Psalm 105:23-24
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The text deliberately calls Egypt the "land of Ham," subtly reminding us that this foreign nation is descended from Noah's grandson, reminding us of a shared humanity before sin entered the world. It also highlights Jacob's status as a sojourner, emphasizing that his true home and inheritance were always in the promised land, not in Egypt.
Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. And the LORD made his people very fruitful and made them stronger than their foes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, his family, led by Jacob, made the journey from Canaan to settle in the fertile land of Ham (Egypt). This move marked the beginning of Israel's sojourn in Egypt, a period that would eventually lead to their enslavement but also to their immense growth.
Imagine leaving your homeland, not for a brief visit, but for an extended stay in a foreign land. That was Jacob's reality.
This verse marks a pivotal moment: Jacob, the patriarch, and his family, now called Israel, are settling in Egypt. They aren't conquerors or refugees, but 'sojourners.' This word suggests a temporary, somewhat unsettled state.
A Stranger in a Strange Land
Providence at Work
Why call Egypt 'the land of Ham'? It's more than just a name; it reveals God's intentional hand in history.
The psalm refers to Egypt as the 'land of Ham.' This isn't just an ancient geographical note; it connects the people of Israel to the lineage of Noah.
A Link to Noah's Descendants
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God's Sovereign Plan
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.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It denotes His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithful relationship with His people.
parah · Hebrew Verb
To be productive, to multiply, and to increase in numbers. It is often used to describe the blessing of God upon His people or creation.
tsar · Hebrew Noun
An enemy or adversary who opposes or manifests hostility. The term is used broadly to describe anyone standing against the people of God.
This verse recalls the humble beginnings of Israel's presence in Egypt, a time when Jacob and his family were welcomed as sojourners, setting the stage for their future growth and eventual enslavement.
c. 1800 BC
Joseph sold into Egypt
Jacob's son Joseph is sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers, eventually rising to a position of great power.
c. 1700 BC— this verse
Jacob and his family migrate to Egypt
A severe famine compels Jacob (Israel) and his entire family to leave Canaan and settle in the land of Egypt, specifically the region of Goshen.
c. 1700-1550 BC
Israelites multiply in Egypt
During their sojourn, the descendants of Jacob experience rapid population growth, fulfilling God's promises to Abraham.
c. 1550 BC
Rise of hostile Pharaoh
A new dynasty of rulers in Egypt, fearful of the growing Israelite population, begins to oppress them.
This passage directly narrates the event of Jacob, referred to here as Israel, migrating to Egypt with his entire household, providing the historical context for Psalm 105:23.
Exodus 1:7-14This passage shows the consequence of Israel's sojourn in Egypt, detailing their rapid multiplication and the subsequent oppression by the Egyptians, which contrasts with the initial 'sojourning' mentioned in the psalm.
Deuteronomy 26:5This verse offers a reflection on Jacob's journey to Egypt, describing his ancestors as 'wandering Arameans' who then settled in Egypt, highlighting the theme of God's people being sojourners in foreign lands.
Acts 7:15Stephen's speech recounts Jacob and his descendants coming to Egypt and being cared for, echoing the psalm's narrative and emphasizing God's providence even in their migration to a foreign land.
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.
The text deliberately calls Egypt the "land of Ham," subtly reminding us that this foreign nation is descended from Noah's grandson, reminding us of a shared humanity before sin entered the world. It also highlights Jacob's status as a sojourner, emphasizing that his true home and inheritance were always in the promised land, not in Egypt.
After Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, his family, led by Jacob, made the journey from Canaan to settle in the fertile land of Ham (Egypt). This move marked the beginning of Israel's sojourn in Egypt, a period that would eventually lead to their enslavement but also to their immense growth.
After Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, his family, led by Jacob, made the journey from Canaan to settle in the fertile land of Ham (Egypt). This move marked the beginning of Israel's sojourn in Egypt, a period that would eventually lead to their enslavement but also to their immense growth.
"Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. And the LORD made his people very fruitful and made them stronger than their foes." — The text deliberately calls Egypt the "land of Ham," subtly reminding us that this foreign nation is descended from Noah's grandson, reminding us of a shared humanity before sin entered the world. It…
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Last reviewed October 2026
