Psalms 78:53

53 He guided them safely, so they were unafraid; but the sea engulfed their enemies.

Psalms 78:53 in Other Translations

KJV
53 And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
ESV
53 He led them in safety, so that they were not afraid, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
NLT
53 He kept them safe so they were not afraid; but the sea covered their enemies.
MSG
53 He took good care of them; they had nothing to fear. The Sea took care of their enemies for good.
CSB
53 He led them safely, and they were not afraid; but the sea covered their enemies.

Psalms 78:53 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 78:53

And he led them on safely
Through the sea, where the waters were on each side; and through the wilderness, in which were serpents and scorpions, and where they were attacked by many powerful enemies:

so that they feared not;
for though they feared for a while at the Red sea, yet their fears were soon silenced, and they by faith passed through the Red sea as on dry land; and especially their fears were gone, when they saw the Egyptians dead on the sea shore; wherefore it follows:

but the sea overwhelmed their enemies;
or "covered" them F16; the waters returned, and overflowed and drowned the Egyptians, who were their implacable enemies, and vowed their destruction, and were sure of it; but now the Israelites had nothing to fear from them.


FOOTNOTES:

F16 (hok) "operuit", Pagninus, Montanus, Musculus, Piscator, Gejerus.

Psalms 78:53 In-Context

51 He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham.
52 But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the wilderness.
53 He guided them safely, so they were unafraid; but the sea engulfed their enemies.
54 And so he brought them to the border of his holy land, to the hill country his right hand had taken.
55 He drove out nations before them and allotted their lands to them as an inheritance; he settled the tribes of Israel in their homes.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Exodus 14:28
  • 2. Exodus 15:7; Psalms 106:10
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