United Commentaries

Ps.111.1-117.2

The refrain Praise the Lord! (Hebrew haleluyah) characterizes this group of psalms.

Ps.113.1-118.29

These psalms form what is known as the “Egyptian Hallel” (hallel means “praise”) because Jews use the collection in the celebration of Passover, which was instituted at the beginning of the exodus from Egypt. Psalms 113–114 are recited before the Passover meal and Pss 115–118 afterward.

Ps.114.1-8

This lyrical celebration of the Lord’s power in nature recalls Israel’s beginning as a nation at the Exodus (114:1-2) and upon their entry to the Promised Land (114:3-6). It promotes reverence for the God of Jacob (114:7-8).

Ps.114.1-2

At the time of Israel’s exodus from Egypt and their entrance into the Promised Land, Israel was one holy kingdom (Exod 19:5-6).

The separate references to the land of Judah and Israel indicate that the psalm was composed after the kingdom was divided (1 Kgs 12:16-17; cp. 1 Sam 11:8; 1 Kgs 1:35), and probably after the Exile. The land of Judah became God’s sanctuary because the people worshiped God; his Tabernacle and later his Temple were located there.

Ps.114.3-4

hurried out of their way! The waters divided for Israel to escape Egypt (77:17-18; Exod 14).

The Jordan River turned away when Israel arrived to cross over (see Josh 3).

skipped like rams: God’s presence caused the mountains to quake (Exod 19:16-20).

Ps.114.8

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