◄ Psalm 114 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
A Psalm of Exodus 1When Israel departed from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue, 2Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel His dominion. 3The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back; 4the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. 5Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, 6O mountains, that you skipped like rams, O hills, like lambs? 7Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, 8who turned the rock into a pool, the flint into a fountain of water! Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 114 Summary A Psalm of Exodus Verses 1–2 – Departure and Divine Dwelling Israel leaves Egypt; God makes Judah His sanctuary and Israel His kingdom. Verses 3–4 – Creation on Tiptoe The Red Sea and the Jordan River recoil, and the mountains and hills leap like excited livestock. Verses 5–6 – Probing Questions The psalmist asks the sea, the river, and the mountains why they behaved so strangely, inviting listeners to consider God’s power. Verses 7–8 – Earth Trembles, Rock Becomes River All the earth is called to quake before the Lord who turned solid rock into flowing water for His people. Psalm 114 is a hymn of celebration and a vivid portrayal of God's divine power and majesty, illustrating His deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. This psalm recalls the exodus journey, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the miracles that occurred at Mount Sinai and in the land of Canaan, effectively using metaphorical language to express nature's response to God's presence. Historical Setting Psalm 114 recalls the Exodus (Exodus 12–14) and the wilderness years (Exodus 15–17; Numbers 20). The brief eight-verse hymn compresses roughly forty years of history into poetic snapshots, celebrating God’s presence from the moment Israel left Egypt until they entered the land. Jewish tradition places this psalm among the “Hallel” (Psalm 113–118) sung during Passover, anchoring it to both the original deliverance and later annual remembrance. Author and Date No author is named in the psalm. Early Jewish and Christian readers often assumed Mosaic authorship for Exodus songs, but the language resembles post-Exilic Hebrew poetry. Regardless of date, the events described are rooted in the fifteenth or thirteenth century BC, depending on one’s Exodus chronology. Literary Structure • Two stanzas of four verses each • Each stanza moves from historical event to theological point: – Stanza 1 (vv. 1–4) records salvation and nature’s response. – Stanza 2 (vv. 5–8) turns to interrogation and application. • Parallelism dominates: “sea…fled / Jordan turned back,” “mountains skipped / hills…lambs.” • Personification gives life to inanimate creation, making the poem vivid and memorable. Exodus Motif in Scripture • Red Sea parted: Exodus 14:21–22; echoed here in v. 3. • Jordan River stopped: Joshua 3:13-17; referenced in v. 3. • Water from the rock: Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20:11; captured in v. 8. • God dwelling among His people: Exodus 25:8; Leviticus 26:11-12; encapsulated in v. 2, “Judah became His sanctuary.” Creation Responds to the Creator Psalm 114 ties deliverance to creation’s obedience. Similar scenes: • Psalm 29:3-9—voice of the LORD shaking mountains. • Psalm 97:4-5—hills melting like wax before Him. • Matthew 8:27—disciples marvel, “Even the winds and sea obey Him.” God’s rule is so absolute that seas part and rocks pour water when He speaks. Typology and Christ • Jesus is the ultimate Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4) who gives living water (John 4:10-14; 7:37-39). • The Exodus foreshadows redemption through Christ (Luke 9:31 uses “exodus” for His departure at the cross). • Just as Israel became “His sanctuary,” believers now are “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Archaeological Insights • Egyptian records (e.g., the Brooklyn Papyrus) confirm Semitic slave populations in Egypt roughly the time Israel was present. • Nomadic camps in the Sinai—Kadesh-barnea, Ain el-Qudeirat—show occupation layers matching Late Bronze Age migration. • Inscribed rocks near the southern Sinai highlands contain early Hebrew letters, suggesting an Israelite presence. While no single artifact “proves” the Exodus, the cumulative evidence supports a historical journey such as Psalm 114 celebrates. Geography Behind the Imagery • Red Sea (Yam Suph): likely the Gulf of Suez or a northern marshy extension; a barrier only God could breach. • Jordan River: normally calm but in flood at harvest (Joshua 3:15); a second miraculous crossing. • Mountains skipping: may point to the shock waves sensed at Sinai (Exodus 19:18) or simply graphic poetry. • Rock and flint: abundant in the wilderness of Zin; splitting