Question 1

What does Psalms 106:22 mean?

Accepted Answer

Psalms 106:22 recalls the extraordinary acts God performed in Egypt (“the land of Ham”) and at the Red Sea, describing them as both wondrous and awe-inspiring. The verse points to the powerful miracles and dramatic events that showed God’s might when He rescued the Israelites from slavery. The psalmist is speaking to the people of Israel, reminding them of their history and God’s intervention during the Exodus. “The land of Ham” refers to Egypt, using a poetic name, and the “terrible things by the Red sea” highlights the fearsome and overwhelming nature of the miracles, like the parting of the sea. This verse is part of a larger passage recounting God’s faithfulness despite Israel’s repeated failures.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Psalms 106:22

Accepted Answer

חָם (ḥam, “Ham”): This word refers to Ham, one of Noah’s sons, whose descendants were believed to have settled in Egypt. Calling Egypt “the land of Ham” gives a poetic and ancient feel to the verse, connecting the Exodus story to the broader biblical family history. יָם (yam, “sea”): This word is used for “sea,” and here it refers specifically to the Red Sea, the site of the dramatic escape from Pharaoh’s army. The mention of “yam” emphasizes the real, physical location of the miracle. רֵד (sūph, “Red”): This word is often translated as “Red” in “Red Sea,” but it can also mean “reed.” The exact location is debated, but in this context, it points to the traditional crossing site remembered for God’s intervention.

Question 3

Why Psalms 106:22 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps clarify that the Exodus events were not just ordinary occurrences but were seen as direct, miraculous acts of God that left a lasting impression on Israel’s memory. By using the phrase “land of Ham,” the psalmist ties the story of Israel’s deliverance to a larger biblical narrative, reminding readers of the ancient roots and significance of these events. The verse connects to the wider psalm, which recounts Israel’s history to highlight both God’s faithfulness and the people’s tendency to forget or ignore His works, setting up a call to remember and respond to God’s actions.

Psalms 106:22 (KJV)