Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 114

The Deliverance of Israel CelebratedThis psalm looks back to the great miracles God did for Israel in the past. The writer reminds us never to forget God’s mercy and power, especially when he rescued his people from slavery in Egypt. These stories are meant to encourage us to trust God, because he can change anything for the good of his people.v. 1: God brought Israel out of Egypt with great power. They did not sneak away or escape secretly. Instead, they left openly and with honor. God rescued them from people who spoke a different language and treated them badly (Psalm 114:1; Psalm 81:5 ).

v. 2: After freeing them, God made Judah and Israel his special people. They became his "sanctuary" and "dominion," meaning he lived among them and ruled over them. God’s plan was for them to serve him in worship and in daily life (Psalm 114:2; Exodus 25:8 ).

v. 3: When Israel left Egypt, the Red Sea divided so they could escape. Later, when they entered the Promised Land, the Jordan River also stopped for them. These miracles happened because God was with his people. Nature itself obeyed God’s command .

v. 4: Even the mountains trembled and shook when God came down to give his law at Mount Sinai. The hills moved as if they were alive, showing how powerful God is. All creation responds to his presence (Psalm 114:4; Psalm 104:32 ).

v. 5: The psalmist poetically asks the sea and the Jordan river why they moved. It was because of God’s presence and power. Nature changed its course in obedience to the Lord

v. 6: The mountains and hills, too, are asked why they skipped. The answer is the same—it was because of the mighty presence of God. Nothing can stand against him .

v. 7: The earth should tremble before the Lord

v. 8: God provided for his people by turning a rock into a source of water in the desert. He did what seemed impossible to care for Israel. In the New Testament, it says that rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4 ). God can provide for all our needs, no matter how difficult things look (Psalm 114:8 ).