Psalms 74:15

Thou didst cleaue the fountaine and the flood: thou driedst vp mightie riuers. Psalms 74:15 (KJV)

Psalm 74 is a psalm of lament attributed to Asaph, composed during a period of national distress, perhaps after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. The psalmist cries out to God amid the desolation of the sanctuary and the triumph of the enemies, recalling God’s past mighty deeds as a source of hope.

In verse 15 the psalmist declares, “Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood: thou driedst up mighty rivers.” The phrase “cleave the fountain and the flood” can be understood as an allusion to God’s miraculous parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus (Exodus 14:21‑22), when He divided the waters to provide a safe passage for Israel. The subsequent reference to “drying up mighty rivers” evokes other historic interventions, such as the stopping of the Jordan River’s flow at the moment the Israelites entered the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14‑17), allowing them to cross on dry ground.

These images underscore God’s sovereign power over the elements and His ability to control nature for the benefit of His people. The verse therefore encourages believers to trust in God’s power and to remember that He can intervene in difficult circumstances. It also highlights God’s faithfulness: just as He once halted floods and dried rivers, He remains able to bring order, restoration, and deliverance today.

Application follows naturally. First, believers are urged to place confidence in God’s power, recalling the historic acts that demonstrate His capacity to act on our behalf. Second, the passage affirms God’s control over creation, reminding us that the same Creator who shaped the seas can shape the circumstances of our lives. Finally, when faced with overwhelming challenges, reflecting on God’s past faithfulness provides comfort and strength, encouraging a steadfast hope rooted in the unchanging character of the Almighty.