flint nodules can expose hidden water pockets. Key Hebrew Words (Simplified) • “Fled” (nus) – to retreat in panic. • “Turned back” (sov) – to reverse direction. • “Skipped” (raqad) – to leap or dance. • “Tremble” (chul) – to quake, whirl, or writhe. The verbs are active, almost playful, underscoring creation’s responsiveness to its Maker. Use in Worship • Recited during Jewish Passover after the first two cups of wine, preparing hearts to retell the Exodus story. • Christian Easter vigils often include Psalm 114, linking Israel’s release from bondage to Christ’s victory over death. • The psalm encourages congregations to remember God’s past acts as grounds for current trust. Connections to Other Scriptures • Isaiah 52:11–12 speaks of a new Exodus out of Babylon. • Revelation 15:2–3 shows the redeemed singing “the song of Moses and the Lamb,” merging past and future deliverance. • Psalm 77:16-20 and Psalm 78:12-16 offer expanded reflections on the same miracles. Practical Application • God still turns impossible obstacles into open pathways. • His presence transforms ordinary people into a living sanctuary. • Remembering past victories fuels faith for present challenges. • Creation’s obedience challenges believers to respond just as eagerly to God’s voice. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 14:21-22 The parting of the Red Sea, illustrating God's power over nature. Joshua 3:14-17 The crossing of the Jordan River, another demonstration of God's miraculous intervention. Isaiah 43:16-19 God's promise to make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, echoing His transformative power. Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us? reinforcing the theme of God's powerful presence with His people. Teaching Points God's Deliverance Psalm 114:1-2 highlights the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, emphasizing that it was God who led them out of bondage. When Israel departed from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue, Judah became God’s sanctuary, and Israel His dominion. Nature's Response to God Verses 3-4 describe the sea and the Jordan River fleeing and the mountains skipping like rams. This imagery illustrates the power of God over creation. The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back; the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. God's Presence The psalm underscores that it is the presence of the Lord that causes such reactions in nature. Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob (Psalm 114:7). Transformation by God Verse 8 speaks of God turning the rock into a pool of water, symbolizing His ability to bring life and provision from the most unlikely sources. who turned the rock into a pool, the flint into a fountain of water. Practical Applications Trust in God's Power Just as God demonstrated His power during the Exodus, we can trust Him to intervene in our lives today. Reverence for God Recognize and respond to God's presence with reverence and awe, acknowledging His authority over all creation. Seek God's Presence Prioritize seeking God's presence in your daily life, knowing that His presence brings transformation and provision. Remember God's Faithfulness Reflect on past instances of God's faithfulness in your life as a source of encouragement and hope. People 1. Israelites The primary group mentioned in Psalm 114, representing the people of Israel who left Egypt. The Psalm begins with "When Israel departed from Egypt" (Psalm 114:1), highlighting the collective identity of the Israelites as they journeyed from slavery to freedom. 2. House of Jacob This term is synonymous with the Israelites and emphasizes their ancestral lineage. The Psalm refers to them as "the house of Jacob" (Psalm 114:1), linking them to Jacob, also known as Israel, the patriarch whose descendants formed the twelve tribes. 3. Judah Represented as a personified entity, Judah is described as God's sanctuary: "Judah became His sanctuary" (Psalm 114:2). This reflects the tribe of Judah's significance and its role in the worship and presence of God among His people. 4. God While not named directly, God is the central figure whose power and presence are implied throughout the Psalm. The miraculous events described, such as the parting of the sea and the trembling of the earth, are attributed to God's intervention and sovereignty. The Psalm uses vivid imagery to convey the awe-inspiring acts of God during the Exodus, focusing on the collective experience of the Israelites rather than individual persons. Places 1. Egypt In Psalm 114:1, Egypt is mentioned as the land from which Israel departed. This refers to the historical Exodus when the Israelites were freed from slavery. The Hebrew word used here is "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), which is often associated with bondage and oppression in the biblical narrative. 