◄ Psalm 66:6 ►
He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot; there we rejoiced in Him.
Study Bible
He turned the sea into dry land
This phrase recalls the miraculous event of the parting of the Red Sea, as described in Exodus 14. The Hebrew word for "turned" is "הָפַךְ" (haphak), which implies a complete transformation. This act of divine intervention is a testament to God's sovereign power over nature. Historically, this event is pivotal in the narrative of the Israelites' escape from Egyptian bondage, symbolizing liberation and divine deliverance. The transformation of the sea into dry land is not just a physical alteration but a spiritual metaphor for the removal of obstacles through God's might.

they passed through the waters on foot
The phrase emphasizes the miraculous nature of the Israelites' journey. The Hebrew word for "passed" is "עָבַר" (avar), which means to cross over or transition. This crossing was not merely a physical journey but a spiritual passage from slavery to freedom. The act of walking "on foot" signifies the accessibility and reality of God's miracles in the lives of His people. It underscores the faith required to step into the unknown, trusting in God's provision and protection.

there we rejoiced in Him
The location of "there" refers to the place of deliverance and victory. The Hebrew word for "rejoiced" is "שָׂמַח" (samach), which conveys a deep, exuberant joy. This joy is not just a response to the physical salvation but a profound acknowledgment of God's faithfulness and power. The rejoicing "in Him" highlights the personal relationship between God and His people, where the source of joy is found in His presence and actions. This phrase invites believers to reflect on their own experiences of deliverance and to find joy in God's ongoing work in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God
The central figure in this verse, demonstrating His power and faithfulness by performing miracles for His people.

2. The Sea
Refers to the Red Sea, which God miraculously parted for the Israelites during the Exodus.

3. Dry Land
The path God created through the sea, symbolizing His provision and deliverance.

4. The Israelites
God's chosen people who experienced this miraculous deliverance.

5. Exodus Event
The historical event where God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, a foundational account of faith and trust in God's power.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nature
God has absolute control over the natural world, as demonstrated by His ability to part the sea. This should encourage believers to trust in His power over any situation in their lives.

Faith in God's Deliverance
Just as the Israelites trusted God to lead them through the sea, believers today are called to trust in God's deliverance in their own lives, even when the path seems impossible.

Rejoicing in God's Works
The Israelites rejoiced after witnessing God's miracle. Believers should also cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship in response to God's faithfulness and provision.

Remembering God's Past Faithfulness
Reflecting on past instances of God's deliverance can strengthen our faith and trust in Him for future challenges.

God's Presence in Trials
The crossing of the sea was a trial for the Israelites, yet God was with them. Believers can be assured of God's presence and guidance through their own trials.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the parting of the Red Sea demonstrate God's power and faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our current challenges?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a heart of rejoicing and gratitude for God's works in our lives, similar to the Israelites' response?

3. How can reflecting on God's past deliverance in our lives strengthen our faith for future trials?

4. What are some "seas" or obstacles in your life that you need to trust God to part, and how can you apply the faith of the Israelites in these situations?

5. How does the crossing of the Red Sea connect with other biblical accounts of God's deliverance, and what does this teach us about His character?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 14
This chapter provides the detailed account of the parting of the Red Sea, highlighting God's miraculous intervention and the faith of Moses and the Israelites.

Joshua 3
The crossing of the Jordan River on dry ground, another instance of God demonstrating His power and faithfulness to His people.

Psalm 106:9
This verse also recounts God's power in rebuking the Red Sea, emphasizing His control over nature.

Hebrews 11:29
This New Testament reference highlights the faith of the Israelites as they passed through the Red Sea, connecting faith with God's miraculous works.
Sermons
God in HistoryW. Forsyth Psalm 66:1-20
ProvidenceJ. Stalker, D. D.Psalm 66:1-20
WorshipHomilistPsalm 66:1-20
The World's ConversionJ. Stewart, D. D.Psalm 66:4-7
WorshipR. W. Dale, D. D.Psalm 66:4-7
An Invitation to Study God's Marvellous Works Towards MenC. Short Psalm 66:5-12
The Eternal Ruler of the UniverseHomilistPsalm 66:5-12
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Dry, Flood, Foot, Joy, Pass, Passed, Rejoice, Rejoiced, River, Waters
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 66:5-6

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Library
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

But, after that He had Made Mention of These Evils...
30. But, after that he had made mention of these evils, he added and said, "On account of which cometh the wrath of God on the sons of unbelief." [1923] Surely it was a wholesome alarm that believers might not think that they could be saved on account of their faith alone, even although they should live in these evils: the Apostle James with most clear speech crying out against that notion, and saying, "If any say that he have faith, and have not works, shall his faith be able to save him?" [1924] …
St. Augustine—On Continence

The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
"Sept. 30 [1869].--From Yorkshire L50.--Received also One Thousand Pounds to-day for the Lord's work in China. About this donation it is especially to be noticed, that for months it had been my earnest desire to do more than ever for Mission Work in China, and I had already taken steps to carry out this desire, when this donation of One Thousand Pounds came to hand. This precious answer to prayer for means should be a particular encouragement to all who are engaged in the Lord's work, and who may …
George Müller—Answers to Prayer

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist"
The next thing that arises for consideration is, What is the nature of this Divine principle in the soul that is so entirely diverse from all that is naturally in the soul? Here I would observe,-- 1. That that saving grace that is in the hearts if the saints, that within them [which is] above nature, and entirely distinguishes 'em from all unconverted men, is radically but one -- i.e., however various its exercises are, yet it is but one in its root; 'tis one individual principle in the heart. 'Tis …
Jonathan Edwards—Treatise on Grace

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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