Psalms 89:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 89:10 mean?

Psalms 89:10 says that God has defeated a powerful enemy, called Rahab, as if crushing a slain foe, and has scattered His enemies with His strong arm. The verse highlights God's unmatched power to overcome and disperse those who oppose Him.

The psalmist, traditionally understood as Ethan the Ezrahite, is speaking to God in praise, recalling God's mighty acts in history. In this verse, "Rahab" is a poetic name often used for Egypt, representing a proud and formidable adversary. The verse uses vivid language to show how God’s strength is far greater than any enemy, emphasizing His authority and ability to protect His people.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 89:10

• רַהַב (Rahab, transliterated "Rahav"): This word is often used in Hebrew poetry as a symbol for Egypt, especially as an arrogant or chaotic force. Its use here paints Egypt as a defeated enemy, not just a nation.
• דָּכָא (broken, transliterated "daka’"): This verb means to crush or shatter. The verse uses it to describe God’s total defeat of Rahab, showing the completeness of the victory.
• חָלָל (slain, transliterated "chalal"): This word refers to someone killed in battle. Comparing Rahab to the slain suggests God’s enemies are left powerless.
• זְרוֹעַ (arm, transliterated "zeroa’"): In Hebrew, "arm" often stands for strength or power. Saying God scatters enemies with His "strong arm" is a way of describing His unstoppable might.

Why Psalms 89:10 matters

• The verse clears up that "Rahab" is not the woman from Jericho but a poetic name for Egypt, making sense of the historical reference.
• It emphasizes God’s power over even the greatest earthly powers, reinforcing the theme of God’s sovereignty in the psalm.
• This verse connects to the wider passage by recalling God’s past victories as a reason to trust Him in the present, especially when facing threats or uncertainty.