Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 114

The word Hallelujah! is repeated throughout this group of psalms.

These psalms are called the Egyptian Hallel. Hallel means “praise.” Jewish people use these psalms during Passover, which began when God brought Israel out of Egypt in the exodus. The people recite Psalms 113–114 before the Passover meal, and Psalms 115–118 are recited afterward.

• At the time of Israel’s exodus from Egypt and their entrance into the promised land, Israel was one holy kingdom (Exodus 19:5–6).

• The mention of Judah and Israel as separate lands shows the psalm was written after the kingdom was divided (1 Kings 12:16–17; compare 1 Samuel 11:8; 1 Kings 1:35), and probably after the exile. Judah became God's sanctuary because the people worshiped God there. His tabernacle, and later his temple, were located there.

This song celebrates the Lord's power in nature. It remembers Israel's start as a nation during the exodus (Psalm 114:1–2) and their entry into the promised land (114:3–6). It encourages respect for the God of Jacob (Psalm 114:7–8).

• fled: God parted the waters so that Israel could escape Egypt (Psalm 77:17–18; Exodus 14).

• The Jordan River turned back when Israel arrived to cross it (see Joshua 3).

• skipped like rams: God's presence made the mountains quake (Exodus 19:16–20).

The Lord miraculously provided for his people in hard times after the exile, just as he had done in the wilderness after the exodus.