Psalms 78:13

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 78:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He clave the sea, and caused them to pass through; And he made the waters to stand as a heap.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He clave the sea, and caused them to pass through; And he made the waters to stand as a heap.
Psalms 78:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 78

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13He clave the sea, and caused them to pass through; And he made the waters to stand as a heap.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He divided the sea, etc.] The Targum adds, ''by the rod of Moses their master;” which he was ordered to lift up, and to stretch out his hand over the sea; which he did, and at the same time a strong east wind was raised, which caused the sea to go back, and divided the waters of it; (see <021416>Exodus 14:16,21) and caused them to pass through; that is, he caused the Israelites to pass through the sea; this they did in faith, (<581129>Hebrews 11:29), in the faith of the power and promise of God, and of future grace and blessings, which this was an emblem of; for it was a representation of baptism, and is so called, (<461001>1 Corinthians 10:1,2) and of the sea of Christ’s blood, or of his…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He divided the sea ... - The Red Sea. Exodus 14:21-22. And he made the waters to stand as an heap - The word rendered “heap” means anything piled up, or a mound; and the idea is, that the waters were piled up on each side of them as a “mound.” See the notes at Psalms 33:7. Compare Joshua 3:13, Joshua 3:16; Exodus 15:8. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“78:13 God divided the sea when Israel crossed through the Red Sea (see Exod 14–15).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“He divided: Psa 66:6, Psa 106:9, Psa 106:10, Psa 136:13-15; Exod. 14:1-15:27; Isa 63:13; Co1 10:2, Co1 10:3 made: Psa 38:7; Jos 3:16; Hab 3:15 Psalms 78:14”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification