Psalms 114:5

Context

Psalm 114 is a powerful hymn of praise, part of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals like Passover. This psalm vividly recounts God's miraculous acts during the Exodus from Egypt and the entry into the Promised Land. It personifies natural elements, challenging them to explain their extraordinary behavior when confronted by the presence of God. Verse 5 specifically refers to two pivotal moments in Israel's history: the parting of the Red Sea and the stopping of the Jordan River, both miraculous interventions by God on behalf of His people.

Key Themes

• God's Sovereignty Over Creation: The rhetorical questions emphasize God's absolute power and authority over the natural world. The sea and the river are depicted as conscious entities that flee and are driven back, not by natural forces, but by a divine command. This highlights that creation responds immediately to its Creator.
• Divine Intervention and Deliverance: The verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's active and miraculous involvement in the history of His people. He intervenes directly to deliver them from bondage and lead them into their inheritance, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises.
• Awe and Wonder: By posing questions to the sea and the Jordan, the psalmist invites the worshipper to reflect on the sheer magnitude and wonder of God's mighty deeds. It evokes a sense of holy fear and reverence for the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "What [ailed] thee" translates a Hebrew word that implies a cause or a reason for the sea's and Jordan's unusual behavior. It's a poetic way of asking, "What was it that compelled you to act so unnaturally?" The sea "fleddest" (retreated quickly), and the Jordan was "driven back" (its waters piled up and stopped flowing upstream), vividly portraying the supernatural force at play. This personification makes the events more dramatic and underscores the idea that even inanimate objects respond to God's presence.

Practical Application

Psalm 114:5 offers profound encouragement and a call to worship today:

• Trust in God's Power: Just as God controlled the Red Sea and the Jordan River, He remains sovereign over all circumstances in our lives. No obstacle is too great for Him to overcome. This verse encourages us to place our trust in His unfailing power when facing seemingly impossible situations.
• Remembering Past Deliverances: Reflecting on God's historical acts of deliverance can strengthen our faith in His present and future help. If He could part a sea, He can certainly guide us through our personal challenges.
• Cultivating Awe: This psalm invites us to cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God's greatness. Recognizing His immense power over creation should lead us to worship Him with humility and profound respect, as the psalmist concludes in Psalm 114:7, "Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord."