Psalms 114:1

Authorized King James Version

When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּצֵ֣את
H3318
went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל
H3478
When Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#3
מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם
H4714
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#4
בֵּ֥ית
H1004
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
יַ֝עֲקֹ֗ב
H3290
of Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#6
מֵעַ֥ם
H5971
from a people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
לֹעֵֽז׃
H3937
of strange language
to speak in a foreign tongue

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection