The mountains saw thee, and they trembled (רָאוּךָ יָחִילוּ הָרִים/ra'ukha yachilu harim)—creation itself reacts to God's presence with fear. Mountains, symbols of permanence and stability, shake at theophany. This echoes Sinai, where the mountain quaked at God's descent (Exodus 19:18).
The overflowing of the water passed by (זֶרֶם מַיִם עָבָר/zerem mayim avar)—torrents of water swept past, likely referencing the Red Sea parting or Jordan's division. The deep uttered his voice (תְּהוֹם נָתַן קוֹלוֹ/tehom natan qolo)—even the ocean depths cried out. And lifted up his hands on high (רוֹם יָדָיו נָשָׂא/rom yadayv nasa)—hands raised high, possibly depicting waves lifted up or a gesture of surrender/worship. The personification of natural forces emphasizes creation's response to Creator: nature itself worships and obeys.
Historical Context
This poetic recollection draws from exodus and conquest narratives where God displayed mastery over creation. At the Red Sea, waters stood up as walls (Exodus 14:22). At Sinai, thunder, lightning, and earthquakes accompanied God's presence (Exodus 19:16-18). At Jordan, waters stopped flowing and piled up (Joshua 3:15-16). These miraculous interventions demonstrated Yahweh's superiority over pagan gods supposedly controlling natural forces. Egyptian gods included the Nile and sea deities; Canaanite Baal claimed control over storms and fertility. By commanding nature, Yahweh proved His exclusive deity and power to save His people.
Questions for Reflection
How does creation's response to God's presence (trembling, crying out, obeying) inform proper human response to God's holiness?
What does God's sovereignty over natural forces teach about His ability to control circumstances in your life?
How should remembering God's past demonstrations of power affect confidence in His current and future work?
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Analysis & Commentary
The mountains saw thee, and they trembled (רָאוּךָ יָחִילוּ הָרִים/ra'ukha yachilu harim)—creation itself reacts to God's presence with fear. Mountains, symbols of permanence and stability, shake at theophany. This echoes Sinai, where the mountain quaked at God's descent (Exodus 19:18).
The overflowing of the water passed by (זֶרֶם מַיִם עָבָר/zerem mayim avar)—torrents of water swept past, likely referencing the Red Sea parting or Jordan's division. The deep uttered his voice (תְּהוֹם נָתַן קוֹלוֹ/tehom natan qolo)—even the ocean depths cried out. And lifted up his hands on high (רוֹם יָדָיו נָשָׂא/rom yadayv nasa)—hands raised high, possibly depicting waves lifted up or a gesture of surrender/worship. The personification of natural forces emphasizes creation's response to Creator: nature itself worships and obeys.