Psalms 106:9
He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.
Original Language Analysis
בְּיַם
sea
H3220
בְּיַם
sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
2 of 7
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
וַֽיֶּחֱרָ֑ב
also and it was dried up
H2717
וַֽיֶּחֱרָ֑ב
also and it was dried up
Strong's:
H2717
Word #:
4 of 7
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
וַיּוֹלִיכֵ֥ם
H1980
וַיּוֹלִיכֵ֥ם
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 7
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 18:15Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.Nahum 1:4He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.Psalms 78:13He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.
Historical Context
The Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14) was Israel's defining deliverance, celebrated in the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15). God's 'rebuke' of the sea demonstrated His power over Egyptian gods (who included sea deities) and over chaos itself. The psalmist's description emphasizes the miraculous nature of walking through sea depths 'as through the wilderness,' highlighting the impossibility apart from divine intervention.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's rebuke of natural forces teach about His sovereignty over creation?
- How does the Red Sea crossing prefigure baptism and deliverance from sin?
- In what ways does God 'rebuke' obstacles and opposition to accomplish His redemptive purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse recounts God's response to Israel's Red Sea panic. 'He rebuked the Red sea' uses gaar (גָּעַר), meaning to rebuke or reprimand—the same word used for rebuking demons or natural forces (Mark 4:39). God speaks to the sea as to a servant, commanding obedience. 'It was dried up' shows instant response to divine command. 'He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness' compares the seabed crossing to walking on dry land. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation—sea and land alike obey His word. The 'rebuke' imagery also suggests God overcomes chaos and opposition to save His people, prefiguring Christ's authority over nature and spiritual forces.