Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to overlook that referring to Egypt as "the land of Ham" isn't just a poetic alternative, but a deliberate reminder that this land, where God's people would find both refuge and later, bondage, was originally settled by Ham, Noah's son. This detail subtly highlights how the very places where God's purposes unfold are shaped by human lineage and ancestry, yet remain under His sovereign hand.
Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Joseph's exaltation in Egypt, his family, led by Jacob, came to live there, finding refuge in the land of Ham (an ancient name for Egypt). This period marked the beginning of their settlement in a foreign land, setting the stage for their future growth and eventual enslavement.
Why would the Bible call Egypt the 'land of Ham'? This ancient name reveals a deeper connection than just geography.
A Name Rooted in History
The phrase 'land of Ham' appears in Psalms 105:23 and 105:27. It refers to Egypt.
The word 'sojourned' paints a picture of temporary dwelling. What does this imply about God's long-term plans for Jacob's family?
More Than Just Passing Through
The term 'sojourned' (Hebrew: gur) in Psalms 105:23 describes Jacob's time in Egypt. It signifies living as a temporary resident or a foreigner, not as a permanent owner.
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The psalm quickly moves from Jacob's arrival to God's powerful work. What does this transition tell us about God's focus?
The Almighty Multiplier
Psalms 105 doesn't linger on Jacob's personal journey but immediately points to God's actions. Verse 24 follows directly: 'And he greatly increased his people and made them stronger than their foes.'
Understand the original words
Yisrael · Hebrew Proper Noun
The name given to Jacob by God, representing the covenant people chosen by God. It signifies the identity of the descendants of the patriarchs.
gur · Hebrew Verb
To dwell temporarily in a land that is not one's own; a stranger or alien residing in a foreign territory. It implies a state of being a visitor or foreigner.
This Psalm reflects on the humble beginnings of Israel's presence in Egypt, highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing them there for their own preservation and eventual growth, setting the stage for their miraculous deliverance centuries later.
~1800 BC— this verse
Jacob and family move to Egypt
Joseph, having risen to power in Egypt, invites his father Jacob and his entire family to settle in the land of Goshen, a fertile region in Egypt. This migration marks the beginning of the Israelites' long sojourn in Egypt.
~1700 BC
Israelites multiply greatly
During their time in Egypt, the descendants of Jacob (now called Israel) experience a massive population boom, becoming a vast multitude as God had promised to Abraham.
~1550 BC
New dynasty rises in Egypt
A new dynasty of pharaohs comes to power in Egypt, one that did not know Joseph and viewed the rapidly growing Israelite population as a potential threat.
~1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
After centuries of slavery and oppression, God powerfully delivers the Israelites from Egypt through Moses, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants.
This passage directly recounts Jacob's journey into Egypt with his entire family, providing the historical context for the psalmist's statement.
Genesis 47:1-12This passage details Jacob's (Israel's) settlement in the land of Goshen within Egypt, highlighting his role as a sojourner and the provision made for him and his family by Pharaoh.
Exodus 1:1-7This passage describes the great increase of Israel's population in Egypt, fulfilling God's promise and setting the stage for the eventual enslavement, thus showing the unfolding of God's purposes during their time in Egypt.
Deuteronomy 26:5This verse speaks of the Israelites' ancestors as 'a wandering Aramean,' emphasizing their transient status and foreignness, which resonates with Jacob's sojourn in Egypt.
pulpitPsalms 105:23: "Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham."
Verse 23. - Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob. (For the conjunction of both names of the patriarch, see ver. 10. For the journey of the Patriarch from Canaan into Egypt, see Genesis 46:1-7.) Sojourned in the land of Ham; or, was a sojourner. As a "stranger" and a "sojourner," Jacob charged his sons not to bury him in Egypt, but in the land of Canaan, with his fathers (Genesis 49:29; Genesis 50:5). (For th…
wesleyPsalms 105:23: "Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham."
105:23 Ham - Ham was the father of Mizraim, or the Egyptians, Gen 10:6.
It's easy to overlook that referring to Egypt as "the land of Ham" isn't just a poetic alternative, but a deliberate reminder that this land, where God's people would find both refuge and later, bondage, was originally settled by Ham, Noah's son. This detail subtly highlights how the very places where God's purposes unfold are shaped by human lineage and ancestry, yet remain under His sovereign hand.
After Joseph's exaltation in Egypt, his family, led by Jacob, came to live there, finding refuge in the land of Ham (an ancient name for Egypt). This period marked the beginning of their settlement in a foreign land, setting the stage for their future growth and eventual enslavement.
After Joseph's exaltation in Egypt, his family, led by Jacob, came to live there, finding refuge in the land of Ham (an ancient name for Egypt). This period marked the beginning of their settlement in a foreign land, setting the stage for their future growth and eventual enslavement.
"Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham." — It's easy to overlook that referring to Egypt as "the land of Ham" isn't just a poetic alternative, but a deliberate reminder that this land, where God's people would find both refuge and later, bond…
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Last reviewed October 2026