Psalms 114

Ps 114 This lyrical celebration of the Lord’s power in nature recalls Israel’s beginning as a nation at the Exodus (114:1-2) and upon their entry to the Promised Land (114:3-6). It promotes reverence for the God of Jacob (114:7-8).114:1-2 At the time of Israel’s exodus from Egypt and their entrance into the Promised Land, Israel was one holy kingdom (Exod 19:5-6). • The separate references to the land of Judah and Israel indicate that the psalm was composed after the kingdom was divided (1 Kgs 12:16-17; cp. 1 Sam 11:8; 1 Kgs 1:35), and probably after the Exile. The land of Judah became God’s sanctuary because the people worshiped God; his Tabernacle and later his Temple were located there.

114:3-4 hurried out of their way! The waters divided for Israel to escape Egypt (77:17-18; Exod 14). • The Jordan River turned away when Israel arrived to cross over (see Josh 3). • skipped like rams: God’s presence caused the mountains to quake (Exod 19:16-20).

114:8 The Lord miraculously provided for his people in hard times after the Exile, just as he had done in the wilderness after the Exodus.