Psalms 89:10 Meaning: Why Egypt Is Called 'Rahab'

The name ‘Rahab’ is rich with meaning. In other parts of Scripture (Isaiah 30:7, Psalm 87:4), it clearly refers to Egypt. But the word itself can mean ‘pride’ or ‘violence,’ and poets also used it to picture a sea monster. So when the psalmist calls Egypt ‘Rahab,’ he is saying: that proud, oppressive power is nothing more than a beast God can crush.

The word ‘broken’ (Hebrew dikkitha) suggests a thorough shattering, not a scratch or a wound, but a complete defeat. And ‘like one that is slain’ may describe a warrior fallen in battle. The whole line paints a picture of God treating Egypt’s army as easily as a soldier stepping over a dead body. This isn’t a close fight; it’s a rout.

Then comes ‘your mighty arm.’ Throughout the Old Testament, God’s outstretched arm is the symbol of His saving power (Deuteronomy 4:34). Here it doesn’t just mean strength in general, it means the specific strength that broke Pharaoh’s grip and set His people free.

Christians across traditions agree that this verse celebrates God’s victory at the Exodus. Many interpreters, including Matthew Henry and Adam Clarke, see it as a straightforward historical poem about Egypt’s defeat. Others, like the Cambridge Bible notes, point out that the language also echoes ancient stories of God fighting a chaos monster, a symbol of all that opposes His order. John Calvin, in his commentary on the whole psalm, treats this verse as part of a larger argument that God’s power in creation and history gives His people confidence to pray. No tradition reads it as a command for violence; it is always understood as praise for God’s deliverance.

A common misreading is to think ‘Rahab’ refers to a separate mythical sea dragon, unrelated to the history of Israel. In fact, the biblical writers use the name to describe Egypt’s pride and oppression (Isaiah 30:7, Psalm 87:4). The monster imagery is poetic, but the event being praised is the real rescue at the Red Sea. God’s victory over Egypt is the solid historical anchor of the verse.

This verse invites you to remember a time when God proved stronger than what scared you. Maybe it was a situation you thought would crush you, a financial crisis, a broken relationship, a health scare, and somehow you made it through. That is your ‘Rahab moment.’ The God who scattered Egypt’s armies with one arm can handle whatever is pressing on you today. This week, try telling that story to someone. Not to show how strong you are, but to remind both of you that the same God is still fighting. When you feel small and scared, you don’t have to pretend otherwise. You just look back at what He has already done, and trust that He hasn’t changed.