Psalms 66:6
He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.
Original Language Analysis
הָ֤פַךְ
He turned
H2015
הָ֤פַךְ
He turned
Strong's:
H2015
Word #:
1 of 9
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
יָ֨ם׀
the sea
H3220
יָ֨ם׀
the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
2 of 9
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
בַּ֭נָּהָר
through the flood
H5104
בַּ֭נָּהָר
through the flood
Strong's:
H5104
Word #:
4 of 9
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
יַֽעַבְר֣וּ
land they went
H5674
יַֽעַבְר֣וּ
land they went
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
5 of 9
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
בְרָ֑גֶל
on foot
H7272
בְרָ֑גֶל
on foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
6 of 9
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
שָׁ֝֗ם
H8033
Cross References
Joshua 3:16That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.Joshua 3:14And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;Psalms 78:13He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.
Historical Context
This verse anchors praise in Israel's foundational redemptive events—the Exodus and conquest of Canaan. These miracles established Israel as God's covenant nation and demonstrated His power over creation and pagan deities.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's past faithfulness and mighty acts strengthen your confidence in His present and future provision?
- What 'Red Sea moments' in your life serve as permanent reminders of God's delivering power?
- How does rehearsing God's historical acts of salvation deepen your worship and trust?
Analysis & Commentary
The turning of the sea into dry land recalls the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14), while passing through the flood references the Jordan crossing (Joshua 3). These historical acts demonstrate God's sovereign control over nature and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The call to 'rejoice in him' grounds joy not in circumstances but in God's unchanging character and mighty acts on behalf of His people.