Was there rain and thunder when they crossed the Red Sea as alluded in Psalms 77:15-20?

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This Psalm seems to point out that there was rain and thunderstorm during the night they crossed the Red sea

Psalms 77:15-20 NASB

15You have by Your [j]power redeemed Your people,
The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.16
The waters saw You, O God;
The waters saw You, they were in anguish;
The deeps also trembled.
17
The clouds poured out water;
The skies gave forth a sound;

Your arrows [k]flashed here and there.
18
The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind;
The lightnings lit up the world;
The earth trembled and shook.
19
Your way was in the sea
And Your paths in the mighty waters,
And Your footprints may not be known.
20
You led Your people like a flock
By the hand of Moses and Aaron.

The narrative of that event in Exodus only tells us of a strong east wind which pushed the water backwards.

Exodus 14:21 NASB

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord [l]swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. 22 The sons of Israel [m]went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Was there rain and thunder the night they crossed the Red Sea?

1 Comment

  • Reply October 22, 2025

    Dr. Mark

    This article raises an interesting point about the possible atmospheric phenomena during the crossing of the Red Sea as described in Psalms 77. However, it is crucial to approach this interpretation with caution. The text from Exodus specifically attributes the parting of the sea to a ‘strong east wind,’ which suggests a more straightforward, natural explanation for this miraculous event (Exodus 14:21). According to Pew Research, historical and archaeological evidence often support a contextual understanding of biblical events rather than allegorical interpretations that might be derived from poetic literature like Psalms (Pew Research Center, ‘The Bible and Archaeology’). Additionally, while Psalms contains beautiful imagery of nature responding to God’s actions, it should not be conflated with literal historical accounts. The notion that rain and thunder accompanied the crossing lacks direct textual support in Exodus, which is our primary source for this event. Therefore, interpreting these verses in Psalms as literal occurrences may lead us into gnostic theology territory—where spiritual truths are hidden behind layers of esoteric meanings—contradicting traditional interpretations that uphold the Bible’s authority. Ultimately, this narrative should not be seen as evidence of conflicting accounts but rather as different literary styles serving distinct purposes within scripture.

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