Psalms 89:10: Meaning Explained
Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.
The psalm describes how God has power over the sea and all creation. God is mightier than anything in nature.
What’s Happening Here
The writer celebrates God's power and control over nature, particularly the waters and storms.
Key Words
Why It Matters
This verse reminds us that the same God who controls the powerful forces of nature is in control of the storms in our personal lives, offering us stability and hope when we feel overwhelmed.
Did You Know?
The 'Rahab' mentioned in this verse is not the woman from the book of Joshua, but is a poetic name from ancient Canaanite mythology representing chaos and the raging sea, which the psalmist says God has completely subdued.
Tradition Spectrum
Word Study
Frequently asked questions
What does Psalms 89:10 mean?
The psalm describes how God has power over the sea and all creation. God is mightier than anything in nature.
What is the context of Psalms 89:10?
The writer celebrates God's power and control over nature, particularly the waters and storms.
Why does Psalms 89:10 matter?
This verse reminds us that the same God who controls the powerful forces of nature is in control of the storms in our personal lives, offering us stability and hope when we feel overwhelmed.
What's a surprising detail about Psalms 89:10?
The 'Rahab' mentioned in this verse is not the woman from the book of Joshua, but is a poetic name from ancient Canaanite mythology representing chaos and the raging sea, which the psalmist says God has completely subdued.
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]
Commentary on Psalms 89:10
Verses 5–14 The more God's works are known, the more they are admired. And to praise the Lord, is to acknowledge him to be such a one that there is none like him. Surely then we should feel and express reverence when we worship God. But how little of this appears in our congregations, and how much cause have we to humble ourselves on this account! That almighty power which smote Egypt, will scatter the enemies of the church, while all who trust in God's mercy will rejoice in his name; for mercy and truth direct all he does. His counsels from eternity, and their consequences to eternity, are all justice and judgment.