Psalms 106:22
Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.
Original Language Analysis
נִ֭פְלָאוֹת
Wondrous works
H6381
נִ֭פְלָאוֹת
Wondrous works
Strong's:
H6381
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
חָ֑ם
of Ham
H2526
חָ֑ם
of Ham
Strong's:
H2526
Word #:
3 of 7
cham, a son of noah; also (as a patronymic) his descendants or their country
נ֝וֹרָא֗וֹת
and terrible things
H3372
נ֝וֹרָא֗וֹת
and terrible things
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
4 of 7
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The 'terrible things' at the Red Sea (Exodus 14) became Israel's central deliverance narrative, celebrated in the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15) and memorialized in annual festivals. Yet the generation that witnessed it died in the wilderness due to unbelief (Numbers 14:29-33). God's most awesome acts cannot overcome human hardness of heart apart from regenerating grace. This historical lesson warns every generation against presuming that past spiritual experiences guarantee present faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do even 'terrible' (awesome) demonstrations of God's power fail to produce lasting faith?
- What is the relationship between seeing God's works and maintaining faith in Him?
- How can churches help members remember and celebrate God's 'terrible things'?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse continues cataloging God's works that Israel forgot (from verse 21). 'Wondrous works in the land of Ham' refers to the ten plagues in Egypt. 'Ham' was Noah's son and ancestor of Egyptians through his son Mizraim (Genesis 10:6). 'Terrible things by the Red sea' uses yare (יָרֵא), meaning awesome, fearful, or terror-inducing deeds—the splitting of the sea and drowning of Pharaoh's army. The term 'terrible' emphasizes that God's works inspire reverent fear. These events should have produced permanent awe and faithfulness, yet Israel forgot within weeks. This demonstrates that natural human response to God's works is forgetfulness and ingratitude, not enduring worship.