What does Psalm 114:4 mean?
ESV: The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.
NIV: the mountains leaped like rams, the hills like lambs.
NASB: The mountains skipped like rams, The hills, like lambs.
CSB: The mountains skipped like rams, the hills, like lambs.
NLT: The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs!
KJV: The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.
NKJV: The mountains skipped like rams, The little hills like lambs.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 114:1–4 recalls Israel's rescue from a long period of suffering under another nation: Egypt. The psalmist hints at the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21), the drying of the Jordan river (Joshua 3:13), and the earthquakes at Sinai (Exodus 19:18).
Chapter Summary:
The psalm begins by recalling the Israelites' departure from Egypt (Exodus 12:41). Jacob was the father of all the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 32:28) Israel's alienation is emphasized by mentioning the foreign language of Egypt. As part of their exodus journey, Israel saw sea waters part (Exodus 14:21). The Jordan River opened for the Israelites when they entered Canaan (Joshua 3:13). God delivered His messages to them, in part, while in the presence of earthquakes (Exodus 19:18).
Chapter Context:
Psalm 114 is one of the Hallel psalms (Psalms 113—118). These were sung at major celebrations such as Passover. The reference to the exodus from Egypt is why this group is sometimes called the "Egyptian Hallel." The songs feature heavy use of the term halelu-yāh. This literally means "praise the LORD," and English often presents it as "hallelujah." Several famous moments from the early days of Israel are noted in the psalm (Exodus 12:41; 14:21; 17:6).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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