Psalms 106:22
wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 106:22
wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrasing "wondrous works in the land of Ham" is actually a subtle reminder of how God's power was displayed even within the land of Israel's oppressors, highlighting that God's might isn't limited to His chosen people. It also emphasizes the miraculous nature of the plagues, not just as acts of judgment, but as displays of divine power that defied natural explanation.
This passage follows a lengthy recounting of Israel's repeated rebellion and forgetfulness of God's mighty acts, even after witnessing His miraculous intervention. The psalmist reminds the people of the plagues God brought upon Egypt (the land of Ham) and the terrifying deliverance at the Red Sea, underscoring that these awe-inspiring events should have etched themselves into their memory. However, the immediate context reveals that despite these wonders, Israel's pattern of disobedience and ingratitude continued.
Ever wonder why the Bible calls Egypt the 'land of Ham'? This phrase points to a deep history connected to the very beginnings of nations.
'Land of Ham'
The phrase 'land of Ham' is a poetic and historical reference to Egypt, named after Ham, one of Noah's sons. His descendants settled in Egypt, making it the 'land of Ham.' This isn't just a geographical note; it links Egypt's origins to the post-Flood world and the establishment of early civilizations. When the psalmist uses this term, he's grounding God's mighty acts in a very specific, ancient context, reminding us that God's power was at work even in the foundational periods of human history.
Wondrous Works
The 'wondrous works' specifically refer to the ten plagues God inflicted upon Egypt. These weren't just random disasters; they were targeted demonstrations of divine power designed to humble Egypt and liberate His people. Each plague was a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods and a testament to the one true God's sovereignty.
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The Red Sea crossing is one of the most iconic moments in the Bible. But was it just a dramatic escape, or something more profound?
Awesome Deeds
The 'awesome deeds by the Red Sea' describe the miraculous parting of the waters and the subsequent destruction of the pursuing Egyptian army. This event was 'awesome' in the truest sense – inspiring awe, reverence, and a healthy dose of fear. It was a moment where God's power was unleashed not only for salvation but also for judgment.
Divine Power and Justice
This wasn't just a display of God's ability to save Israel; it was also a decisive act of justice against their oppressors. The drowning of Pharaoh's army, which had enslaved God's people, underscored that God's deliverance comes with a powerful assertion of His righteousness. The Red Sea became a watery grave for those who defied God and oppressed His chosen.
The psalm contrasts God's incredible acts with Israel's tendency to forget. Why is remembering so crucial for our walk with God?
The Problem of Forgetfulness
This verse, within the context of Psalm 106, serves as a reminder of Israel's persistent sin: forgetting God's mighty deeds. Despite witnessing the plagues in Egypt and the dramatic escape at the Red Sea, the Israelites quickly forgot what God had done for them. This forgetfulness led to disobedience, grumbling, and further sin.
Faith Anchored in Memory
Our faith is not meant to be a passive thing; it's built on remembering and responding to what God has done. The 'wondrous works' and 'awesome deeds' are historical anchors for faith, demonstrating God's faithfulness, power, and love. Recalling these acts strengthens our trust in Him, especially during difficult times. It reminds us that the God who acted powerfully in the past is the same God who is with us today.
Understand the original words
niphla'oth · Hebrew Noun
Acts of divine power that evoke wonder, amazement, or fear; specifically refers to miraculous displays of God’s sovereignty in history.
Cham · Hebrew Proper Noun
A poetic name for Egypt, linked to Ham, the son of Noah, reflecting the geographical and ancestral origins of the Egyptian people.
This verse recalls the foundational events of the Exodus and the Red Sea crossing, highlighting the stark contrast between God's powerful deliverance and Israel's subsequent forgetfulness and sin. The "wondrous works" and "terrible things" were meant to be remembered, yet the psalm laments their repeated pattern of forgetting God's past faithfulness.
c. 1440 BC— this verse
Israel's Exodus from Egypt
Following centuries of slavery, God miraculously delivered the Israelites from Egypt, led by Moses. This event is foundational to their identity and faith.
c. 1440 BC
Crossing the Red Sea
God parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's pursuing army. The waters then returned, drowning the Egyptians.
c. 1440 BC
Forty Years in the Wilderness
After the Exodus, the Israelites wandered in the Sinai wilderness for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Led by Joshua, the Israelites began the military campaign to conquer and settle the Promised Land after Moses' death.
c. 1350-1050 BC
Period of the Judges
A turbulent era where Israel was periodically oppressed by neighboring nations due to their unfaithfulness, but were delivered by various judges.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following King Solomon's death, the united monarchy split into two kingdoms: Israel (north) and Judah (south).
586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon, its Temple destroyed, and its people exiled to Babylon.
This passage details the ten plagues God brought upon Egypt, the 'land of Ham,' described as 'wondrous works' in Psalm 106:22 because they demonstrated God's power over the Egyptian gods and natural forces.
This chapter recounts the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army, directly corresponding to the 'awesome deeds by the Red Sea' mentioned in Psalm 106:22, highlighting God's deliverance of His people.
Psalm 78:43-51This psalm also recalls God's mighty acts in Egypt and at the Red Sea, echoing the themes of 'wondrous works' and the punishment of the Egyptians, reinforcing the historical memory preserved in Psalm 106.
Joshua 24:5-7Joshua reminds the Israelites of God's deliverance from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, underscoring these events as foundational 'awesome deeds' that led to their redemption and the establishment of their covenant.
Nehemiah 9:9-11In their prayer of confession, Nehemiah recounts God hearing the cry of His people, sending signs and wonders in Egypt ('land of Ham'), and dividing the Red Sea, affirming these as pivotal acts of salvation.
clarkePsalms 106:22: "Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea."
Wondrous works in the land of Ham - The plagues inflicted on the Egyptians. Egypt is called the Land of Ham or Cham, because it was peopled by Misraim the son of Cham.
pulpitPsalms 106:22: "Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea."
Verse 22. - Wondrous works in the land of Ham (comp. Psalm 78:51; Psalm 105:23, 27, for the expression "land of Ham;" and for the "works" themselves, see Exodus 7-12). And terrible things by the Red Sea (see Exodus 14:24, 27-30).
The phrasing "wondrous works in the land of Ham" is actually a subtle reminder of how God's power was displayed even within the land of Israel's oppressors, highlighting that God's might isn't limited to His chosen people. It also emphasizes the miraculous nature of the plagues, not just as acts of judgment, but as displays of divine power that defied natural explanation.
This passage follows a lengthy recounting of Israel's repeated rebellion and forgetfulness of God's mighty acts, even after witnessing His miraculous intervention. The psalmist reminds the people of the plagues God brought upon Egypt (the land of Ham) and the terrifying deliverance at the Red Sea, underscoring that these awe-inspiring events should have etched themselves into their memory. However, the immediate context reveals that despite these wonders, Israel's pattern of disobedience and ingratitude continued.
This passage follows a lengthy recounting of Israel's repeated rebellion and forgetfulness of God's mighty acts, even after witnessing His miraculous intervention. The psalmist reminds the people of the plagues God brought upon Egypt (the land of Ham) and the terrifying deliverance at the Red Sea, underscoring that these awe-inspiring events should have etched themselves into their memory. However, the immediate context reveals that despite these wonders, Israel's pattern of disobedience and ingratitude continued.
"wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea." — The phrasing "wondrous works in the land of Ham" is actually a subtle reminder of how God's power was displayed even within the land of Israel's oppressors, highlighting that God's might isn't limite…
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