Psalms 74:15 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood: thou driedst up mighty rivers.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist recalls God's control over water itself—splitting fountains and drying rivers for Israel's passage.
The Context of Psalms 74:15
God's dominion over water: the parting of the sea and drying of rivers.
What Does Psalms 74:15 Mean?
The imagery shifts from combat (sea monsters, dragons) to creation itself. 'Cleave the fountain and the flood' evokes the water splitting for Israel's journey. But beyond the historical exodus, this language recalls God's fundamental authority over the physical world. Water, which naturally flows and sustains life, obeys God's command to part and dry up. This is not magic or accident, but the exercise of creative authority.
By drying 'mighty rivers,' the psalmist emphasizes that no natural force can stand against God's will. The Jordan River itself dried up when Israel crossed into the promised land. These miracles are not exceptions to creation's rules; they are demonstrations that the One who created water commands its behavior. This establishes God's absolute authority over all creation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 74:15
What does Psalms 74:15 mean?
The psalmist recalls God's control over water itself—splitting fountains and drying rivers for Israel's passage.
What is the context of Psalms 74:15?
God's dominion over water: the parting of the sea and drying of rivers.