What does Psalms 106:22 mean?
"Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea." - Psalms 106:22

Psalm 106:22 in the King James Version reads, "Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea."
This verse is a part of a larger passage in Psalms that recounts the history of the Israelites and their relationship with God. In the preceding verses, the psalmist reflects on the Israelites' disobedience and lack of faith in God despite his faithfulness and miraculous works on their behalf. The verse in question is a part of this retrospective look at the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
The land of Ham mentioned in this verse refers to Egypt, as Ham was the son of Noah and the father of the Egyptians (Genesis 10:6). The "wondrous works" in the land of Ham are a reference to the miraculous events surrounding the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. This includes the ten plagues that God inflicted upon the Egyptians to secure the release of his people, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna in the wilderness. These events are foundational to Israelite identity and the narrative of God's deliverance of his people.
The "terrible things by the Red Sea" alludes to the crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of the pursuing Egyptian army. This was a moment of great fear and desperation for the Israelites as they found themselves trapped between the sea and the hostile Egyptian forces. However, God miraculously delivered them by parting the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land, and then closing the sea over the pursuing Egyptians, effectively saving the Israelites and bringing judgment upon their oppressors.
In the broader context of the Psalm, this verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, power, and deliverance. It highlights the wondrous and terrible acts that God performed in the history of Israel, demonstrating his sovereignty and his commitment to his people. This verse also emphasizes the significance of these events in shaping the faith and identity of the Israelites, as well as their ongoing relationship with God.
One of the central themes of this verse is the idea of God's intervention and deliverance. The wondrous works and terrible things described in the verse point to the miraculous nature of God's actions on behalf of his people. These acts of divine intervention serve as a testament to God's power, faithfulness, and concern for the well-being of his chosen people.
Another theme present in this verse is the idea of judgment. The "terrible things" that God enacted at the Red Sea are a demonstration of his judgment upon the oppressive forces that sought to harm his people. This serves as a reminder of God's justice and his willingness to bring about consequences for those who oppose his will.
Symbolically, the land of Ham and the Red Sea represent the bondage of the Israelites in Egypt and their subsequent deliverance. The wondrous works and terrible things that occurred in these locations symbolize the broader narrative of God's salvation and liberation of his people. The land of Ham represents the oppression and slavery that the Israelites experienced, while the Red Sea represents the pivotal moment of deliverance and freedom. These symbols are deeply significant in the biblical narrative and continue to hold spiritual and theological meaning for believers.
In conclusion, Psalm 106:22 in the King James Version encapsulates the themes of divine intervention, deliverance, and judgment within the broader context of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and power, as well as the significance of these historical events in shaping the faith and identity of God's people. The verse continues to hold spiritual significance for believers as a testament to God's sovereignty and his redemptive work in the world.
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Psalms 106:22 - "Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea."
"Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea." - Psalms 106:22
"Then believed they his words; they sang his praise." - Psalms 106:12
"Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils," - Psalms 106:37
"They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:" - Psalms 106:13
"Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass." - Psalms 106:20
"They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD." - Psalms 106:16
"Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:" - Psalms 106:24
"And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." - Psalms 106:15
"They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:" - Psalms 106:34
Psalms 106:19 - "They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image."
Psalms 106:14 - "But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert."
Psalms 106:35 - "But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works."
"The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram." - Psalms 106:17
Psalms 106:37 - "Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,"
Psalms 106:11 - "And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left."
Psalms 106:12 - "Then believed they his words; they sang his praise."
Psalms 106:25 - "But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD."
Psalms 106:20 - "Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass."
Psalms 106:13 - "They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:"
Psalms 106:36 - "And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them."
"Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed." - Psalms 106:30
"They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;" - Psalms 106:21
Psalms 106:16 - "They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD."
Psalms 106:18 - "And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked."
Psalms 106:15 - "And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul."
Psalms 106:24 - "Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:"
"They joined themselves also unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead." - Psalms 106:28
Psalms 106:31 - "And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore."
Psalms 106:27 - "To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands."