powerless. The simile "as one that is slain" emphasizes the finality and deadliness of this divine judgment. It evokes the image of a once-mighty entity reduced to a lifeless, defeated state, highlighting the overwhelming nature of God's power.
* **"thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.":** This second clause broadens the scope from the specific defeat of Rahab to a general principle of God's action against all His adversaries. The verb "scattered" (פּוּץ, _puts'_) implies a dispersal and disarray, signifying a complete rout where enemies are dispersed and rendered ineffective. The instrument of this victory is explicitly stated as God's "strong arm," a powerful metaphor for His irresistible, active, and sovereign might. This reinforces the idea that God's power is not passive but actively engaged in overcoming all opposition to His righteous rule and His people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 89:10 is rich with **Imagery** and **Metaphor**. The most prominent metaphor is "Rahab," which stands in for Egypt and, by extension, any formidable, chaotic, or oppressive force that opposes God and His people. The phrase "strong arm" is a powerful **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human physical characteristic (an arm) to God to convey His immense power and active intervention, making His might more comprehensible. The verse also employs a **Simile** in "as one that is slain," vividly comparing Rahab's utter defeat to the lifelessness of a corpse, underscoring the completeness of God's victory. The actions described—"broken in pieces" and "scattered"—are examples of **Hyperbole** and vivid **Imagery**, emphasizing the overwhelming and decisive nature of God's triumph over His enemies, leaving no doubt about His absolute sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the foundational biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty and His active engagement in history to deliver His people and defeat His enemies. The victory over "Rahab" (Egypt) is not merely a historical anecdote but a theological paradigm, demonstrating that no power, however mighty or chaotic, can ultimately withstand the Lord's "strong arm." This historical act of salvation serves as a perpetual reminder that God is faithful to His covenant promises and possesses the power to fulfill them, even when circumstances seem dire. It establishes a pattern of divine intervention that grounds the hope of believers in every generation, assuring them that the same God who delivered Israel from Pharaoh can deliver them from their own spiritual and physical adversaries.

* [Exodus 14:27-28](/exodus/14-27 "The Red Sea Overwhelms Pharaoh's Army")
* [Isaiah 51:9-10](/isaiah/51-9 "God's Arm Wounds Rahab and Dries the Sea")
* [Psalm 74:13-14](/psalms/74-13 "God's Victory Over Sea Monsters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 89:10 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It calls us to fix our gaze not on the magnitude of our problems, but on the infinite power of our God. Just as God decisively "broken Rahab in pieces" and "scattered His enemies" in the past, He remains the sovereign Lord over all circumstances today. When we face personal struggles that feel like an oppressive "Egypt," or societal evils that seem like chaotic "Rahab," this verse reminds us that no enemy, visible or invisible, can ultimately stand against the Almighty. It invites us to cultivate a deep-seated trust in God's historical faithfulness and His unchanging ability to bring about victory, even when our circumstances appear bleak. Our faith is anchored in a God whose "strong arm" is never shortened, and who continues to work for the deliverance and ultimate triumph of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Rahabs" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing in your life today, and how does this verse encourage you to view them in light of God's power?**
* **How does recalling God's past acts of deliverance (both in Scripture and in your own life) strengthen your faith for present and future challenges?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on your own strength or human solutions rather than trusting in God's "strong arm" to scatter your enemies (spiritual or otherwise)?**
* **How can the truth of God's victory over chaos and evil in this verse inspire you to pray with greater boldness and confidence for His intervention in your circumstances and in the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "Rahab" mean in Psalm 89:10?**

Answer: In Psalm 89:10, "Rahab" (רַהַב, _rahab'_) is a symbolic name for Egypt, specifically referring to its defeat during the Exodus, particularly at the Red Sea. It is not to be confused with Rahab of Jericho from the book of Joshua. Beyond the historical reference, "Rahab" also carries broader poetic and theological connotations, representing forces of chaos, pride, and opposition to God's divine order. God's "breaking" of Rahab signifies His ultimate triumph over both historical oppressors and the very forces of disorder and evil, demonstrating His supreme sovereignty.

**How does God's "strong arm" relate to His power?**

Answer: The phrase "strong arm" (זְרוֹעַ עֹז, _z'roa oz'_) is a powerful anthropomorphic idiom used throughout the Old Testament to describe God's irresistible might, active intervention, and sovereign power. It is a metaphor for His divine strength and ability to execute His will without hindrance. This imagery is frequently associated with the Exodus, where God used His "strong arm" to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage (e.g., [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "God's Outstretched Arm Delivers Israel")). It signifies a direct, forceful, and effective display of divine power that no earthly or spiritual force can withstand.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 89:10, with its declaration of God's decisive victory over "Rahab" and His scattering of enemies with a "strong arm," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Rahab" of the Old Testament—symbolizing chaos, sin, death, and the powers of darkness—is utterly vanquished by the "strong arm" of God manifested in Christ. Through His crucifixion, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's "strong arm," breaking the chains of death and securing victory over sin for all who believe, echoing the triumph over the Red Sea as the ultimate act of salvation (as described in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "Victory Over Death Through Christ")). Just as God scattered His enemies in the past, Christ, the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through Him, believers are promised victory over every spiritual foe ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "More Than Conquerors Through Christ")). Thus, the ancient declaration of God's power in Psalm 89:10 foreshadows the cosmic victory accomplished by Christ, establishing His eternal reign over all creation and all opposing forces.

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

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.