Psalms 66:12
Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
Original Language Analysis
הִרְכַּ֥בְתָּ
to ride
H7392
הִרְכַּ֥בְתָּ
to ride
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
1 of 8
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
אֱנ֗וֹשׁ
Thou hast caused men
H582
אֱנ֗וֹשׁ
Thou hast caused men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
לְרֹ֫אשֵׁ֥נוּ
over our heads
H7218
לְרֹ֫אשֵׁ֥נוּ
over our heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
3 of 8
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וּבַמַּ֑יִם
and through water
H4325
וּבַמַּ֑יִם
and through water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
6 of 8
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Cross References
Isaiah 51:23But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.James 5:11Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.Job 36:16Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
This progression from oppression to blessing characterized Israel's Exodus (through Red Sea water), wilderness (fire of testing), and entry into Canaan (wealthy place). It became a paradigm for understanding God's redemptive pattern throughout history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of a 'wealthy place' sustain you through current 'fire and water' experiences?
- What spiritual riches has God brought you to after periods of intense trial and testing?
- How does this pattern of suffering-then-glory reflect Christ's own path and the believer's union with Him?
Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of men riding over Israel's heads depicts humiliation and subjugation under enemy oppression. Passing through fire and water represents extreme dangers (Isaiah 43:2), yet God brings His people 'out into a wealthy place'—a place of abundance, rest, and blessing. This pattern of suffering-then-glory reflects both Israel's experience and the believer's journey through sanctification to glorification. The 'wealthy place' ultimately points to the eternal inheritance secured by Christ's suffering.