Psalms 74:13

"Yet God is my King of old, working salvation throughout the earth."

Key Reflection

Psalms 74:13 reflects a deeply rooted remembrance of God’s ancient and ongoing sovereignty, resonating particularly with Israelites who had a long history of divine deliverance and salvation. For the original audience, this verse would evoke memories of pivotal events such as the Exodus from Egypt, where God demonstrated his power and kingship by parting the Red Sea and bringing about miracles throughout the land. The imagery of God working “salvation throughout the earth” would have reinforced their understanding that His rule was not confined to a specific time or place but was continuous and effective in blessing and protecting His people wherever they were.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength -Margin, as in Hebrew, “break.” That is, he had by his power “broken up” the strength of the sea so that it offered no resistance to their passing through it. The allusion is evidently to the passage through the Red Sea,Exodus 14:21. Thou brakest the heads of the dragons -Margin, “whales.” On the meaning of the word used here -תניןtannı̂yn- see the notes atIsaiah 13:22; notes atJob 30:29. It refers here, undoubtedly, to crocodiles or sea monsters. The language here is used to denote the absolute power of God as manifested over the sea when the people of Israel passed through it.

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