Psalms 74:13
Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters.
Original Language Analysis
פוֹרַ֣רְתָּ
Thou didst divide
H6565
פוֹרַ֣רְתָּ
Thou didst divide
Strong's:
H6565
Word #:
2 of 9
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
בְעָזְּךָ֣
by thy strength
H5797
בְעָזְּךָ֣
by thy strength
Strong's:
H5797
Word #:
3 of 9
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
יָ֑ם
the sea
H3220
יָ֑ם
the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
4 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
רָאשֵׁ֥י
the heads
H7218
רָאשֵׁ֥י
the heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
6 of 9
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
תַ֝נִּינִ֗ים
of the dragons
H8577
תַ֝נִּינִ֗ים
of the dragons
Strong's:
H8577
Word #:
7 of 9
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal
Cross References
Exodus 14:21And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.Psalms 78:13He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.Ezekiel 29:3Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.
Historical Context
This verse begins the psalm's recitation of God's past mighty acts (vv.13-17), especially creation and Exodus. When present circumstances contradict faith, believers anchor in historical revelation. The Exodus paradigm shapes Israel's expectations—God who delivered from Egypt can deliver now. For Christians, the cross-resurrection becomes the definitive saving act demonstrating God's character.
Questions for Reflection
- How does deliberately recalling God's past "salvation" help you trust Him in present crises?
- What does it mean that God is "your King"—not an abstract deity but personal ruler?
- How does Christ's death and resurrection become the ultimate "salvation in the midst of the earth" that grounds all confidence?
Analysis & Commentary
Yet confidence emerges: "For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth" (Hebrew v-Elohim malki mi-qedem po-el y-shuot b-qerev ha-aretz). After lament (vv.1-12), the psalmist recalls theology. "My King" claims personal relationship. "Of old" recalls historical faithfulness. "Working salvation" (Hebrew yeshuah, same root as Jesus/Yeshua) emphasizes God's saving nature. "In the midst of the earth" indicates public, visible deliverance. The verse pivots from complaint to confidence through remembering God's character.