2. Judah In Psalm 114:2, Judah is described as God's sanctuary. The Hebrew word "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah) signifies praise, and it represents the tribe and region that became central to Israel's worship and identity. 3. Israel Also in Psalm 114:2, Israel is referred to as God's dominion. The Hebrew term "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el) is used, representing the collective people of God, chosen and set apart for His purposes. 4. The Sea In Psalm 114:3, "the sea" is mentioned as fleeing. This is a reference to the Red Sea, which parted for the Israelites during the Exodus. The Hebrew word "יָם" (Yam) is used, symbolizing the miraculous intervention of God in nature. 5. The Jordan Also in Psalm 114:3, the Jordan River is described as turning back. This refers to the event when the Jordan River stopped flowing to allow the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land. The Hebrew word "יַרְדֵּן" (Yarden) is used, marking a significant transition in Israel's journey. Events 1. Israel's Exodus from Egypt "When Israel departed from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue," (Psalm 114:1). This event marks the beginning of Israel's journey from slavery to freedom. The Hebrew word for "departed" (יָצָא, yatsa) signifies a going out or exodus. 2. Judah Becomes God's Sanctuary "Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion." (Psalm 114:2). Here, Judah is described as God's sanctuary (מִקְדָּשׁ, miqdash), indicating a holy place, while Israel is His dominion (מַמְלָכָה, mamlakah), suggesting a realm under divine rule. 3. The Sea Flees "The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back." (Psalm 114:3). This refers to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the Jordan River, where the Hebrew word for "fled" (נָס, nas) conveys a sense of fleeing in fear. 4. Mountains and Hills Skip "The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs." (Psalm 114:4). This poetic imagery describes the mountains and hills moving or trembling, with "skipped" (רָקַד, raqad) suggesting a lively, joyful movement. 5. Questioning the Natural Phenomena "Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back," (Psalm 114:5). The psalmist questions the natural elements, emphasizing the miraculous nature of these events. 6. Trembling of the Earth "O mountains, that you skipped like rams, O hills, like lambs?" (Psalm 114:6). This reiterates the earlier imagery, questioning the mountains and hills about their reaction to God's presence. 7. Earth Trembles Before the Lord "Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob," (Psalm 114:7). The earth is called to tremble (חִיל, chil), indicating fear or reverence, before the Lord's powerful presence. 8. Transformation of Rock to Water "who turned the rock into a pool, the flint into a fountain of water." (Psalm 114:8). This event recalls God's provision for Israel in the wilderness, where He miraculously provided water from a rock, with "turned" (הָפַךְ, haphak) denoting a transformation. Lessons from Psalm 114 1. God's Presence Transforms Nature Psalm 114 begins with a powerful image of God's presence causing the earth to tremble: "The sea looked and fled; the Jordan turned back" (Psalm 114:3). This vivid imagery reminds us that when God is present, even the natural world responds. In our lives, inviting God's presence can transform our circumstances, just as the sea and rivers were moved by His power. Let this be a reminder that no situation is too big for God to change. 2. Deliverance Leads to Worship The psalm recounts Israel's exodus from Egypt, a moment of divine deliverance: "When Israel departed from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue" (Psalm 114:1). This deliverance led to worship and reverence. In our own lives, recognizing God's hand in our deliverance from sin and struggles should naturally lead us to worship and gratitude. Remembering His past faithfulness fuels our faith for the future. 3. God Dwells Among His People Psalm 114:2 states, "Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion". This verse highlights the intimate relationship between God and His people. God chose to dwell among them, making them His sanctuary. Today, as believers, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Embrace the truth that God desires to dwell within us, guiding and empowering us daily. 4. Creation Obeys Its Creator The psalmist describes the mountains skipping like rams and the hills like lambs (Psalm 114:4). This imagery emphasizes that all creation recognizes and responds to its Creator. As stewards of God's creation, we are called to live in harmony with His design, acknowledging His authority over all things. Let creation's obedience inspire us to submit to God's will in our lives. 