What is the meaning of Psalm 106:22? Wondrous works in the land of Ham Psalm 106:22 opens by celebrating “wondrous works in the land of Ham.” In Scripture, “the land of Ham” is Egypt (Psalm 105:23, 27), named for Ham, Noah’s son, whose descendants settled there (Genesis 10:6). The psalmist is urging us to remember the literal, history-shaping miracles God performed to bring His people out of bondage. • The ten plagues (Exodus 7–12) were unmistakable signs of God’s power. Each plague targeted an Egyptian deity, proving the LORD alone is God (Exodus 12:12). • Moses and Aaron “performed His miraculous signs among them” (Psalm 105:27), confronting Pharaoh with God’s demand for Israel’s release. • These works revealed God’s faithful covenant love, keeping His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14). • They also called Israel to trust; Deuteronomy 4:34 reminds them that no other nation had ever been rescued “by trials, signs, wonders, and war.” • Remembering these events guards against forgetfulness and rebellion—a major theme in Psalm 106 (vv. 7, 13, 21). Awesome deeds by the Red Sea The verse continues, “and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.” After leaving Egypt, Israel faced Pharaoh’s army at the water’s edge. God’s rescue there stands as a defining moment of salvation history. • The LORD “divided the sea” and “led them through” on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-22; Psalm 78:13). • A pillar of cloud and fire shielded Israel while trapping the Egyptians (Exodus 14:19-20). • When Israel had crossed, the waters returned, destroying the pursuing army (Exodus 14:26-31; Nehemiah 9:9-11). • This event produced awe and faith: “the people feared the LORD and believed in Him” (Exodus 14:31). • Later writers recall it to encourage obedience—Joshua 24:6-7 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 point back to the Red Sea to remind God’s people of His saving power and their need to walk in gratitude. summary Psalm 106:22 calls us to remember two unforgettable displays of God’s might: the plagues in Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea. Both sets of miracles were literal, historical acts through which God judged false gods, kept covenant promises, rescued His people, and inspired reverent faith. By revisiting these works, we strengthen our own trust in the same unchanging LORD who still acts wondrously and awesomely on behalf of those who belong to Him. |
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