Psalms 106:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 106:22
22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.
Chapter Context
Psalms 106 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, mercy, salvation. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-48: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 106:22
22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.
Analysis
This verse continues cataloging God's works that Israel forgot (from verse 21). 'Wondrous works in the land of Ham' refers to the ten plagues in Egypt. 'Ham' was Noah's son and ancestor of Egyptians through his son Mizraim (Genesis 10:6). 'Terrible things by the Red sea' uses yare (יָרֵא), meaning awesome, fearful, or terror-inducing deeds—the splitting of the sea and drowning of Pharaoh's army. The term 'terrible' emphasizes that God's works inspire reverent fear. These events should have produced permanent awe and faithfulness, yet Israel forgot within weeks. This demonstrates that natural human response to God's works is forgetfulness and ingratitude, not enduring worship.
Historical Context
The 'terrible things' at the Red Sea (Exodus 14) became Israel's central deliverance narrative, celebrated in the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15) and memorialized in annual festivals. Yet the generation that witnessed it died in the wilderness due to unbelief (Numbers 14:29-33). God's most awesome acts cannot overcome human hardness of heart apart from regenerating grace. This historical lesson warns every generation against presuming that past spiritual experiences guarantee present faithfulness.
Reflection
- Why do even 'terrible' (awesome) demonstrations of God's power fail to produce lasting faith?
- What is the relationship between seeing God's works and maintaining faith in Him?
- How can churches help members remember and celebrate God's 'terrible things'?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 78:51, 105:23