5. God's Power is Unmatched The psalmist asks, "Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back?" (Psalm 114:5). The rhetorical question underscores God's unmatched power. No force in the universe can withstand His might. When faced with challenges, remember that the same God who parted the sea and stopped the river is with you, ready to demonstrate His power in your life. 6. Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom Psalm 114:7 calls the earth to tremble before the Lord: "Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob". This reverent fear is the foundation of wisdom. Recognizing God's majesty and authority leads us to live wisely, aligning our actions with His will. Cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, which brings wisdom and understanding. 7. God Provides in the Wilderness The psalm concludes with a reminder of God's provision: "who turned the rock into a pool, the flint into a fountain of water" (Psalm 114:8). In the wilderness, God provided water from a rock, demonstrating His ability to meet our needs in the most unlikely places. Trust in God's provision, even when resources seem scarce, knowing He can bring forth abundance from the barren. 8. Remembering God's Faithfulness Strengthens Faith Reflecting on Israel's history, the psalmist reminds us of God's faithfulness. By recalling past deliverances, we strengthen our faith for present challenges. Make it a habit to remember and recount God's faithfulness in your life, allowing these memories to bolster your trust in His promises. 9. God's Presence Brings Joy The imagery of mountains skipping and hills leaping conveys a sense of joy in God's presence. When we invite God into our lives, His presence brings joy and peace that surpasses understanding. Seek His presence daily, and let His joy be your strength, regardless of circumstances. 10. God's Sovereignty is Our Assurance Throughout Psalm 114, the overarching theme is God's sovereignty. He is in control of all creation and history. This assurance allows us to rest in His plans, knowing that He works all things for our good. Embrace His sovereignty, and find peace in the knowledge that He holds the world—and your life—in His hands. Topics 1. The Exodus from Egypt The psalm begins by recalling the departure of Israel from Egypt, highlighting God's deliverance of His people. ^"When Israel departed from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,"^ (Psalm 114:1). The Hebrew word for "departed" (יָצָא, yatsa) emphasizes the act of going out or being brought out, signifying God's active role in their liberation. 2. God's Sanctuary and Dominion The psalm describes Israel as God's sanctuary and dominion, indicating His presence and rule among His people. ^"Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion."^ (Psalm 114:2). The term "sanctuary" (מִקְדָּשׁ, miqdash) refers to a holy place, underscoring the sacred relationship between God and Israel. 3. The Reaction of Nature The psalm poetically describes how nature responds to God's presence, with the sea and the Jordan River parting. ^"The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back;"^ (Psalm 114:3). The Hebrew verb for "fled" (נָס, nas) conveys a sense of fear or awe, illustrating nature's submission to God's power. 4. The Mountains and Hills The mountains and hills are depicted as leaping like rams and lambs, symbolizing the joy and liveliness in God's creation. ^"the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs."^ (Psalm 114:4). This imagery emphasizes the dynamic and responsive nature of creation to its Creator. 5. The Question to Nature The psalmist questions the sea, Jordan, mountains, and hills about their reactions, highlighting the miraculous events. ^"Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back,"^ (Psalm 114:5). This rhetorical questioning serves to magnify the wonder of God's interventions. 6. The Earth Trembles The psalm concludes with a call for the earth to tremble before the Lord, acknowledging His power and presence. ^"Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,"^ (Psalm 114:7). The Hebrew root for "tremble" (חִיל, chil) suggests a quaking or shaking, reflecting reverence and awe. 7. God's Provision The final verse recalls God's provision of water from the rock, symbolizing His care and sustenance for His people. ^"who turned the rock into a pool, the flint into a fountain of water."^ (Psalm 114:8). This miraculous transformation underscores God's ability to provide and sustain life in seemingly impossible circumstances. Themes 1. God's Deliverance and Presence Psalm 114 begins by recounting the deliverance of Israel from Egypt: "When Israel departed from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue" (Psalm 114:1). This theme highlights God's powerful intervention and presence with His people, emphasizing His role as a deliverer. The Hebrew word for "departed" (יָצָא, yatsa) signifies a going out or exodus, underscoring the miraculous nature of this event. 