Psalms 78:13-14
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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While the verse describes the parting of the sea as miraculous, the poetic language of "waters stand like a heap" emphasizes the sheer unnaturalness and immensity of the event, portraying the sea's obedience as a monumental, almost solid structure. This imagery doesn't just tell us God did something, but highlights the astonishing, visible power God displayed, turning the chaotic sea into a frozen, towering testament to His might.
This psalm is a lengthy reflection on Israel's history, contrasting God's faithfulness with their persistent unfaithfulness. Before this verse, the psalmist is recounting God's mighty deeds for Israel, starting with the miraculous parting of the Red Sea to allow them to escape Egypt. The verses immediately following will continue detailing God's provision and guidance for them in the wilderness.
Imagine standing on the shore, the impossible happening before your eyes. The sea, a symbol of chaos and insurmountable power, is split in two.
This wasn't just a clever trick of nature; it was a deliberate, awe-inspiring display of God's power. The language used, 'divided' and 'made waters stand like a heap,' paints a picture of absolute control over the elements. It emphasizes that this event was a divine intervention, a spectacle orchestrated by God Himself for His people to witness and remember.
The psalmist isn't just recounting an old story; he's teaching a lesson for his own time, and for ours.
Psalm 78 is a 'Maschil,' a psalm intended to teach. The Red Sea crossing isn't just a historical event to be remembered, but a foundational act of God's faithfulness. The psalm urges the people of Asaph's day, and us, to learn from these mighty deeds. It’s a reminder that God’s past actions are meant to shape present trust and future obedience. The repetition of these historical accounts throughout Scripture shows they are vital for understanding who God is and how He relates to His people.
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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 Exodus event, highlighting God's powerful deliverance and provision. It serves as a reminder to later generations, especially after the kingdom's division, of God's faithfulness amidst Israel's persistent unfaithfulness.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Israel's Exodus from Egypt
Following a period of enslavement, God miraculously delivers the Israelites from Egypt, a pivotal event in their national history and faith.
c. 1446 BC
Crossing the Red Sea
God divides the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's pursuing army. The Egyptians are subsequently drowned when the waters return.
c. 1445-1405 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites journey through the Sinai desert for 40 years, experiencing God's provision and judgment, and often struggling with faith and obedience.
c. 1405 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After 40 years of wandering, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, begin their conquest of the Promised Land.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
David becomes king over all Israel, uniting the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as the capital, ushering in a golden age for the nation.
931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel (10 tribes) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (2 tribes).
This passage directly describes the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, mirroring the imagery of the waters standing like a heap as the Israelites crossed on dry ground.
Joshua 3:13-16This account of the Jordan River dividing for Israel to enter the Promised Land echoes the Red Sea miracle, with the waters also standing in a heap, highlighting God's consistent power to provide a way for His people.
Nehemiah 9:11This passage recounts Israel's history, specifically mentioning God dividing the sea and leading His people through the depths, emphasizing the divine intervention described in Psalm 78.
1 Corinthians 10:1-2The Apostle Paul explicitly uses the Israelites' passage through the Red Sea as a spiritual parallel to baptism, showing how this event signifies a transition and a new beginning, similar to the profound deliverance celebrated in Psalm 78.
clarkePsalms 78:13: "He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap."
He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through - The reader is requested to consult the notes on the parallel passages marked in the margin on this verse and Psalm 78:14-17 , etc., where all these miracles are largely explained.
cambridgePsalms 78:13: "He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap."
- He divided the sea ] Lit. clave, as in Psalm 78:15 ; the word which is used in Exodus 14:16 ; Isaiah 63:12 ; Nehemiah 9:11 . as an heap ] Cp. Exodus 15:8 ; Psalm 33:7 .
While the verse describes the parting of the sea as miraculous, the poetic language of "waters stand like a heap" emphasizes the sheer unnaturalness and immensity of the event, portraying the sea's obedience as a monumental, almost solid structure. This imagery doesn't just tell us God did something, but highlights the astonishing, visible power God displayed, turning the chaotic sea into a frozen, towering testament to His might.
This psalm is a lengthy reflection on Israel's history, contrasting God's faithfulness with their persistent unfaithfulness. Before this verse, the psalmist is recounting God's mighty deeds for Israel, starting with the miraculous parting of the Red Sea to allow them to escape Egypt. The verses immediately following will continue detailing God's provision and guidance for them in the wilderness.
This psalm is a lengthy reflection on Israel's history, contrasting God's faithfulness with their persistent unfaithfulness. Before this verse, the psalmist is recounting God's mighty deeds for Israel, starting with the miraculous parting of the Red Sea to allow them to escape Egypt. The verses immediately following will continue detailing God's provision and guidance for them in the wilderness.
"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." — While the verse describes the parting of the sea as miraculous, the poetic language of "waters stand like a heap" emphasizes the sheer unnaturalness and immensity of the event, portraying the sea's o…
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