Psalms 78:12-14
In the sight of their fathers he performed wonders in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan. He divided the sea and let them pass through it, and made the waters stand like a heap. In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a fiery light.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse specifically locates God's mighty acts "in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan." This isn't just a general statement about Egypt; Zoan was a significant royal city, indicating these wonders were performed right where the seat of power, and thus Pharaoh's pride, resided, making the humiliation even more profound.
This psalm aims to teach the current generation by recounting God's mighty deeds and Israel's consistent unfaithfulness, starting with the plagues in Egypt near the city of Zoan. The psalmist then strangely jumps to the wilderness events, highlighting God's provision and Israel's grumbling, before returning to the Egyptian plagues. This unusual ordering emphasizes the deep-seated pattern of mercy met with ingratitude, a lesson crucial for understanding their history and God's character.
Why does the psalmist mention the 'field of Zoan' specifically? It's more than just a geographical marker.
Zoan, known to scholars as Tanis, was a significant ancient city in Egypt, often serving as a royal capital.
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The psalmist recalls God's 'wonders.' What makes these acts so crucial for the people of Israel?
Psalm 78 is a 'Maschil,' a psalm meant for instruction. It uses the past as a mirror for the present, and the 'wonders' in Egypt are the foundational stories.
Understand the original words
baqa · Hebrew Verb
To make a way, part, or split something. Used in a theological sense, it describes God’s miraculous power over the elements of creation, establishing a path for His people where none existed.
ned · Hebrew Noun
A mass of water or fluid piled up; in the context of the Red Sea, it refers to the miraculous barrier created by God that stood as a solid wall, allowing for the dry passage of the Israelites.
anan · Hebrew Noun
A visible manifestation of God’s presence and guidance. In the wilderness, it served as both a protective covering during the day and a directional sign for the nation of Israel.
This psalm looks back to the foundational, miraculous acts of God in Egypt and the wilderness, reminding a later generation of His power and faithfulness, even in the face of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness.
c. 1550-1292 BC
New Kingdom Egypt Ascendant
Egypt was a powerful empire, controlling significant territory and often subjugating its neighbors. This era saw cities like Tanis (Zoan) flourish as centers of power and culture.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Exodus from Egypt
Led by Moses and Aaron, the Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt after God unleashed a series of miraculous plagues upon the Egyptians. This pivotal event is the primary focus of the 'wonders' mentioned.
c. 1446 BC
Parting of the Red Sea
As the Israelites fled Egypt, God miraculously parted the Red Sea, allowing them to cross on dry ground before drowning the pursuing Egyptian army.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wanderings in the Wilderness
For 40 years, the Israelites journeyed through the Sinai Peninsula. During this time, God provided for them miraculously, including water from a rock and manna from heaven.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After 40 years of wandering, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, began their conquest of the Promised Land, driving out the Canaanite inhabitants.
c. 1000 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem
King David captured Jerusalem and made it the capital of Israel, uniting the tribes and establishing a strong monarchy.
This verse directly parallels Psalm 78:12 by stating that Moses and Aaron performed 'all these marvellous deeds' (referring to the plagues) before Pharaoh and his officials, highlighting the public and wondrous nature of God's acts in Egypt.
Exodus 12:26-27This passage emphasizes the 'sight of their fathers' aspect from Psalm 78:12 by instructing future generations to explain the Passover, ensuring the remembrance of God's mighty acts through ongoing narrative and testimony.
Nehemiah 9:17This verse echoes Psalm 78:12's reference to God's wonders in Egypt and His guidance, explicitly mentioning how God 'refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter' and led His people out with power.
Psalm 105:27This verse is a direct parallel in the Psalter, stating 'They showed His signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham,' which clearly refers to the same miraculous events in Egypt mentioned in Psalm 78:12.
Hebrews 11:29This New Testament passage connects to the 'wonders' by referencing the Israelites crossing the Red Sea 'as if on dry land,' a profound act of God's power performed during the Exodus, the very context that Psalm 78:12 recalls.
clarkePsalms 78:12: "Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan."
The field of Zoan - "In campo Taneos," Vugate. Tanis was the capital of Pharaoh, where Moses wrought so many miracles. It was situated in the Delta, on one of the most easterly branches of the Nile. It was afterwards called Thanis; and from it the district was called the Thanitic Canton. See Calmet. Dr. Shaw thinks Zoan was intended to signify Egypt in general.
expositorsPsalms 78:1-72: "Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth."
Psalm 78:1-72 THIS psalm is closely related to Psalm 105:1-45 ; Psalm 106:1-48 ; Psalm 107:1-43 . Like them, it treats the history of Israel, and especially the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, for purposes of edification, rebuke, and encouragement. The past is held up as a mirror to the present generation. It has been one long succession of miracles of mercy met by equally continu…
This verse specifically locates God's mighty acts "in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan." This isn't just a general statement about Egypt; Zoan was a significant royal city, indicating these wonders were performed right where the seat of power, and thus Pharaoh's pride, resided, making the humiliation even more profound.
This psalm aims to teach the current generation by recounting God's mighty deeds and Israel's consistent unfaithfulness, starting with the plagues in Egypt near the city of Zoan. The psalmist then strangely jumps to the wilderness events, highlighting God's provision and Israel's grumbling, before returning to the Egyptian plagues. This unusual ordering emphasizes the deep-seated pattern of mercy met with ingratitude, a lesson crucial for understanding their history and God's character.
This psalm aims to teach the current generation by recounting God's mighty deeds and Israel's consistent unfaithfulness, starting with the plagues in Egypt near the city of Zoan. The psalmist then strangely jumps to the wilderness events, highlighting God's provision and Israel's grumbling, before returning to the Egyptian plagues. This unusual ordering emphasizes the deep-seated pattern of mercy met with ingratitude, a lesson crucial for understanding their history and God's character.
"In the sight of their fathers he performed wonders in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan. He divided the sea and let them pass through it, and made the waters stand like a heap. In the daytime he led them with a cloud…" — This verse specifically locates God's mighty acts "in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan." This isn't just a general statement about Egypt; Zoan was a significant royal city, indicating these w…
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