Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.
PSALMS 106:22KJVWhat does Psalms 106:22 mean?
Psalms 106:22 recalls the amazing and awe-inspiring acts that God performed for the Israelites in Egypt (“the land of Ham”) and at the Red Sea. The verse highlights both the wonders and the fearsome events that showed God’s power during the Exodus.
The psalm is spoken by an anonymous worshipper, reflecting on Israel’s history and God’s mighty deeds. “The land of Ham” refers to Egypt, using a poetic name, and “terrible things by the Red sea” points to the dramatic rescue of Israel from Pharaoh’s army. The verse is part of a larger passage that remembers God’s faithfulness and the miracles that led to Israel’s deliverance.
The Hebrew behind Psalms 106:22
- חָם (ḥam, “Ham”): This word refers to Egypt, using the name of one of Noah’s sons whose descendants settled there. It adds a poetic and ancient flavor to the verse, reminding readers of deep historical roots.
- יָם (yam, “sea”): This is the common Hebrew word for “sea,” here referring specifically to the Red Sea, the site of Israel’s dramatic escape. It anchors the story in a real, memorable place known to the audience.
Why Psalms 106:22 matters
- Psalms 106:22 helps readers see how the psalmist connects Israel’s story to God’s powerful intervention, not just as distant history but as a reason for ongoing trust and gratitude.
- The verse emphasizes that the Exodus was marked by both “wondrous” and “terrible” (awe-inspiring or fearsome) events, showing that God’s actions were both miraculous and overwhelming.
- By naming “the land of Ham” and “the Red sea,” the verse ties the miracles to specific places, grounding the story in real events and locations familiar to the community.