2. God's Sovereignty Over Nature The psalm vividly describes nature's response to God's presence: "The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back" (Psalm 114:3). This theme underscores God's sovereignty over creation, as even the natural elements obey His command. The Hebrew word for "fled" (נָס, nas) conveys a sense of retreat or escape, illustrating the awe-inspiring power of God. 3. Transformation and Renewal The imagery of mountains skipping and hills leaping (Psalm 114:4) symbolizes transformation and renewal. This theme reflects the idea that God's presence brings about profound change, not only in nature but also in the lives of His people. The Hebrew verb for "skipped" (רָקַד, raqad) suggests a joyful, lively movement, indicating the joy and renewal that accompany God's intervention. 4. Reverence and Awe Before God The psalm calls for reverence and awe in the presence of the Lord: "Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob" (Psalm 114:7). This theme emphasizes the appropriate response to God's majesty and power. The Hebrew word for "tremble" (חִיל, chil) can mean to writhe or quake, conveying a deep sense of fear and respect. 5. God's Provision and Sustenance The psalm concludes with a reminder of God's provision: "who turned the rock into a pool, the flint into a fountain of water" (Psalm 114:8). This theme highlights God's ability to provide for His people's needs in miraculous ways. The transformation of rock to water symbolizes sustenance and life, pointing to God's care and provision. The Hebrew word for "turned" (הָפַךְ, haphak) indicates a complete change, reflecting the miraculous nature of God's provision. Prayer Points Praise for God's Power Thank God for His mighty acts and His supreme authority over creation. Request for God's Presence Ask for a deeper awareness of God's presence in your life and the courage to trust Him in all circumstances. Intercession for Transformation Pray for areas in your life or the lives of others where God's transformative power is needed. Gratitude for Deliverance Express gratitude for the ways God has delivered you from difficult situations in the past. As we meditate on Psalm 114, may we be reminded of the awe-inspiring power of God and His faithful presence with us, leading us to live lives of trust, reverence, and gratitude. Answering Tough Questions 1. How does Psalm 114:1 reconcile with the lack of archaeological evidence supporting the Exodus story? 2. What natural explanation could account for the sea fleeing and the Jordan reversing in Psalm 114:3? 3. How literally should we interpret the “mountains skipping” in Psalm 114:4, and what scientific mechanisms could explain this imagery? 4. Does the miraculous water from rock in Psalm 114:8 align with other biblical accounts of Moses striking a rock, or are there inconsistencies? 5. How do references to the Exodus in Psalm 114 align with historical and archaeological timelines outside the Bible? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Psalm 114 describe God's power and majesty? 2. What do the metaphors of the Red Sea, Jordan River, mountains, and hills represent? 3. In what ways does this psalm demonstrate the theme of deliverance? 4. How does the image of the earth trembling before God make you feel? 5. What does it mean for Judah to be God's sanctuary and Israel His dominion? 6. How can we see God's power in nature today? 7. How does this psalm relate to the theme of freedom? 8. Can you identify a time when you felt God's deliverance in your life? 9. How can we apply the lessons from the Israelites' exodus to our own lives? 10. How does this psalm encourage you during times of adversity? 11. What could the rock transformed into a pool and hard ground into springs symbolize in our spiritual journey? 12. How does this psalm encourage us to remember and celebrate God's miraculous acts? 13. How can you apply the message of Psalm 114 to overcome a current challenge in your life? 14. How does this psalm reinforce your faith in God's ability to bring change? 15. In what ways can we recognize and acknowledge God's power and majesty in our daily lives? 16. How does the imagery in this psalm enrich your understanding of God's relationship with nature? 17. How can you make your life a sanctuary for God, similar to how Judah and Israel were depicted in the psalm? 18. What does this psalm teach us about the consequences of failing to recognize God's presence? 19. How does this psalm illustrate the concept of God's dominion? 20. How can we invite God's transformative power into our lives as depicted in the final verses of this psalm? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions