Psalms 66:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִרְכַּ֥בְתָּ

H7392

to ride

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

אֱנ֗וֹשׁ

H582

Thou hast caused men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

לְרֹ֫אשֵׁ֥נוּ

H7218

over our heads

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

בָּֽאנוּ

H935

we went

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בָאֵ֥שׁ

H784

through fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

וּבַמַּ֑יִם

H4325

and through water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַ֝תּוֹצִיאֵ֗נוּ

H3318

but thou broughtest us out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לָֽרְוָיָֽה׃

H7310

into a wealthy

satisfaction

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 66 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?